Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thought-provoking sci-fi adventure with military violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Ender's Game
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 22 parent reviews
Parents say that this movie largely delivers an engaging science fiction story with impressive visuals and a strong cast; however, it contains varying levels of violence that may be unsuitable for younger audiences. Many reviewers believe it doesn't fully capture the depth of the source material, leading to a mixed reception, especially among fans of the book who found it lacking in character development and complex themes.
- engaging story
- impressive visuals
- inconsistent violence
- mixed reception
- character development
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 89 kid reviews
Kids say this is a visually impressive sci-fi movie that combines action and thoughtful themes, although some find it less impactful than the original book. While many appreciated the character development and engaging plots, several expressed concerns about the violence and pacing, suggesting it may be more suitable for older kids or teens.
- visual effects
- thoughtful themes
- character development
- violence concerns
- pacing issues
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Based on author Orson Scott Card's beloved sci-fi novel, ENDER'S GAME takes place in the 22nd century, after humans suffered millions of losses during an invasion from the Formics, an insect-like alien race. Not wanting to be caught defenseless in the event of another attack, the world governments created an international fleet that trains gifted children for military service. At a military academy, Colonel Hyram Graff (Harrison Ford) singles out Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield), a humble young genius, for promotion to Battle School -- in space -- for further training. Ender performs so flawlessly he's promoted again to Command School and is offered an opportunity to command the entire fleet -- making him humanity's only hope against the Formics.
Is It Any Good?
It must've been daunting to adapt such a complex military sci-fi novel into an accessible film for young and adult audiences; writer-director Gavin Hood should be commended for his screenplay. It streamlines the story down to its core: protagonist Ender Wiggin's development from childhood prodigy to genius military commander. Ender is one of the most compelling (and messianic) young protagonists since Harry Potter hit the big screen. Like Harry, Ender is "chosen" and must live up to his reputation, but unlike Harry, Ender doesn't get any chances to just hang out with friends. He's being groomed to command not to have fun.
The performances are all spot-on, with Hugo star Butterfield growing into an impressive (and intense) teen actor. Hailee Steinfeld is well suited to be courageous and compassionate Petra, and the rest of the young actors -- including Abigail Breslin in a pivotal supporting role as Ender's loving older sister Valentine and Hannah Montana alum Moises Arias as Ender's Napoleonic rival -- do a fine job of keeping up with the adults. The grownups are extraordinarily good at playing well-meaning but morally ambiguous characters: Ford; Viola Davis as military psychologist Major Anderson; and a late appearance by a Kiwi-accented Ben Kingsley (reuniting with his Hugo co-star) as legendary military general, Mazur Rackham. With its talented cast, thought-provoking themes, and pulse-pounding battle simulations, Ender's Game is a sci-fi flick with surprising depth and moral insight.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about one of the movie's central themes: compassion/diplomacy versus cruelty/warfare. How is Ender gifted at both war and peace? In the end, do you agree with Ender or with Col. Graff?
How are the relationships between adults and children portrayed in the movie? Are the miscommunications, omissions of truth, and expectations of obedience realistic?
This movie is controversial, partly because of political remarks made by the book's author. Should you separate a work of art from its creator or not? What does it depend on?
On one hand, the officers tell the young soldiers that their peers are competition not friends, but on the other hand, they expect the soldiers to work together under a leader. Are these ideas contradictory or can competitiveness still strengthen teamwork?
Those who've read the book, how does the movie compare?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 1, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : February 11, 2014
- Cast : Asa Butterfield , Ben Kingsley , Harrison Ford
- Director : Gavin Hood
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Summit Entertainment
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Book Characters
- Run time : 114 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sci-fi violence, language, and thematic elements
- Last updated : February 26, 2026
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