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Parents' Guide to

Legend (1986)

By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Dark and often scary '80s fantasy hasn't aged well.

Movie PG 1986 143 minutes
Legend (1986) Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Oobadoo
Oobadoo Adult
August 23, 2021
age 10+

Incredible costumes!

The story was interesting, the costumes created some very creepy goblins and characters but I enjoyed the film. Parents may want to watch it first before showing it to younger kids as some scenes may frighten them. Reminded me of labyrinth but without all the lovely songs.
Buzzoff22
Buzzoff22 Adult
June 25, 2019
age 12+

Beautiful film!

I first saw this film in probably 1985 as a teen and fell immediately in love with it. As an adult and years upon years later it still holds up beautifully and doesn't seem dated at all. Anyone I know in my age group(it may be nostalgia but I doubt it) adores this film. It's a film about the battle between good and evil and there are some awesome quotes about just that. The film doesn't blur the lines like so many films do these days which I find upsetting. There are some vey innocent moments of young love but nothing that's innappropriate and those scenes are definitely G rated especially for these days. I can't recall any curse words. I'm actually about the watch the film again. But it's a medevil film and they speak very proper English- so I don't recall any bad words. The film is cinematically striking and they apparently filmed some scenes near Where I live in Florida which is somewhat surprising. I believe it's a Silver springs. Anyhow, I can't say enough about this film. If you like films like Lord of the Rings, Willow, Krill, etc you will love this film as well.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

LEGEND is the horror-movie mirror image of A Midsummer Night's Dream, with startling imagery used to frighten rather than delight. The makeup and costume people created horrifying people-eating goblins worthy of a Grimm tale. And Olympic and Judeo-Christian themes echo here, as representatives of good and evil wrestle for the fate of the world. The definitions of "good" and "evil" are cartoonish at best in a plot that revolves around the weary story of a powerful Lord of Darkness fallen out of favor and seeking vengeance on everything good. His victory depends on his minions bringing him the horn of a unicorn, the symbol of goodness and purity. The unicorn is lured with its favorite bait -- innocence -- and Tom Cruise plays the innocent woods dweller Jack, wearing a ragged and soiled Peter Pan costume.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (1 ):

This dreadful dark fantasy has become a "cult classic," but one can't help but wonder why. The 1986 director's cut is rated NR and is 54 minutes longer than the earlier PG release. The real trouble is that costumes, makeup, and art direction far surpass plot in quality and comprehensibility. The Tolkien and Harry Potter fantasies, which also feature frightening confrontations between good and evil, at least exemplify good storytelling, the key component missing from this venture. The dialogue often verges laughably on dumb: "Me and you, and all is barbecue," a sprite says, assessing the probability of being eaten by goblins. And, "What a fine fat boy you are," says a goblin to Jack, who replies, "You don't really mean to eat me, do you?" Cruise signals his unicorn-attracting innocence by playing the role with his mouth permanently ajar in awe, but, really, what more could he do with such a role? You can't miss his gaping because director Ridley Scott dwells continually on Cruise's parted lips in disturbing and fetishistic close-ups of the beautiful young actor's face.

Be aware that kids who find The Wizard of Oz the least bit nerve-wracking may run screaming from the room when one wriggling captured sprite is hauled off by a hulking goblin to be baked into a pie. This is one nightmare-inducing movie for sensitive kids.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why darkness is associated with evil and light is associated with good. Where do you think that idea started?

  • Where can you learn more about the legends of unicorns and goblins?

  • What is your favorite legend? Why is it your favorite?

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