Life's a Beach
Kids say
Based on 2 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
The doc begins with the journey of a sea turtle to the shore, where she lays her clutch of eggs, then buries them in the sand. It compares the human experience of the beach, with its games, snacks, and outfits, to the animal world's relationship to coastal waters. It does offer a little history on human beach tourism, which actually began as early as the 1700s. Beaches from Antarctica to Australia are highlighted, and the life cycles of a few different animals, notably gray seals, are shown. The narration gets a little edgy at times, referring to "cute chicks," "hooking up," and "getting sex" when talking about animal mating practices. A gray seal birth is shown; there's some blood.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
While humans monopolize the beach in summer, winter is when it really comes alive for the animal world. Some birds use beaches as rest stops on their migration, while others stay on for the winter. The documentary spends some time with the creatures that live under the sand; describing how the tides affect the lives of shellfish, worms, and other bottom-dwellers. Then there's the threat of being a pelican's lunch; certain bird beaks are extra good at reaching deep down into the sand.
Is It Any Good?
The comparison of humans and animals at the beach is a little thin, but this film swiftly jumps from subject to subject, giving a well-rounded view of a beach's ecosystem. Tides, blowing sand, and plant growth all affect the animal life dwelling near the water and nearby dunes, and while the presentation can be dry (literally); there's lots to learn from here. The cinematography is excellent, and footage of all kinds of creatures will be a treat for anyone curious about the seaside beyond fish and chips.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about a trip to the beach. What does that mean to you? To a bird? Have you ever seen anything on the beach that was a mystery to you? How did you figure out what it was?
Seals are cute but they are tough, often violent animals. How do you know how to stay safe at the beach?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: August 26, 2020
- Studio: Doclights
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Ocean Creatures, Wild Animals
- Run time: 50 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Planet Earth
Stunning high-def series spotlights world wonders.
-
Moana
Great characters, memorable music, some monsters/scares.
-
The Magic School Bus: Oceans
Interactive storybook loaded with educational content.
For kids who love nature
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate