Parents' Guide to

Long Way North

By Yvonne Condes, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Thrilling tale about a girl's search for her grandfather.

Movie PG 2016 81 minutes
Long Way North Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Stephanie R.
Stephanie R. Parent of 9, 12 and 15-year-old
March 19, 2023
age 6+

Great movie

We all really enjoyed this movie as a family, 15, 13 and 9. Animation style was unique and story took a minute to get rolling but it was but very entertaining. It showed hardships and trials of characters, kindness of strangers, honor of the captain, and that people can change for the better. I had to look it up if it was a true story, and it made a curious more about who did discover the North Pole and the history of these type of sailors. Highly worth watching!

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
1 person found this helpful.
JohannaF
JohannaF Adult
November 5, 2022
age 6+
Beautiful animation. Train jumping, adventure, a shipwreck. Perseverance by a young woman to find her grandfather. We enjoyed it very much.
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

At the start of LONG WAY NORTH, in late-1800s Russia, young, aristocratic Sasha is devastated when her beloved grandfather's ship goes missing during his quest to find the North Pole. When the search for him is abandoned and her family is left in disgrace, Sasha is determined to find out what happened. Despite her parents wishes to see her married off to an appropriate suitor, she runs away, leaving her comfortable life behind to embark on an epic adventure to save the person she loves most.

Is It Any Good?

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

This is a beautiful hand-drawn animated film with a wonderful story. Sasha's parents want her to stop dreaming, act appropriately, and get married, but she does none of those things, instead finding her inner strength and believing in herself as her instincts take her on the adventure of a lifetime. The movie could have been a typical princess story, but instead it explores how Sasha rises to the challenge of surviving on her own.

Long Way North isn't in a rush to tell its story. Viewers are allowed take in the gorgeous animation and see Sasha grow into a confident leader who's both knowledgeable and quick to learn. She's told over and over that she doesn't know what she's talking about and that she's not capable of finding her grandfather, but she proves everyone wrong. There's so much to like in Long Way North -- from the beautiful images to the powerful story -- that older kids and parents will love watching it together.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Long Way North's scary moments. What makes them feel that way? Does something have to be violent to be scary? How much scary stuff can kids handle?

  • How does Sasha demonstrate courage and perseverance? Why are those important character strengths? How does her adventure help her learn humility?

  • Sasha leaves her comfortable life with no money and no help. Have you ever had to strike out on your own? Or learn something new by yourself? How did it go?

  • Sasha knows her parents are looking for her, yet she doesn't try to contact them. Do you think she was justified in leaving them with no word of where she was going? What are the dangers of running away?

Movie Details

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