Common Sense Media Review
Book-based classic has brutal violence, bullying.
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Lord of the Flies
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say this film adaptation captures the essence of the original novel, showcasing the dark side of human nature as a group of boys descends into chaos on a deserted island. While many enjoy its strong themes and character depth, most reviews caution that it may not be suitable for younger audiences due to its violent content and some adult themes.
- character depth
- violent themes
- caution for children
- strong adaptation
- philosophical message
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Based on William Golding's award-winning allegorical novel, LORD OF THE FLIES is the story of a group of English schoolboys marooned on a remote island. At first, they operate according to the structure they're used to ("Let's make a lot of rules!" shouts one of the boys). Ralph, thoughtful and democratic, is selected as their leader. He plans for the long term, keeping a signal fire going. But when no one comes to rescue them, civilization slips further and further away. Jack and his "hunters" take over, becoming more and more savage. They paint themselves and make sacrifices to a mythical "beast," first the heads of the animals they kill for food, and then one of the boys, killed in a wild ceremonial dance. They murder Ralph's last follower, a chubby boy called "Piggy," and they are chasing murderously after Ralph when they're found by rescuers.
Is It Any Good?
The movie has some very scary moments, and the overall theme may be particularly troubling for some kids. But it's more kid-friendly than the 1990 remake, which updates the story with a contemporary setting and changes the boys' nationality to American. Dark and sometimes gory, Lord of the Flies has some power, but it's not as good as this 1963 original. Teenagers should read the source book by Nobel Prize winner Golding.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Lord of the Flies' messages. What points is it making about humanity and our basic nature? If you were in the boys' position, do you think you would be able to maintain the current laws of society?
People often use Lord of the Flies as a metaphor in situations that become brutish and evoke a kind of "survival of the fittest" behavior, such as adults trampling over others and getting into fights over the latest toys on Black Friday. Can you think of other situations, serious and not-so-serious, that this metaphor might fit?
This movie is an all-too-rare instance of a film becoming a classic on its own terms, as worthy as the book it's based on. What are some other examples of book-based movies that are as good as the book, if not better?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 13, 1963
- On DVD or streaming : January 18, 2000
- Cast : Hugh Edwards , James Aubrey , Tom Chapin
- Director : Peter Brook
- Studio : Continental Distributing
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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