Operation Dumbo Drop
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
Parents need to know that Operation Dumbo Drop, which is set during the Vietnam War, portrays Vietnamese people in a stereotypical way and oversimplifies the atrocities of the conflict. American characters mostly act respectful during the film, though there are moments otherwise, such as someone urinating in a temple. Soldiers joke and tease each other but also show compassion and teamwork. Violence includes physical fights, explosions, and frequent shooting, though the aftermath isn't shown. Occasional language includes "ass," "damn," and "hell." There is a reliance on potty humor at times, with a number of scenes involving the elephant's bodily functions. The death of parents is mentioned, a young character is orphaned, and there's a separation of characters at the end that may be upsetting for younger viewers.
Community Reviews
Shame on Disney for Foul Language and Adult Content
Report this review
What's the Story?
In OPERATION DUMBO DROP, two mismatched U.S. Army captains, affable Cahill (Danny Glover) and straitlaced Doyle (Ray Liotta), lead a small team of inept soldiers on a mission to deliver an elephant to a Vietnamese village in time for an important ceremony. The elephant in question comes with its own handler, a young orphaned boy named Linh (Dinh Thien Le), and the group begin an adventure across land, water, and finally air, with the North Vietnamese Army in hot pursuit.
Is It Any Good?
Although the film sounds like a fun adventure, it never quite lands. The premise of Operation Dumbo Drop is extraordinary -- made even more so because it's based on true events -- yet, while the movie seems to be marketed broadly toward families, it's neither exciting enough to hold kids' full attention or developed enough to satisfy adults looking for a little more depth. The Vietnam War is very much kept in the background, which may be a decision made to keep the story more family friendly, but it also trivializes the experiences of those involved in the war. The tender bond between elephant Bo Tat and young handler Linh and Cahill's humble, knowledgeable appreciation of Vietnam and its people are positive elements, and relationships are where the film really makes an impact. The gradual trust built between Linh and the U.S. soldiers and the friendship developed between the boy and Cahill will bring a tear to the most stoic of eyes, and there's a focus on developing an understanding and mutual respect between the two initially mismatched captains as well.
There are times when the film promises to take flight, with some energetic, Disney-esque scenes of the elephant running through the streets wreaking havoc to a soundtrack of Aretha's Franklin's "Think" that channels some much-needed joy. But the only other comedic moments bring temporary relief via the elephant's bodily functions. Maybe if director Simon Wincer had approached the animal with the respect he showed the orca in his previous film, Free Willy, Operation Dumbo Drop could have packed more of an emotional punch without resorting to cheap laughs.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the characters of Cahill and Doyle in Operation Dumbo Drop. At first they seem wildly different in their approaches, but can you think of things they might have common? How can it be useful to look for common ground with people different from yourself?
How are elephants portrayed in the film? And how do you think the spiritual stories Linh tells the soldiers connect to the enemy's refusal to shoot Bo Tat?
Although the film tries to be respectful toward Vietnamese culture, in what ways does it fail? What stereotypes did you notice about Vietnamese people -- and, to a broader extent, Asian people -- that the film perpetuates?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 28, 1995
- On DVD or streaming: November 5, 1996
- Cast: Danny Glover, Doug E. Doug, Ray Liotta
- Director: Simon Wincer
- Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Adventures, Wild Animals
- Run time: 108 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: war action and language.
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Mister Roberts
WWII dramedy is a true American classic.
-
Father Goose
Cary Grant charms in this WWII comedy.
For kids who love adventures
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