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Parents' Guide to

Storm Boy

By Tara McNamara, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Expect hunting violence in tear-jerking ecological tale.

Movie PG 2019 98 minutes
Storm Boy Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 8+

Based on 3 parent reviews

kurokonobasketball
kurokonobasketball Adult
July 11, 2020
age 6+

It brought back old memories for me

This movie represents our world, compared between different generations of people. I remember the days when my parents told me about what majestic creatures the birds were here in Australia. Remembering their memories of this past brings tears to my eyes. I believe that though not all children might understand the deep messages behind this movie, they will still love it!
Mumeagain
Mumeagain Adult
January 24, 2020
age 9+

BeauTifuL real cuRRent story~FeeL your feeLs

It is sad. But its refreshing to have a realism story current and somewhat educative in the current oversupply of fantasy. And so great to find a labelled remake that didnt ruin the original story. I loved both the versions. And i love how the emotive feel is like you are reading a book.
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Based on the same-named Australian children's novella by Colin Thiele, STORM BOY revolves around a grandfather (Geoffrey Rush) who faces an important vote on whether to allow mining on the farmlands he controls. In light of his teen granddaughter's pleas to vote against the action, the man recalls his childhood experiences growing up on a remote island where he rescued baby pelicans who were orphaned by hunters.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (5 ):

For the Australians who grew up reading Thiele's treasured book, this drama will no doubt be a captivating, special tale; for those unfamiliar, it will be more of a challenge to stay engaged. Australian children are taught Storm Boy (the book) in elementary school: The story is full of exploration and adventure, love, loss, unexpected friendship, finding your voice, appreciating other cultures, and understanding the importance of protecting nature. This adaptation brings those elements to life, but it wraps the child's story into an adult one -- and, in doing so, it's likely to lose younger audiences within the first 10 minutes. From there, the story moseys along at a pace that might bore some kids.

On the other hand, who knew pelicans could make such good friends? The antics featuring young Michael's (Finn Little) pet, Mr. Percival, are adorable, and a memorable game of hide-and-seek is downright precious. Kids almost always respond to seeing others their age playing with wild animals; it's a fantasy come true. But the cheer comes to a devastating conclusion, and that defies the direction of most of today's family movies. The boy's hard work and protective measures don't pay off, in the cruelest of ways. Writer Justin Monjo has a cinematic fix for that, explaining that the tragedy wasn't in vain and allowing the teen girl in the modern story to succeed. But even the most thick-skinned kids may be shell-shocked by the film's conclusion.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the messages of Storm Boy. What is it saying about hunting? About conservation?

  • What are the different ways the film shows individuals, including children, fighting for change? How did Michael get others to think about the importance of giving birds and animals a sanctuary?

  • What do you think of how grief and loss are portrayed in Storm Boy? How do Michael as a boy, Michael as an old man, Hideaway Joe, and Madeline each work through their loss?

  • How does Michael demonstrate compassion? How does Madeline demonstrate empathy? What's the difference? Why are these important character strengths?

  • How do Michael, Hideaway Joe, and Fingerbone Bill exemplify teamwork in saving the baby pelicans' lives? Why is this a crucial life skill?

Movie Details

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