Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Some threat and violence in adaptation of kids' classic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Swallows and Amazons
What's the Story?
In SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS, a family holiday in 1930s Britain becomes an adventure for four siblings who discover the local kids' rival camp and stumble across a secret agent spy drama.
Is It Any Good?
This 2016 adaptation is a gentle return to the 1930s era in which Arthur Ransome's popular children's adventure book is set. Kids might enjoy seeing the freedom the siblings experience in this movie version of Swallows and Amazons, as they sail to an island and set up camp without any adult supervision. Their feud with the rival sibling clan (the "Amazons"—named after their boat) is a fun addition to the adventure. Depending on the level of interest, the secret agent plot will either be a distraction from the kids' story or an exciting age-appropriate introduction to thrillers. The adult spies are suitably threatening to show that they are a real danger, but the kids getting the better of them in the end puts the worry safely to rest. An impressive cast fill the adult roles, including Kelly Macdonald, Andrew Scott, and Rafe Spall, which adds to an enjoyable viewing experience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what examples of teamwork were displayed in Swallows and Amazons. Why is that such an important life skill to have? What other character strengths were shown in the movie?
What did you think about some of the movie's violence? Did it feel too much, or was it exciting? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
The movie is based on a classic children's novel. What other movies based on books have you seen? How do they compare?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 14, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : July 14, 2017
- Cast : Kelly Macdonald , Andrew Scott , Rafe Spall
- Director : Philippa Lowthorpe
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Samuel Goldwyn Films
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Teamwork
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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