Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Stylish animation isn't enough to save violent adaptation.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
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Tales from Earthsea
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 10 kid reviews
Kids say the film is visually striking but criticized for its complex and confusing plot, disturbing content, and violence, making it unsuitable for younger viewers. While some appreciate its underlying message and character connections, many feel it falls short of the high standards set by other works from the studio, leaving a mixed impression overall.
- visuals striking
- confusing plot
- unsuitable for children
- mixed impressions
- strong themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Strange occurrences threaten the balance of life in Earthsea, a kingdom of magic, wizards, and dragons. Hoping to find the cause of the imbalance and save his world, Sparrowhawk (voiced by Timothy Dalton) -- along with Prince Arren, the boy he's rescued -- sets out on a journey fraught with danger and terrifying villains. Helping him along the way -- and getting into danger themselves -- are loyal farmer Tenar (Mariska Hargitay) and her ward, Therru, a young, seemingly fragile girl. The evil Cob (Willem Dafoe), obsessed with living forever, uses his magic rule to wrest control of all Earthsea and vows revenge on Sparrowhawk. Complicating the quest are the personal demons that can be found just beneath the surface of the younger hero's heart.
Is It Any Good?
Given the violent nature of the imagery and the incomprehensibility of the plot and messages, there's little to appreciate in this effort. Using the classic Earthsea novels by Ursula K. Le Guin as inspiration, director Goro Miyazaki (son of acclaimed Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki) has created a beautiful mythic kingdom and brought it to life with a good versus evil theme, lots of stunning derring-do, and striking imagery. But sadly, visuals aren't enough. There are many ideas searching for expression here -- far too many to execute successfully. Complex notions are given very short shrift, and several story lines are never resolved; some are even contradictory. Characters' motivations are loud, but not logical.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the fact that, in the kingdom of Earthsea, "balance" is seen a necessity of life. What does this mean to you? How can you relate this to life in our own world?
How does the violence in this movie compare to what you've seen in live-action fantasy movies? Which has more impact?
Prince Arren must face two sides of himself. How did the filmmakers try to show those two sides? Do you think they were successful in showing how Arren dealt with both sides?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 13, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : March 8, 2011
- Cast : Mariska Hargitay , Timothy Dalton , Willem Dafoe
- Director : Goro Miyazaki
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Buena Vista
- Genre : Anime
- Run time : 115 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some violent images
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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