Parents' Guide to

The BFG (1989)

By Heather Boerner, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

A giant tale of imagination with a dark side.

Movie NR 1989 88 minutes
The BFG (1989) Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Muhammad A.
Muhammad A. Parent of 12-year-old
April 27, 2023
age 18+

Roaldahl? Story really life queen elizebeth

I like but yki dislike the fact parents adults anyone who's unaware stumble upon this comment and its a deep rabbit hole of questions you'll be leaving with as you can closely examine th way Sophie movies around the BfG is funny quiet hillariously.bJaingly hands the Queen that rumours about Prince William seeing Princess Sofia in their fantasy offather invitations to proposals but they end up running into a one off stand for weeks until dyingin a carcrash? Let me know after you've found these hinters in the cartoon movie

This title has:

Educational value
Theo12362
Theo12362 Adult
October 19, 2020
age 12+

Amazing but not for younger kids

This is a good film I watched when I was about 5 and I was terrified of the giants and bfg when he grabbed the girl even now when I’m 12 I still find it scary it’s a good film so if your kids can handle some frightening scenes this movie is good for them
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In the Clonkers Home for Girls, young Sophie can't sleep, and she discovers a giant, cloaked man blowing fairy dust into bedrooms. When the ominous figure spies Sophie, he snatches her and takes her to his lair, where she's sure she will be killed. Instead, she's treated to a scrodcumber, a drink that makes her whiz-pop (that is, fart), and a song from the big and cuddly Big Friendly Giant (or BFG). The BFG adopts Sophie and takes her on an adventure through the fearsome world of giant country, the ethereal dream way, and his dream cave, where he stores the dreams he's captured. There, he mixes together bits of dreams and delivers the sweetest ones to children around the world. Loveable BFG gives the very serious Sophie a welcome dose of silliness, and the opportunity to dream. But when the other giants threaten to eat children, Sophie and the BFG hatch a plan to save them with the help of the Queen of England. And believe it or not, it just gets more surreal from there. Along the way, the BFG and Sophie learn about courage, loyalty, and love.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5):
Kids say (4):

Based on the book by Roald Dahl, THE BFG has a warm heart, fanciful language and a strong child hero. Dahl is known for his dark themes and fun with words, and both are present in this direct-to-DVD release. The BFG is a surreal adventure designed to release your child's imagination and encourage dreaming, both awake and asleep.

Drawbacks: the story is slow to start and the animation is likely to bore children brought up with Toy Story and Finding Nemo. While some songs are likely to have children spinning around the living room, others are sappy and forgettable, making this production uneven. And the human-eating giants are aboriginal -- with face paint, body piercings, and dark skin. Since all the other characters are white and British, the choice of making the villains dark skinned is conspicuous at best.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about their own dreams, and how Sophie helps the BFG stand up for what he believes in. How do you stand up for what you believe in with your friends? Families might also want to compare the DVD to the book upon which it's based.

Movie Details

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