The Black Cauldron

Movie review by Michelle Erica Green, Common Sense Media
The Black Cauldron Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 7+

Book-based fantasy is darker than much Disney fare.

PG 1985 80 minutes
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Parents say

age 9+

Based on 11 reviews

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 23 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this dark Disney animated feature (based on the Prydain books by Lloyd Alexander) will have much greater appeal for those who enjoy ghost stories and war epics than for fans of musical comedy. There are no songs, and even the comic relief involves violent images. The Horned King twice attempts to murder the hero, skeletons come to life and attack people, and witches use magic to hurl objects. For grade-school kids, the cute sidekicks and rapid pace will be appealing, but the many frightening images could fuel many a nightmare. Older kids and preteens interested in fantasy will enjoy the mystical plot.

Community Reviews

oceansidevettech
oceansidevettech Adult
January 23, 2022
age 5+

Scary but good

This movie is probably an introduction to scary action films. My kids were scared when the pig was being chased around and was squealing. The same pig almost got beheaded. We all kind of cringed at that. The little Gurgi character dove into the cauldron to his death but came back to life eventually. It was a pretty deep movie for being G rated, but overall, we liked it. This is a movie that I had to constantly remind my kids that it’s just a movie, not real life.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
1 person found this helpful.
Mythicjoe
Mythicjoe Adult
July 18, 2020
age 9+

Unique gem lost but not forgotten

Firstly this film was known for been scary hence why Disney shunned it for so long me I loved watching it as a child from the age of 7 yes I found it scary but I knew it was a movie so didn't bother me that much I was much more drawn to the adventure side and the magic within the world such as the sword and the witches. But taking that into consideration and knowing not many of my friends watched it growing up I do belive for most a older child of 9+ would be more suited to this move. This movie will either be a love or hate film the story is average but theres just something about it that you can't quite put you're finger on that makes it magical..but perhaps that's the nostalgia talking

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
See all 11 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE BLACK CAULDRON follows the adventures of Taran (voiced by Grant Bardsley), an assistant pig keeper in Prydain who longs for adventure. The boy gets more than he bargained for when he discovers that the pig in his care has a gift for prophecy. The evil Horned King wants to use the animal to find the cursed black cauldron, which contains a spirit capable of animating the dead. Trying to save the pig, Taran ends up in the Horned King's dungeon. He hooks up with a princess, a minstrel, and an enchanted sword that helps them escape. Taran decides to find and destroy the black cauldron before the Horned King can use it to raise an army -- but when his plan fails, he finds himself and his friends trapped in the dark castle once again. Meanwhile, the Horned King's forces of evil prepare to destroy Prydain. Only a fierce battle and a tragic sacrifice can save Taran and his home.

Is It Any Good?

Perhaps the spookiest animated feature in Disney's collection, The Black Cauldron may frighten even fans of Goosebumps and other youthful horror videos. The main character is faced with death several times, while both animal sidekicks survive torture. With the face of a skeleton and a voice somewhere between Darth Vader and the Wicked Witch of the West, the Horned King emanates evil, while his minions act like representations of the Seven Deadly Sins. Prydain isn't exactly an inviting world.

Nonetheless, Taran makes a compelling hero. He starts out fearless because he has little to lose. As he makes friends, however, his concern for Princess Eilonwy (Susan Sheridan) and cuddly Gurgi (John Byner) makes him more cautious, until in the end he's ready to sacrifice his life to save the others. Girls may be frustrated at the non-centrality of the princess, but Princess Eilonwy makes a strong showing -- aside from a screaming fit near the end.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why Taran changed his approach to his quest as he gained friends. How did growing close to others change how much he risked?

  • Why was violence the main course of solving problems? What else could The Horned King or Taran have done?

Movie Details

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