The Blue Elephant
By Tracy Moore,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Uplifting tale of courageous elephant is heavy on peril.

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Based on 1 parent review
War story
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What's the Story?
In an effort to track down his missing father, Khan Kluay (voiced by Jeremy Redleaf) is separated from his mother, makes new friends, and must learn to trust others in this coming-of-age tale about courage and war.
Is It Any Good?
THE BLUE ELEPHANT is a tricky one; it's part heartwarming coming-of-age tale of mother-son love, part head-scratcher of an oversimplification about the necessity of war. Though it offers some solid, admirable lessons about the importance of trusting people, not judging a book by its cover, and the greatness that may come from unlikely people, it does so through a tale that states multiple times that war is not good, but inevitable.
Kids will enjoy the story of this scrappy elephant who earns the respect of his peers, family, and elders with his great heart, kindness, and the courage of his father. Parents will appreciate the uplifting message. But your take on this as one for family movie night will depend on whether you see war as a terrible, preventable tragedy or a necessary sacrifice on the altar of humanity.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the necessity of war. How could wars be avoided by countries? What can we do to make war a rare tragedy instead of a fact of life?
Read about the use of elephants in battle and how they have aided humans over history.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: February 22, 2011
- Cast: Carl Reiner, Jeremy Redleaf, Martin Short
- Director: Kompin Kemgumnird
- Studio: Weinstein Co.
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Adventures, Friendship, Wild Animals
- Run time: 79 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: Rated PG for thematic elements and some battle action
- Last updated: April 5, 2023
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