Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Stunning story of friendship shows the magic of patience.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Fox and the Child
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
Parents say this film offers a beautiful yet haunting story that combines breathtaking visuals with a significant but distressing lesson about the consequences of human connections with wild animals. While many families admired its aesthetic and thematic depth, it is crucial to prepare sensitive children for its dramatic and graphic ending, which can lead to distress and confusion if not addressed before watching.
- beautiful imagery
- sensitive themes
- prepare for ending
- not for young
- emotional impact
- animal friendship
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 3 kid reviews
What's the Story?
A familiar voice of a narrator (Kate Winslet) recalls a period of time in her childhood when she befriended a fox. As she explores the spectacular countryside near her home in the mountains, she uncovers a world of mystery and peril right under her nose. In order to even spot the fox, the girl (Bertille Noel-Bruneau) spends days upon days outside exploring and observing. As the months pass, she discovers her fox friend's habitat, its perils, and joys. And just as she gains the fox's trust, she learns a painful lesson about what it means to be a good friend.
Is It Any Good?
Exploring nature at its breathtaking best, this movie will delight all animal lovers. Shots from inside of a fox's burrow, of hedgehogs playing and otters skulking in the stream, of bears hunting and wolves prowling, will mesmerize kids of all ages. Adults will appreciate the artistry of Luc Jacquet, March of the Penguins' creator, whose skill in capturing the natural world is unparalleled. Not only does the movie succeed in taking the viewer out of the technology traffic jam that is modern life, but it creates a shift in the heart of the audience member. It lets us believe that with enough patience and willingness, we can become so close to nature that we can be part of it again. And that is magic, indeed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about when was the last time that you were totally immersed in the natural world. Can you spend as much time outdoors as the girl in this movie does? What does she gain by being outside so often? What is she missing?
The child feels that she has truly become friends with the fox at one point. Is she fooling herself? Or are there different types of friendship? Do you have friends other than the kids your age? How do these friendships feel?
The breathtaking scenery in this film seems so unreal. Why is that? Is there a forest or field or national park near you? When was the last time you visited and just sat in the grass and listened to the sounds around you?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 2, 2007
- On DVD or streaming : June 2, 2009
- Cast : Bertille Noel-Bruneau , Kate Winslet , Thomas Laliberte
- Director : Luc Jacquet
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : New Line
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Friendship
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : December 5, 2025
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