Language: Words Can Hurt

Cert

Age group7–14

Duration97 mins

Harriet The Spy(1996)

Excellent adaptation of the much-loved book about a girl who writes down everything she sees.

The risks of recording judgements about other people and having them revealed for all to see is examined in this story about a young girl whose log of her ‘spying missions’ ends up in the wrong hands. Based on a classic children’s book, this film has a relevant message for internet safety and awareness about sharing potentially hurtful information.

Cert

Age group7–14

Duration108 mins

Zootropolis(2016)

Hugely inventive animated adventure about a rookie bunny cop teaming up with a wily fox to solve a set of mysterious disappearances.

The peaceful coexistence of all creatures in Zootropolis is threatened when a series of crimes seems to set predators against prey once again. In an attempt to give the facts, cop on the case Judy gives a press conference, but her words are twisted, causing an atmosphere of fear where old prejudices between the animals rise to the surface.

Cert

Age group5–11

Duration81 mins

Long Way North(2015)

Animated adventure about a noble Russian teen who sets out on a voyage to track down her grandfather, whose ship was lost en route to the North Pole.

Sasha is a determined young girl who goes on a mission to find her grandfather, who was lost during an expedition, in order to stop the cruel rumours that threaten the family’s reputation. Along the way, she proves herself as a capable explorer, despite the crew’s misgivings about having a girl on board.

Cert

Age group5–11

Duration89 mins

Hotel Transylvania 2(2015)

When Mavis and Johnny’s son fails to develop fangs by his fifth birthday, Drac recruits his friends to try and help his grandson become a monster.

Dracula is terrified that his grandson Dennis, a half-human, half-vampire, will grow up to be ‘normal’ in this film which explores prejudice and what it means to be accepted as part of a group.

Cert

Age group5–11

Duration74 mins

Eleanor's Secret(2009)

Lovely-looking animation with a story that really encourages children to read for fun.

This animation celebrates the power of storytelling, but also weighs the effect of mean-spirited teasing which can dent young people’s self-confidence and hold them back from doing their best. However, words can heal as well as hurt, as this adventure reveals…

Cert

Age group7–14

Duration93 mins

Bridge To Terabithia(2007)

Charming family fantasy film following the adventures of two ten-year-old misfits, based on the popular novel.

Taunted for being different, two social outcasts support one another through the bullying by creating their own fantasy world, where the ‘monsters’ in their lives can be easily conquered. They also learn a valuable lesson when their plan for revenge causes a lot of hurt, forcing them to question their own behaviour.

Cert

Age group7–11

Duration81 mins

Khumba(2013)

Entertaining South African animation about a half-striped zebra who learns that difference can be a strength.

Khumba’s unique appearance causes the other zebras in his herd to mistrust him, especially when bad things start to happen. Deciding that everyone would be happier without him, Khumba goes on a journey of discovery where he meets other creatures that are also dealing with being outcast because of their difference.

Cert

Age group5–14

Duration88 mins

Beauty and the Beast(1991)

Animated classic which proves yet again that true beauty lies not in a person's appearance, but what is in their heart.

This traditional tale is all about the power of kindness and the ability to see beyond the surface. However, Belle has to contend with the townspeople’s fear, which turns them into a mob stirred up by deceptive words, unable to see the gentleness that Belle does in the Beast.

Cert

Age group7–14

Duration93 mins

ParaNorman(2012)

Animated adventure of a misfit eleven-year-old who sees and talks to ghosts.

Norman is treated as ‘weird’ because he speaks to ghosts – but nobody believes in his powers. However his special skills are less of a laughing matter when an ancient witch’s curse threatens the town. Could Norman’s powers, and his understanding of what it means to be excluded, save the day?