Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Disney's classic take on the Boy Who Won't Grow Up is alternately a tale of magic and imagination, but occasionally a disturbing, violent story of what happens when kids must fend for themselves. There are some very dated racist and sexist stereotypes and themes -- from the "What Makes the Red Man Red" song and the depiction of Big Chief and his tribe to the way all the girls are jealous of each other and Peter's affections. Peter even says "Girls talk too much," and Captain Hook alludes to how "jealous girls" are easy to trick. These cultural relics weren't seen as a problem when the movie came out, but they certainly are now; if you can discuss them with your kids afterward, you can still enjoy the way Wendy reminds all the Lost Boys that they do need mothering and that growing up means taking responsibility.
Sexual
Content
Tinker Bell is jealous of Wendy, who in turn acts jealously when Peter pays attention to Tiger Lily. The mermaids are also jealous of Wendy and push her into the water. Tiger Lily and Peter rub noses, and then she gives him a kiss on the cheek, which makes him blush red.
Violence
Captain Hook often points his hook and shoots his gun toward people. A crocodile "tick tocks" menacingly in the water. The Lost Boys are ready to attack Wendy and her brothers with slingshots, stones, and other crude weapons. Peter and Hook sword-fight more than once. Tinker Bell is viciously jealous and tries to hurt Wendy. Hook orders the kids to walk the plank, but they survive. Mr. Snee keeps talking about slitting people's throats. The kids are tied up several times -- first by the Indians and then by Hook's pirates. Hook gives Peter a bomb that explodes but doesn't hurt anyone, because Tink sacrifices herself. An all-out brawl develops between the pirates and the Lost Boys. Hook falls into the mouth of the alligator and repeatedly ends up in its jaws.
Language
Insulting language like "wench," "stupid," "imbecile," "coward," "cod fish," "bloomin'" and "idiot." Characters occasionally make sexist remarks like "Girls talk too much!" and "A jealous female can be tricked into anything." The Indians are referred to (and refer to themselves) as the "Red Man" and act stereotypically. A song calls them "Injuns." At one point they tie up the Lost Boys around a big soup pot, as if they were cannibals. Wendy uses the word "savages" in reference to both the Lost Boys and the tribe.
Social
Behavior
There are several obvious themes in the movie, like growing-up, maturing, and taking responsibility. It's also unclear whether Wendy, John, and Michael actually went on an adventure or whether they dreamt their time with Peter Pan. The message is that imagination is important, and that as long as you have an imagination, you'll always have a magical, child-like quality. The movie takes a very dated, stereotypical view of Native Americans (a good talking point for kids), but they're portrayed as Peter's courageous allies, which was controversial when the play was written. Women are catty with one another, and Tinker Bell measures her hips and scowls in disgust.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
The Big Chief passes a peace pipe to the kids, who smoke it and make ugly faces or turn green. Mr. Smee drinks from a liquor jug a couple of times.
