Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that, for most kids, the scariest part of this Disney classic will be the prince's fight with the dragon; he fights with a sword and almost falls from a cliff. Other scary moments involve the witch Maleficent and her ogre-like goons; Maleficent kidnaps the prince, and the goons beat him up (mostly shown in shadow). She also shoots lightning bolts with her staff and at one point dissolves into a green mist. Maleficent sys "fools," "idiots," and "imbeciles" and makes a reference to "hell." There's one notable drinking scene where the two kings toast to their children's impending nuptials, and the attending minstrel sneaks enough wine to get drunk, falling down under the table and hiccuping.
Sexual
Content
A kiss.
Violence
Maleficent is scary, partly because her evil powers seem invincible. She turns herself into a fire-breathing dragon to battle the prince, who fights back with a mere sword, almost falling down a cliff. This is after he's been kidnapped, tied up, and beaten by Maleficent's ogre-like goons (mostly shown in shadow). The goons try to stop Philip's escape by raining boulders on him. The goons also perform a creepy dance around a bonfire. Maleficent's staff shoots lightning bolts, and at one point she dissolves into a green mist. Before the princess pricks her finger, she appears in a trance as she climbs the tower stairs to the spinning wheel. Ominous music adds to the general air of doom.
Language
Maleficent utters "fools," "idiots," and "imbeciles." She also makes a reference to "hell."
Social
Behavior
Love has a lot to conquer here, namely the wrath of Maleficent, a mistress of unfathomable evil and sorcery, but it manages to triumph. The good fairies take matters into their own hands without consulting the royals they serve, which suggests that disobeying the rules sometimes can turn out well. Parents may want to discuss the wisdom of love at first sight.
Consumerism
Sleeping Beauty is a Disney Princess, whose brand reaches far and wide. Expect to see Princess branding on consumer merchandise, food products, as well as in books, on websites, and in other media.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
The kings drink to the impending nuptials of their children, and the minstrel helps himself to the leftovers, falling over drunk under the table.
