The Black Cauldron

1985 PG 1h 20m DVD

The Black Cauldron

1985 PG 1h 20m DVD
  • Overview
  • Details
Taran, a young pig keeper, dreams of being a warrior. With the help of a princess, he sets out to find the magical Black Cauldron before it falls into the hands of the evil Horned King, who plans to use it to raise an undead army.
Cast
John Hurt, Nigel Hawthorne, Freddie Jones, Billie Hayes, John Byner, Grant Bardsley, Susan Sheridan
Director
Ted Berman, Richard Rich
Format
DVD
Screen
Widescreen Anamorphic 2.35:1
Subtitles
Spanish (Neutral), French
CC
No
Audio
English: Dolby Digital 5.1
Rating
PG - Some material may not be suitable for children. Parents urged to give parental guidance. May contain some material parents might not like for their young children.
age 7+
Common Sense rating OK for kids 7+
age 7+

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this dark Disney animated feature (based on the Prydain books by Lloyd Alexander) will have much greater appeal for those who enjoy ghost stories and war epics than for fans of musical comedy. There are no songs, and even the comic relief involves violent images. The Horned King twice attempts to murder the hero, skeletons come to life and attack people, and witches use magic to hurl objects. For grade-school kids, the cute sidekicks and rapid pace will be appealing, but the many frightening images could fuel many a nightmare. Older kids and preteens interested in fantasy will enjoy the mystical plot.

Sexual Content

A voluptuous witch attempts to seduce sidekick Fflewddur; at one point he's turned into a frog and nearly suffocates between her breasts.

Violence

The Forbidden Forest and the enchanted marsh contain lots of scary creatures. Other scenes feature violent soldiers, skeletons, a dungeon with a tomb, and the menacing Horned King. The hero is faced with death in several scenes. An adorable sidekick throws himself into the black cauldron and dies before being brought back to life.

Language

Not applicable

Social Behavior

The movie offers positive messages about working together and believing in yourself and your friends. That said, characters do rely on weapons to solve problems.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Drunken loutishness among the Horned King's followers.

  • Age appropriate
  • Not an issue
  • Depends on your child and your family
  • Parents strongly cautioned
  • Not appropriate for kids of the age

This information for parents is provided by Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving kids' media lives.

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