Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that The Black Stallion, based on the novel by Walter Farley, is about a young boy named Alec (Kelly Reno) who develops a deep bond with the horse who saved his life in the aftermath of the shipwreck that took his father's life. There's some violence and peril -- the shipwreck is shown in detail as passengers panic amid rising waters and out-of-control fires, and Alec's father shoves a man into a fire after he's caught trying to steal the boy's life jacket. Given how upsetting the shipwreck scene is, parents may want to skip that part and start when Alec lands safely on the beach. Characters smoke cigarettes, pipes, and cigars (accurate for the era the movie takes place in). Alec is a brave boy who manages to survive in harsh conditions and learns the importance of responsibility and patience. This is a beautiful movie for the whole family and one of the best horse-themed movies ever made.

Sexual Content

None

Violence

The shipwreck scene is intense and may be upsetting to kids. A ship catches fire and takes on water. Passengers are shown panicking, and a man even takes a knife to a young boy and cuts off his life jacket. The boy's father shoves the man into fire. A boy is shown alone and scared in the shipwreck's aftermath, surviving alone on an island.

Language

Not applicable

Social Behavior

Explores the deep bond that can develop between people and animals.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Characters smoke cigarettes, cigars, and pipes (accurate for the era) and drink alcohol.