Into the Woods (2014)
Synopsis:
Into the Woods is a musical adventure that intertwines the stories of several classic fairy tale characters. A baker and his wife wish to have a child, but a witch has cursed them. To break the curse, they must gather four magical items: a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, hair as yellow as corn, and a slipper as pure as gold. Their quest leads them to cross paths with Cinderella, who wishes to attend the king's festival, Jack, who dreams of his cow producing milk, and Little Red Riding Hood, who is on her way to visit her grandmother. As their stories unfold, the characters face challenges and unexpected twists in the woods, leading to a mix of adventure and discovery.
Where To Watch: Into the Woods
Parental Feedback
Into the Woods, released in 2014, is a musical fantasy film that intertwines several classic fairy tales with a modern twist. As a movie rated PG, it is primarily intended for kids, though it contains some darker themes that might require parental guidance. The film is generally well-received by parents for its engaging storytelling and impressive performances, though some are divided due to its complex narrative and mature undertones.
Why Kids Should Watch Into the Woods
Into the Woods offers a rich tapestry of storytelling that captivates young audiences with its imaginative blend of fairy tales.
- Promotes the theme of understanding consequences and personal growth.
- Features strong performances, particularly Meryl Streep's portrayal of the Witch, which adds depth to the story.
- Visually stunning with elaborate costumes and set designs that draw kids into a magical world.
- Encourages creativity and imagination through its unique narrative structure.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Into the Woods
Some parents express concerns about the film's darker themes and complex storylines that may confuse younger viewers.
- Contains emotional challenges, such as loss and betrayal, that might be intense for some children.
- Scenes involving the Witch and other dark elements could be frightening to younger audiences.
- The intertwining of multiple storylines may be confusing for kids to follow.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its darker themes and complex narrative.
What Parents Should Know About Into the Woods
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The film encourages characters to take responsibility for their actions, as seen when they face the consequences of their wishes. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The theme of loss, particularly in the storyline of the Baker and his wife, may require parent guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Characters who make selfish choices often face negative outcomes, reinforcing the importance of considering others. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The characters must work together to overcome challenges, highlighting the value of teamwork and cooperation. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the importance of being careful what you wish for and understanding the impact of one's actions. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Into the Woods is praised for its creative storytelling and strong performances, making it a visually and emotionally engaging film for kids. However, its darker themes and complex narrative may not be suitable for all children, suggesting that parental guidance is beneficial. Parents can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the film's themes and messages with their children. For those seeking alternatives, movies like "The Wizard of Oz" or "Enchanted" offer similar magical experiences with a lighter tone.
Official Into the Woods Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Into the Woods
Into the Woods's most common core values include Family love, Bravery, and Teamwork. The movie showcases family Love through the journey of the baker and his wife, who work together to break a curse so they can start a family. Their Determination and support for each other highlight the importance of family bonds. Bravery is evident as characters like Little Red Riding Hood and Jack face their fears and venture into the unknown woods, teaching kids the value of Courage in overcoming challenges.
Teamwork is a key element as the characters must collaborate to achieve their individual goals, demonstrating to children how working together can lead to success. These core values are woven into the story, providing children with examples of how love, courage, and cooperation can help them navigate their own adventures.
Other Core Values Explored: Acceptance | Adaptability | Appreciating family | Being hopeful | Caring for others | Compassion | Conflict resolution | Courage | Dealing with fear | Dealing with loss | Determination | Doing the right thing | Emotional growth | Empathy | Forgiveness | Friendship | Generosity | Gratitude | Growth mindset | Honesty | Kindness | Leadership | Letting go | Love | Loyalty | Making good choices | Open-mindedness | Perseverance | Problem-solving | Resilience | Respect | Responsibility. | Self-discovery | Self-expression | Standing up for what's right | Trust | Valuing diversity
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Into the Woods
Facing Fears Head-On: In Into the Woods, children learn the importance of facing fears directly through characters like Little Red Riding Hood, who must confront the wolf. This teaches kids that bravery is about confronting challenges, even when they seem daunting.
Choosing Right Over Easy: The baker and his wife demonstrate the lesson of choosing the right path over the easy one. Their journey to break the curse involves making difficult decisions, showing children that doing what's right often requires effort and sacrifice.
Learning from Mistakes: Jack's adventure with the beanstalk highlights the importance of learning from mistakes. His initial poor decision to trade the cow for beans leads to unexpected consequences, teaching kids that mistakes can be valuable learning experiences.
Working as a Team: The characters in Into the Woods must work together to overcome their challenges. This teamwork shows children the power of collaboration and how supporting each other can lead to success.
Letting Go of the Past: Cinderella's journey teaches kids about letting go of past grievances and moving forward. Her ability to forgive and embrace a new future is a powerful lesson in resilience and personal growth.
Other Lessons Learned: Accepting Fear | Accepting Life’s Endings | Accepting Your Identity | Accepting Yourself | Asking for Help | Avoiding Judgments | Being Honest | Believing in Second Chances | Choosing Forgiveness | Choosing Your Path | Coping with Change | Discovering Hidden Strengths | Doing What’s Right | Embracing Differences | Embracing Unexpected Love | Finding Courage | Holding Onto Hope | Keeping an Open Mind | Making a Difference | Moving Forward After Setbacks | Never Giving Up | Owning Your Mistakes | Practicing Empathy | Practicing Patience | Supporting Your Friends | Telling Hard Truths | Trusting Intuition | Valuing Deep Connection
Why Kids Love Into the Woods
Into the Woods is a magical journey where kids are swept into a world of enchanting forests and whimsical characters. The movie is filled with lively musical showdowns and characters who sing their hearts out, making it a fun and engaging experience. As the baker and his wife embark on their epic quest to break a witch's curse, kids will be thrilled by the exciting sword fights and the clever ways the characters save the day.
The story is packed with unexpected friendships and teamwork, as familiar fairy tale characters like Cinderella and Jack come together to help each other in times of need. The vibrant mix of adventure and humor keeps kids on the edge of their seats, while the colorful settings and magical elements spark their imagination. With its blend of action, music, and charming characters, Into the Woods offers a delightful escape into a world where anything is possible.