A Dog's Purpose (2017)
Synopsis:
A Dog's Purpose follows the journey of a dog named Bailey as he experiences multiple lives through reincarnation. Each time Bailey is reborn, he finds himself in a new body and with a new owner, but he retains the memories of his past lives. The story begins with Bailey as a playful puppy who is adopted by a young boy named Ethan. As Bailey grows, he shares many adventures with Ethan, forming a strong bond. After Bailey's first life ends, he is reborn as a different dog, living with various owners and experiencing different lifestyles. Despite the changes, Bailey's connection to Ethan remains strong, and he continues to search for his true purpose. The movie explores Bailey's adventures and the different people he meets along the way, all while trying to find his way back to Ethan.
Where To Watch: A Dog's Purpose
Parental Feedback
A Dog's Purpose, released in 2017, is a family-friendly adventure drama that explores the life of a dog through multiple reincarnations. As a movie rated PG, it is designed for kids and offers a heartwarming narrative that many parents appreciate for its emotional depth and positive messages. While some parents are divided due to the film's emotional intensity, most find it a touching story that resonates with children and adults alike.
Why Kids Should Watch A Dog's Purpose
The movie is praised for its heartwarming portrayal of loyalty and love.
- Highlights the theme of unconditional love and companionship.
- Features a strong bond between the dog and its human companions, showcasing loyalty.
- Offers visually appealing scenes of the dog's adventures that captivate young audiences.
- Encourages empathy and understanding of the pet-human relationship.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch A Dog's Purpose
Some parents express concerns about the emotional challenges presented in the film.
- Contains scenes of the dog's death and reincarnation, which may be emotionally intense for some children.
- Includes moments of sadness and loss that might be difficult for younger viewers to process.
- Some scenes may be visually intense, such as those depicting the dog's struggles.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about the emotional intensity and themes of loss.
What Parents Should Know About A Dog's Purpose
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The movie showcases the dog's loyalty and dedication to its human companions, modeling positive behavior. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The theme of death and reincarnation may require parental guidance to help children understand. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the movie illustrates the consequences of neglect and mistreatment of animals. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The interactions between the dog and its owners often highlight teamwork and mutual care. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the enduring bond between humans and their pets, delivered through the dog's journey. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Overall, A Dog's Purpose is celebrated for its touching narrative and positive portrayal of loyalty and love. However, the emotional depth and themes of loss may require parental guidance for younger viewers. Engaging in discussions about the film's themes can enhance understanding and provide comfort. For families seeking similar content, movies like "Homeward Bound" or "The Secret Life of Pets" might offer lighter alternatives.
Official A Dog's Purpose Trailer
The Core Values Learned From A Dog's Purpose
A Dog's Purpose's most common core values include Loyalty, Love, and Self-discovery. Throughout the movie, loyalty is a central theme as the dog, Bailey, consistently seeks to reunite with his beloved human, Ethan, demonstrating unwavering devotion across multiple lifetimes. Love is portrayed through the deep bond between Bailey and Ethan, showcasing how their connection transcends time and circumstances. This love is evident in the way Bailey supports Ethan through various life challenges, providing comfort and companionship.
Self-discovery is another key value, as Bailey's journey through different lives allows him to explore his purpose and understand his role in the lives of those he encounters. This exploration encourages kids to think about their own paths and the impact they can have on others.
Other Core Values Explored: Friendship | Family love | Determination | Perseverance | Empathy | Helping others | Courage | Resilience | Gratitude | Letting go | Emotional growth | Taking care of pets
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From A Dog's Purpose
Practicing Loyalty: Kids will see the importance of loyalty through Bailey's unwavering dedication to Ethan. No matter how many lives Bailey lives, his connection to Ethan remains strong, teaching children the value of sticking by those they care about.
Importance of Family: The movie highlights the significance of family as Bailey experiences different lives and families. Children learn that family bonds are essential, and the love shared within a family can guide and support them through life's challenges.
Believing in Second Chances: Bailey's journey through multiple lives shows kids that everyone deserves a second chance. Each new life offers Bailey an opportunity to learn, grow, and make things right, encouraging children to believe in the possibility of redemption and new beginnings.
Letting Go of the Past: As Bailey moves through different lives, he learns to let go of past experiences and embrace the present. This teaches children the importance of moving forward and not dwelling on past mistakes or regrets.
Treasuring Time with Loved Ones: Bailey's adventures emphasize the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones. Kids learn that time spent with family and friends is precious and should be valued, as these connections bring joy and fulfillment.
Other Lessons Learned: Accepting Life’s Endings | Appreciating the Little Things | Believing in the Power of Home | Defining What Home Means | Embracing Unexpected Love | Finding Happiness in Relationships | Holding Onto Hope | Loving Imperfect Families | Never Giving Up | Valuing Deep Connection
Why Kids Love A Dog's Purpose
A Dog's Purpose is a heartwarming adventure that takes kids on a journey through the eyes of a lovable dog named Bailey. With each new life, Bailey finds himself in exciting situations, meeting new friends and forming unexpected bonds. Kids will be captivated by the playful antics of Bailey and his animal friends, as well as the thrilling chases and near misses that keep them on the edge of their seats. The movie is filled with moments of bravery and heroism, as Bailey helps his human companions in times of need, showcasing the power of loyal teams and standing up for others.
As Bailey embarks on epic quests to find his way back to his beloved human, Ethan, kids will be drawn into the fast-paced action and the heartwarming moments of friendship and love. With its mix of adventure, humor, and touching relationships, A Dog's Purpose is a delightful experience that keeps kids entertained and engaged throughout.