Mr. Holmes (2015)
Synopsis:
In Mr. Holmes, the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes is now retired and living in a quiet village with his housekeeper and her young son. Set in 1947, Holmes is grappling with the fading of his once-sharp mind. He spends his days tending to bees and reflecting on his past cases. However, one unsolved mystery from his past continues to haunt him. As he attempts to piece together the details of this case, he forms a bond with the housekeeper's son, who becomes intrigued by Holmes' stories. Together, they delve into the mystery, with Holmes determined to solve it before his memory fails him completely. The film explores Holmes' struggle with aging and his quest to uncover the truth behind his final case.
Where To Watch: Mr. Holmes
Parental Feedback
Mr. Holmes, released in 2015, is a drama and mystery film that delves into the later years of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. This movie is rated PG, making it suitable for kids, though it leans towards older children due to its complex themes. The film is generally well-received by parents, who appreciate its thoughtful storytelling and the portrayal of a more human side of Holmes, though some note that its slower pace and mature themes might not engage younger viewers.
Why Kids Should Watch Mr. Holmes
Mr. Holmes offers a compelling narrative that combines mystery with emotional depth.
- Promotes the value of introspection and learning from past mistakes.
- Features a strong performance by Ian McKellen, bringing depth to the character of Sherlock Holmes.
- Visually appealing with its period setting and detailed production design.
- Encourages curiosity and critical thinking through its mystery elements.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Mr. Holmes
Some parents express concerns about the film's pacing and mature themes.
- Explores themes of aging and regret, which may be challenging for younger children to grasp.
- Contains scenes that may be emotionally intense, such as Holmes grappling with his fading memory.
- The slow pace and lack of action might not hold the attention of all children.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its mature themes and slow pacing.
What Parents Should Know About Mr. Holmes
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Holmes demonstrates the importance of reflection and learning from one's past actions. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film deals with themes of aging and memory loss, which may require parent guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Holmes's past mistakes are shown to have lasting impacts, highlighting the importance of accountability. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Holmes's interactions with a young boy show the value of mentorship and sharing knowledge. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The film emphasizes the importance of facing one's past and the value of personal growth. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Mr. Holmes is praised for its thoughtful exploration of Sherlock Holmes's character and its beautiful cinematography. While the film's mature themes and slower pace may not be suitable for all children, it offers valuable lessons in introspection and personal growth. Parents can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the film's themes with their children. For those seeking more action-oriented mysteries, other Sherlock Holmes adaptations might be more engaging for younger audiences.
Official Mr. Holmes Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Mr. Holmes
Mr. Holmes's most common core values include Dealing with loss, Self-discovery, and Empathy. The film showcases dealing with loss as Holmes grapples with the fading of his once-sharp mind, reflecting on his past and the mysteries that remain unsolved. This journey of self-discovery is evident as he forms a bond with the housekeeper's son, who helps him uncover truths about himself and his past.
Empathy is highlighted through Holmes' interactions with those around him, as he learns to understand and connect with others on a deeper level, despite his struggles with aging. These core values are woven into the story, teaching kids about the importance of understanding oneself and others, even in the face of personal challenges.
Other Core Values Explored: Acceptance | Adaptability | Appreciating what you have | Being yourself | Caring for others | Compassion | Curiosity | Emotional growth | Forgiveness | Friendship | Growth mindset | Honesty | Letting go | Love | Perseverance | Respect | Self-expression | Trust
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Mr. Holmes
Accepting Life’s Endings: In Mr. Holmes, kids learn about accepting life’s endings as they watch Sherlock Holmes come to terms with his aging and the limitations it brings. The film shows how important it is to embrace the natural progression of life, even when it means letting go of past abilities and achievements.
Appreciating the Little Things: Children can see the value of appreciating the little things through Holmes' newfound interest in beekeeping. This hobby helps him find joy and purpose in the simple act of caring for bees, teaching kids to find happiness in everyday moments.
Asking for Help: The movie highlights the importance of asking for help when Holmes relies on the housekeeper's son to assist him in solving a lingering mystery. This partnership shows kids that seeking assistance from others can lead to success and strengthen relationships.
Being Honest: Honesty is a key lesson as Holmes confronts the truth about his past and the unsolved case. By being truthful with himself and others, he finds peace and resolution, demonstrating to kids the importance of honesty in overcoming challenges.
Treasuring Time with Loved Ones: The bond between Holmes and the housekeeper's son illustrates the importance of treasuring time with loved ones. Their friendship grows as they work together, teaching kids the value of spending quality time with those they care about.
Other Lessons Learned: Accepting Yourself | Embracing Differences | Finding Courage | Learning from Mistakes | Letting Go of the Past | Making a Difference | Practicing Empathy | Recognizing Your Potential | Solving Problems Creatively
Why Kids Love Mr. Holmes
In the intriguing world of Mr. Holmes, kids are drawn into a captivating mystery filled with clever problem-solving and unexpected friendships. The legendary detective Sherlock Holmes, now retired, teams up with a curious young boy, sparking excitement as they unravel secrets together. The movie is a thrilling blend of epic quests and smart detective work, where kids can enjoy watching Holmes outsmart adults and tackle challenges with his unique flair. The bond between Holmes and the boy adds warmth and humor, showcasing the power of friendship and teamwork.
As they dive into the mystery, kids will be fascinated by the clever clues and the race against time to solve the case. The film's mix of adventure, humor, and heart makes it an engaging experience, keeping kids entertained as they cheer for the dynamic duo on their quest for truth.