What a Girl Wants (2002)
Synopsis:
What a Girl Wants follows Daphne Reynolds, a spirited American teenager who travels to England to find her long-lost father, Lord Henry Dashwood. Upon arrival, she discovers that her father is a prominent political figure with a sophisticated lifestyle. As Daphne tries to fit into her father's world, she encounters challenges, including dealing with his fiancée and her snobby daughter. Despite the cultural clash, Daphne's vibrant personality begins to shake things up in the Dashwood household. Meanwhile, she befriends Ian, a charming musician, who helps her navigate the complexities of her new life. As Daphne and her father grow closer, she must decide whether to embrace her new identity or stay true to herself. The movie is a light-hearted journey of family and self-discovery set against the backdrop of London's high society.
Where To Watch: What a Girl Wants
Parental Feedback
What a Girl Wants, released in 2003, is a family-friendly comedy-drama that appeals to kids with its lighthearted and humorous tone. The movie follows a young girl on a journey of self-discovery and family connection, resonating well with audiences who appreciate themes of identity and belonging. Most parents find it enjoyable and suitable for children, though some note minor concerns about certain behaviors depicted.
Why Kids Should Watch What a Girl Wants
The movie is praised for its positive messages and engaging storyline.
- Promotes the importance of self-discovery and staying true to oneself
- Features a strong, relatable protagonist who learns valuable life lessons
- Offers visually appealing settings and a charming, comedic tone
- Encourages family bonding and understanding across different backgrounds
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch What a Girl Wants
Some parents express concerns about certain behaviors and themes.
- Explores themes of parental separation that might be sensitive for some children
- Includes scenes where characters make impulsive decisions without immediate consequences
- May have moments of emotional intensity that require parental guidance
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive messages about self-discovery, family values, and personal growth.
What Parents Should Know About What a Girl Wants
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The main character demonstrates resilience and the importance of being true to oneself. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The theme of parental separation may require discussion to help children process emotions. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Characters learn from their mistakes, and the story highlights the importance of honesty and integrity. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The protagonist learns to communicate effectively and build relationships with her family. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The movie emphasizes the value of self-acceptance and the importance of family connections. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate What a Girl Wants for its heartwarming story and positive messages. While some themes may require parental guidance, the film's strengths in promoting self-discovery and family values make it a worthwhile watch. Engaging with children during or after the movie can enhance their understanding and enjoyment. For those seeking similar content, movies like The Parent Trap or Freaky Friday offer comparable themes and tones.
Official What a Girl Wants Trailer
The Core Values Learned From What a Girl Wants
What a Girl Wants's most common core values include Being yourself, Appreciating family, and Self-discovery. The movie showcases being yourself through Daphne's journey as she navigates a new world while staying true to her unique personality, even when faced with pressure to conform. Appreciating family is highlighted as Daphne learns the importance of family connections and the Love that binds them, despite differences and misunderstandings.
Self-discovery is a key theme as Daphne embarks on a personal journey to understand her identity and where she truly belongs, learning valuable lessons about herself along the way. Kids can see how Daphne's courage to be herself and her determination to connect with her family lead to emotional growth and stronger relationships.
Other Core Values Explored: Acceptance | Bravery | Building confidence. | Courage | Emotional growth | Family love | Finding your voice | Independence | Love | Perseverance | Self-expression | Standing up for what's right | Trust
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From What a Girl Wants
Accepting Your Identity: In What a Girl Wants, Daphne learns the importance of accepting who she is, even when faced with the pressures of fitting into her father's high-society world. Her journey shows kids that embracing their true selves is more valuable than changing to meet others' expectations.
Being True to Yourself: Daphne's vibrant personality and unique style stand out in her father's sophisticated world. She teaches children that staying true to themselves is crucial, even when others might not understand or appreciate their individuality.
Challenging Parental Expectations: Daphne's relationship with her father highlights the challenges of meeting parental expectations. Kids see how Daphne navigates these pressures while still pursuing her own dreams, showing that it's okay to challenge expectations to find personal happiness.
Importance of Family: The movie emphasizes the significance of family connections. Daphne's determination to build a relationship with her father demonstrates to children the value of family bonds and the effort it takes to nurture them, even in difficult circumstances.
Finding Courage: Daphne's journey to England and her efforts to connect with her father require immense bravery. Her story encourages kids to find courage in unfamiliar situations and to face challenges head-on, knowing that bravery can lead to personal growth and stronger relationships.
Other Lessons Learned: Bridging Divides | Choosing Your Path | Embracing Differences | Following Your Passion | Letting Talents Shine | Making a Difference | Never Giving Up | Recognizing Your Potential | Supporting Personal Growth | Trusting Intuition
Why Kids Love What a Girl Wants
What a Girl Wants is a whirlwind adventure that sweeps kids into the lively streets of London, where Daphne's bold and quirky personality shines. Her knack for turning awkward situations into hilarious moments keeps the laughs coming, while her quest to make new friends in a world of fancy parties and posh accents adds excitement. Kids will love watching Daphne's unique style shake up the stuffy high society, as she proves that being yourself is the coolest way to stand out. The unexpected friendship with Ian, the charming musician, brings a fun twist, as they team up to outsmart the adults and tackle challenges together.
With its mix of humor, heart, and a dash of rebellion, the movie is a delightful ride that keeps kids rooting for Daphne as she navigates her way through family bonds and new adventures.