Coraline (2009)
Synopsis:
Coraline follows the story of a young girl named Coraline Jones who discovers a secret door in her new home. Behind it lies an alternate world that mirrors her own life but seems much better. In this world, her "Other Mother" and "Other Father" are more attentive and fun, and everything appears perfect. However, Coraline soon realizes that this world hides dark secrets. The Other Mother has sinister plans, and Coraline must use her wits and courage to navigate the dangers and return to her real family. Along the way, she encounters a talking cat and ghost children who help her uncover the truth. As Coraline battles to escape, she learns that things aren't always as they seem.
Where To Watch: Coraline
Parental Feedback
Coraline, released in 2009, is a stop-motion animated film that blends elements of fantasy, horror, and adventure, making it a unique choice for kids. The movie is rated PG, and while it captivates with its imaginative visuals and intriguing storyline, it also presents a darker tone that has left parents divided. Some appreciate its creativity and depth, while others caution about its potentially unsettling themes for younger viewers.
Why Kids Should Watch Coraline
Coraline is praised for its imaginative storytelling and strong visual appeal.
- Encourages bravery and self-discovery as Coraline navigates a mysterious world.
- Features a strong, resourceful protagonist who learns to appreciate her real family.
- The film's unique animation style captivates and engages young audiences.
- Offers a rich, fantastical world that stimulates creativity and imagination.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Coraline
Parents often express concern over the film's dark and eerie elements.
- The movie's creepy atmosphere and themes of danger may be too intense for sensitive children.
- Scenes involving the "Other Mother" can be frightening and unsettling.
- Complex themes of identity and family dynamics might confuse younger viewers.
- Some visuals, like button eyes, can be disturbing and nightmare-inducing.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its dark and eerie themes.
What Parents Should Know About Coraline
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Coraline shows bravery and resourcefulness as she faces challenges and learns to value her family. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film's darker themes and eerie atmosphere may require parental guidance to help children process. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Coraline learns the importance of appreciating her real family and the dangers of being lured by false promises. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Coraline's interactions with her friends and family highlight the importance of communication and understanding. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message emphasizes the value of family and the dangers of being tempted by seemingly perfect alternatives. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Coraline's biggest strengths lie in its imaginative storytelling and unique visual style, which many parents and children find captivating. However, its darker themes and eerie atmosphere can be unsettling for some, making parental guidance important. Engaging in discussions about the film's themes can enhance understanding and enjoyment. For those seeking similar alternatives, movies like "The Nightmare Before Christmas" or "Kubo and the Two Strings" offer creative storytelling with a lighter tone.
Official Coraline Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Coraline
Coraline's most common core values include Bravery, Appreciating what you have, and Family love. Throughout the movie, Coraline demonstrates bravery as she faces the challenges of a mysterious and dangerous world, showing kids the importance of Courage in overcoming fears. Appreciating what you have is highlighted when Coraline realizes that her real world, despite its imperfections, holds genuine Love and Safety, teaching children to value their own lives and families.
Family love is a central theme as Coraline learns the significance of her parents' care and the strength of familial bonds, even when they seem distant or distracted. These values are woven into the story as Coraline navigates her adventures, ultimately understanding the true worth of her family and the courage it takes to protect them.
Other Core Values Explored: Boundaries | Curiosity | Dealing with fear | Determination | Emotional growth | Empathy | Friendship | Imagination | Independence | Perseverance | Problem-solving | Resilience | Self-discovery | Standing up for what's right | Trust
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Coraline
Facing Fears Head-On: In Coraline, kids learn the importance of confronting their fears directly. When Coraline discovers the dark secrets of the alternate world, she bravely faces the Other Mother to protect herself and her family. This teaches children that facing fears is necessary to overcome challenges.
Finding Courage: Coraline's journey is a testament to finding courage in difficult situations. Despite the dangers she encounters, she musters the bravery to stand up against the Other Mother. This encourages kids to be courageous even when they feel scared or uncertain.
Believing in the Power of Home: The movie emphasizes the significance of appreciating one's home. Coraline initially feels neglected by her real parents but eventually realizes the value of her true home and family. This lesson helps children understand that home is where they are truly loved and accepted.
Trusting Intuition: Coraline's intuition plays a crucial role in her adventure. She senses that something is wrong in the alternate world and trusts her instincts to guide her actions. This teaches kids the importance of listening to their inner voice when making decisions.
Supporting Your Friends: Throughout the movie, Coraline receives help from her friends, like the talking cat and ghost children. This highlights the importance of supporting and relying on friends during tough times, teaching kids the value of friendship and teamwork.
Other Lessons Learned: Embracing Differences | Appreciating the Little Things | Valuing Imagination | Solving Problems Creatively | Letting Go of Control | Recognizing Your Potential | Defining What Home Means | Accepting Yourself | Building Friendships
Why Kids Love Coraline
Coraline is a mesmerizing adventure that draws kids into a world brimming with creepy creatures and mysterious secrets. The thrill of exploring haunted houses and solving puzzles keeps young viewers on the edge of their seats. Magical mentors and hidden kingdoms add a layer of enchantment, while portal jumping offers a sense of wonder and excitement. Brave heroes and smart problem-solvers like Coraline herself inspire kids to cheer for her every step of the way. The movie is filled with unexpected friendships and quirky characters, like a talking cat, that bring humor and charm to the story.
Kids are captivated by the unique and imaginative settings, where being different is celebrated and standing out is a strength. The action-packed scenes and the quest to fix problems make for a gripping experience. With its mix of mystery, magic, and fun, Coraline is a spellbinding journey that keeps kids entertained and eager for more.