Hansel and Gretel (1987)
Synopsis:
Hansel and Gretel follows the journey of two siblings who find themselves lost in a dark forest. As they wander, they stumble upon a mysterious house made entirely of candy and sweets. Drawn by their hunger, they approach the house and are welcomed inside by a seemingly kind old woman. However, the siblings soon discover that the woman is a wicked witch with sinister plans. Hansel is captured and locked in a cage, while Gretel is forced to help the witch with her chores. The siblings must use their wits and courage to outsmart the witch and find a way to escape her clutches. Their adventure is filled with suspense and challenges as they navigate the dangers of the enchanted forest.
Where To Watch: Hansel and Gretel
Parental Feedback
Hansel and Gretel, released in 1987, is a fantasy adventure film aimed at kids. The movie is a classic retelling of the well-known fairy tale, filled with magical elements and a whimsical tone that appeals to young audiences. Parents generally appreciate the film for its imaginative storytelling and the way it captures the essence of childhood wonder, though some express concerns about its darker themes.
Why Kids Should Watch Hansel and Gretel
The movie is praised for its enchanting storytelling and positive messages.
- Promotes the importance of bravery and cleverness in overcoming challenges.
- Features a strong sibling bond between Hansel and Gretel, showcasing teamwork.
- Visually captivating with its magical forest and whimsical set designs.
- Encourages imagination and creativity through its fantastical elements.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Hansel and Gretel
Some parents are concerned about the film's darker themes and intense moments.
- Contains scenes that may be frightening for very young children, such as the witch's lair.
- Depicts themes of danger and abandonment that could be unsettling.
- Visual intensity in certain scenes might be overwhelming for sensitive viewers.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its darker themes.
What Parents Should Know About Hansel and Gretel
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Hansel and Gretel demonstrate courage and resourcefulness in escaping the witch. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The scene where the children are captured by the witch may require parent guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The witch's downfall serves as a clear consequence for her malicious actions. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The siblings work together to outsmart the witch, highlighting the value of teamwork. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about using intelligence and bravery to overcome adversity. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Hansel and Gretel is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling and the positive portrayal of sibling cooperation. While the film's darker elements may be concerning for some parents, these moments can be mitigated with parental guidance. Engaging with children about the story's themes can enhance their understanding and enjoyment. For those seeking alternatives, consider other classic fairy tales with a lighter tone.
Official Hansel and Gretel Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Hansel and Gretel
Hansel and Gretel's most common core values include Bravery, Family love, and Teamwork. As the siblings find themselves lost in a mysterious forest, they have to rely on each other to overcome their fears and navigate the challenges ahead. The bond between Hansel and Gretel is heartwarming, as they demonstrate how family Love can provide strength in scary situations. Kids will see how sticking together and helping each other is crucial when facing difficult times, fostering a sense of unity and shared resolve throughout their Adventure.
Bravery shines when Gretel finds the courage to stand up to the wicked witch, even when the odds seem stacked against her. This moment highlights her ability to face danger head-on and emphasizes the importance of courage. Family love is evident throughout the siblings' journey as they support one another, showing true dedication to helping each other escape. Teamwork plays a crucial role when Hansel and Gretel devise a clever plan to outsmart the witch. By working together, they combine their strengths and outwit their captor, demonstrating how cooperation is key to solving tough problems.
Other Core Values Explored: Problem-solving | Resilience | Determination | Protecting nature
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Hansel and Gretel
Working as a Team: Hansel and Gretel's success in outsmarting the witch is a direct result of their teamwork. By collaborating and combining their individual strengths, the siblings show how working together can help overcome even the toughest challenges.
Facing Fears Head-On: Gretel's brave confrontation with the witch demonstrates the power of facing fears directly. Even when the situation seems dire, meeting fear with courage is the first step toward overcoming it.
Finding Courage: When Gretel takes a stand against the witch, it highlights the importance of finding inner courage. This teaches kids that even in scary situations, being brave can change the outcome of a challenge.
Being True to Yourself: Throughout their ordeal, Hansel and Gretel remain true to their values and instincts. They don't let the witch's deceit alter their moral compass, underscoring the value of staying authentic and principled.
Overcoming Failure: Despite being captured and initially outwitted, Hansel and Gretel don't give up. Their persistence in finding a solution illustrates that failure is just a stepping stone toward eventual success.
Other Lessons Learned: Protecting the Environment
Why Kids Love Hansel and Gretel
Hansel and Gretel's adventure takes kids on a wild ride through a forest filled with secrets and surprises. As night falls, the twisted trees and hidden caves introduce a sense of mystery and intrigue. The siblings stumble upon a magical candy house that promises sweet treats galore, sparking curiosity and excitement. The moment they step inside, kids are captivated by the enchanting world and its hidden magic. Here, everything is both thrilling and tinged with danger, as they discover the unlikely wonders the house hides within its sugary walls. This mysterious setting makes every step in the forest an unpredictable challenge, keeping young viewers on the edge of their seats as they wonder what weird twist they'll encounter next.
Action ramps up when Hansel and Gretel use their super brains to tackle the witch's tricky challenges. The fast-paced scenes burst with energy as they concoct plans to outsmart their captor. Tension builds in unexpected escape attempts set against the backdrop of the eerie forest. Kids are drawn in by the clever tricks and daring escapes, as the siblings test their wits to find their way back home. Watching Hansel and Gretel in action, kids cheer for crafty solutions and enjoy the pulse-pounding chase through the shadowy woods. The film’s blend of magical moments and nail-biting encounters makes Hansel and Gretel an exciting spectacle filled with imaginative escapes and clever surprises.