The Boxcar Children (2014)

Release Date:

2014

Movie Rating:

G

Runtime:

1h 26m

The Boxcar Children (2014) - Vertical Movie Poster

Synopsis:

The Boxcar Children follows the adventures of four orphaned siblings: Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny. After the loss of their parents, the children decide to run away to avoid being separated by their new guardians. They find an abandoned boxcar in the woods and make it their new home. The resourceful siblings work together to create a cozy living space, using their creativity and teamwork to overcome challenges. As they settle into their new life, they encounter various adventures and meet new friends. The story unfolds as the children navigate their new world, relying on each other and their newfound community.

IMDb
6.5
Rotten Tomatoes
Metacritic

Where To Watch: The Boxcar Children

Parental Feedback

The Boxcar Children, released in 2014, is an animated adventure and family film rated G, making it suitable for kids. The movie is generally well-received by parents, who appreciate its gentle storytelling and positive messages. It offers a heartwarming tale of resilience and family, with most parents finding it a delightful and safe choice for young viewers.

Why Kids Should Watch The Boxcar Children

The Boxcar Children is praised for its uplifting themes and engaging story.

  • Promotes themes of independence and resourcefulness.
  • Features a strong bond between the siblings, showcasing teamwork and cooperation.
  • Visually appealing animation that captures the imagination of young viewers.
  • Encourages problem-solving and creativity in a non-threatening way.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Boxcar Children

Some parents note minor concerns about the film's pacing and emotional depth.

  • May include moments of mild tension as the children navigate life on their own.
  • The concept of children living independently might be confusing for some young viewers.
  • Some scenes might be slower-paced, potentially losing the attention of very young children.

Verdict: Parent Approved

Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive role models, engaging storytelling, and a heartwarming message about family and resilience.

What Parents Should Know About The Boxcar Children

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? The children demonstrate teamwork and problem-solving as they create a home in an abandoned boxcar.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? The theme of children living without parents might require some explanation and reassurance.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? The story highlights the importance of making safe choices and the consequences of risky actions.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? The siblings consistently work together and support each other, modeling effective teamwork.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The film delivers a clear message about the strength of family bonds and the value of independence.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

The Boxcar Children is celebrated for its positive portrayal of family and independence, making it a favorite among parents seeking wholesome content for their kids. While some may find the pacing a bit slow, the film's strengths in storytelling and character development shine through. Parents can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the themes of resilience and teamwork with their children. For those who enjoy this film, similar titles like "Charlotte's Web" or "The Secret Garden" might also be appealing.

Official The Boxcar Children Trailer

The Core Values Learned From The Boxcar Children

The Boxcar Children's most common core values include Family love, Independence, and Perseverance. This story shows kids how important it is to stick together, especially when life gets hard. The four siblings—Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny—are inseparable. They demonstrate how much they care for each other, Sharing both happy and challenging times. Despite their young age, they are brave enough to live on their own in the woods, showing independence. Their journey is not easy, but they keep moving forward, discovering new ways to solve problems and supporting each other along the way.

Family love, Independence, and Perseverance shine through in key moments. When the children find the old boxcar, they transform it into a home. It's an inspiring example of their independence and perseverance. They gather materials from the forest and nearby areas to make the boxcar comfortable. Meanwhile, their acts of kindness toward each other show how strong their family love is. They all take on roles to help the family survive, whether it's finding food or keeping their new home clean and safe. Their teamwork turns their challenges into victories.

Other Core Values Explored: Problem-solving | Resilience | Teamwork | Trust

The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Boxcar Children

Importance of Family: The movie emphasizes the significance of family ties as the siblings rely on each other's strengths and emotional support to navigate their new reality. Their bond becomes the cornerstone of their resilience and ability to face the unknown.

Defining Your Own Family: The children redefine the concept of family, creating a new family unit among themselves and with the new friends they meet along the way. This redefinition is a testament to their adaptability and the belief that family is about love and connection, not just blood relations.

Believing in the Power of Home: By transforming an abandoned boxcar into a cozy living space, the siblings demonstrate that a home is where love and comfort reside, regardless of its size or location. Their makeshift home becomes a symbol of safety and unity amidst uncertainty.

Solving Problems Creatively: Throughout their journey, the siblings face numerous challenges that require innovative solutions. Their resourcefulness in managing daily tasks and overcoming obstacles showcases the power of creativity and teamwork in problem-solving.

Persevering Through Obstacles: Despite facing the uncertainty and fear of being alone, the children persist in building a life for themselves. Their journey is paved with determination and perseverance, inspiring viewers to keep moving forward even when the going gets tough.

Other Lessons Learned: Building Friendships | Embracing Differences | Finding Courage | Enjoying the Journey | Valuing Imagination | Working as a Team

Why Kids Love The Boxcar Children

The Boxcar Children bring kids into a world filled with daring escapades and new discoveries. From the moment the siblings stumble upon the old boxcar, they dive into creative adventures where everything becomes a fun challenge. Whether they're gathering materials to transform the train car into their personal hideaway or venturing into the woods to find hidden treasures, every scene is an exciting ride. They aren't afraid to explore mysterious places, solving puzzles that involve teamwork and clever ideas. The kids also encounter strange yet friendly faces that bring a dash of humor and excitement to their days, making every moment fresh and full of surprises as they explore the wilderness.

Adventures in the boxcar world are about proving yourself and stepping up to be the hero of your story. Each sibling brings a unique skill, whether it's crafting a fishing pole to catch dinner or planning smart methods to tackle the unknown. From the thrill of creating a secret base in the woods to the fun of making new friends who think outside the box, kids love the chance to jump into situations that test their cleverness and spontaneity. Teamwork is always at the forefront as the siblings combine their talents to overcome obstacles and take on the next big mystery. It's all about being bold, helping others, and making memories that are both wild and wonderful.