The Great Gilly Hopkins (2015)
Release Date:
2015
Movie Rating:
PG
Runtime:
1h 39m
Synopsis:
The Great Gilly Hopkins follows the story of Gilly, a spirited 12-year-old girl who has bounced around the foster care system. She is sent to live with Maime Trotter, a kind-hearted foster mother, and her quirky household. Gilly is determined to escape and reunite with her biological mother, Courtney. As she plots her escape, Gilly navigates her new school, where she meets classmates and teachers who challenge her tough exterior. Meanwhile, she forms an unexpected bond with her foster brother, William Ernest, and their neighbor, Mr. Randolph. Gilly's plans take a turn when she receives a letter from her mother, leading to a series of events that test her resolve and change her perspective on family and belonging.
The Great Gilly Hopkins, released in 2015, is a family drama that primarily targets kids with its PG rating. The film explores themes of family, belonging, and personal growth, often resonating with younger audiences. While some parents appreciate its heartfelt storytelling and positive messages, others are divided due to certain emotional complexities and character behaviors.
Why Kids Should Watch The Great Gilly Hopkins
The movie is praised for its strong portrayal of family values and personal growth.
- Highlights the importance of family and finding one's place in the world.
- Gilly's transformation from a rebellious child to someone who learns to care for others is a key strength.
- Offers a visually engaging and emotionally resonant experience for kids.
- Features a strong performance by the lead actress, which adds depth to the character.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Great Gilly Hopkins
Some parents express concerns about the film's emotional intensity and certain character behaviors.
- Deals with themes of abandonment and foster care, which may be challenging for some children.
- Gilly's initial rebellious and disrespectful behavior might be problematic.
- Contains scenes that might be emotionally intense or confusing for younger viewers.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about the emotional complexity and character behavior.
What Parents Should Know About The Great Gilly Hopkins
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Gilly learns to appreciate the love and support of her foster family, modeling growth and acceptance. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film's exploration of foster care and abandonment may require parental guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Gilly's initial misbehavior is addressed, and she learns the importance of kindness and respect. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Gilly's journey includes learning to apologize and work with others, reinforcing positive social skills. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the importance of family and finding one's place, delivered through Gilly's experiences. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Great Gilly Hopkins is appreciated for its strong messages about family and personal growth, with a compelling lead performance. However, its emotional depth and certain character behaviors may not suit all children, making parental guidance beneficial. For families seeking similar themes with a lighter tone, movies like "Matilda" or "Annie" might be preferable alternatives.
Official The Great Gilly Hopkins Trailer
The Great Gilly Hopkins, released in 2015, is a family drama that primarily targets kids with its PG rating. The film explores themes of family, belonging, and personal growth, often resonating with younger audiences. While some parents appreciate its heartfelt storytelling and positive messages, others are divided due to certain emotional complexities and character behaviors.
Why Kids Should Watch The Great Gilly Hopkins
The movie is praised for its strong portrayal of family values and personal growth.
- Highlights the importance of family and finding one's place in the world.
- Gilly's transformation from a rebellious child to someone who learns to care for others is a key strength.
- Offers a visually engaging and emotionally resonant experience for kids.
- Features a strong performance by the lead actress, which adds depth to the character.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Great Gilly Hopkins
Some parents express concerns about the film's emotional intensity and certain character behaviors.
- Deals with themes of abandonment and foster care, which may be challenging for some children.
- Gilly's initial rebellious and disrespectful behavior might be problematic.
- Contains scenes that might be emotionally intense or confusing for younger viewers.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about the emotional complexity and character behavior.
What Parents Should Know About The Great Gilly Hopkins
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Gilly learns to appreciate the love and support of her foster family, modeling growth and acceptance. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film's exploration of foster care and abandonment may require parental guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Gilly's initial misbehavior is addressed, and she learns the importance of kindness and respect. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Gilly's journey includes learning to apologize and work with others, reinforcing positive social skills. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the importance of family and finding one's place, delivered through Gilly's experiences. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Great Gilly Hopkins is appreciated for its strong messages about family and personal growth, with a compelling lead performance. However, its emotional depth and certain character behaviors may not suit all children, making parental guidance beneficial. For families seeking similar themes with a lighter tone, movies like "Matilda" or "Annie" might be preferable alternatives.
Official The Great Gilly Hopkins Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The Great Gilly Hopkins
The Great Gilly Hopkins's most common core values include Family love, Forgiveness, and Self-discovery. Throughout the movie, kids witness the importance of family Love as Gilly learns to appreciate the warmth and support of her foster family, despite her initial resistance. Forgiveness is another key value, as Gilly navigates her feelings towards her biological mother and her new family, ultimately realizing the power of Letting go of past grievances.
Self-discovery is highlighted as Gilly embarks on a journey to understand her true self, moving beyond her tough exterior to embrace her vulnerabilities and strengths. These core values are woven into the storyline, offering children valuable lessons on the significance of family bonds, the healing power of forgiveness, and the journey of finding oneself.
Other Core Values Explored: Acceptance | Adaptability | Appreciating family | Being a good friend | Being brave | Building trust | Caring for others | Compassion | Conflict resolution | Courage | Dealing with loss | Determination | Emotional growth | Empathy | Generosity | Giving second chances | Gratitude | Growth mindset | Honesty | Inclusion | Inclusivity | Independence | Kindness | Love | Making friends | Open-mindedness | Perseverance | Positive attitude | Resilience | Respect | Responsibility. | Self-expression | Self-worth | Standing up for others | Trust | Valuing diversity
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Great Gilly Hopkins
Believing in Second Chances: Kids learn about the power of second chances through Gilly's evolving relationship with her foster family. Initially resistant and rebellious, Gilly discovers that opening her heart to new experiences and people can lead to unexpected happiness and growth.
Importance of Family: The movie highlights the significance of family, showing children that family isn't just about blood relations. Gilly's journey with Maime Trotter and her foster brother William Ernest teaches her that love and support can come from unexpected places, emphasizing the importance of family bonds.
Building Friendships: Gilly's interactions with her classmates and neighbors demonstrate the value of building friendships. As she lets her guard down, she learns that true friends can offer support and understanding, helping her navigate the challenges she faces.
Choosing Forgiveness: The story illustrates the importance of forgiveness, as Gilly learns to let go of past grievances and embrace the kindness of those around her. This lesson shows kids that forgiving others can lead to healing and stronger relationships.
Practicing Empathy: Gilly's journey encourages children to practice empathy. As she begins to understand the struggles and feelings of those around her, she becomes more compassionate, showing that empathy can lead to deeper connections and personal growth.
Other Lessons Learned: Accepting Yourself | Avoiding Judgments | Being Honest | Believing in the Power of Home | Defining Your Own Family | Embracing Unexpected Love | Finding Happiness in Relationships | Holding Onto Hope | Letting Go of the Past | Loving Imperfect Families | Making a Difference | Supporting Personal Growth | Treasuring Time with Loved Ones
Why Kids Love The Great Gilly Hopkins
The Great Gilly Hopkins is a whirlwind of fun and mischief, where kids are drawn into Gilly's adventurous world as she navigates her new life with a mix of humor and determination. Gilly's clever antics and her knack for outsmarting adults make for entertaining moments that keep kids on the edge of their seats. The movie is filled with relatable sibling dynamics and the excitement of making new friends, as Gilly forms unexpected bonds with her foster brother and quirky neighbors.
Kids will love the playful banter and the heartwarming scenes of friendship that unfold as Gilly learns to embrace her unique family. The story is a rollercoaster of emotions, with Gilly's bold personality leading to both hilarious and touching moments. With its blend of humor, adventure, and the joy of finding one's place in the world, The Great Gilly Hopkins is a captivating journey that keeps kids entertained and rooting for Gilly's next move.