The Iron Giant (1999)
Synopsis:
In The Iron Giant, a young boy named Hogarth Hughes discovers a massive robot that has crash-landed near his small town. Set in the 1950s, Hogarth befriends the giant metal being, who seems to have lost its memory. As Hogarth tries to keep the Iron Giant hidden from the government, he enlists the help of a local artist named Dean. Meanwhile, a suspicious government agent named Kent Mansley arrives in town, determined to uncover the truth about the mysterious sightings. As Hogarth and the Iron Giant form a bond, they must navigate the challenges of staying hidden and the growing threat of discovery. The story unfolds with a mix of adventure and humor, capturing the excitement of their secret friendship.
Where To Watch: The Iron Giant
Parental Feedback
The Iron Giant, released in 1999, is an animated science fiction film that captures the hearts of kids with its blend of adventure and heartfelt storytelling. The movie is rated PG, making it suitable for children under 13, and it is generally well-received by parents for its positive messages and engaging plot. The film's tone is both warm and thrilling, with many parents appreciating its ability to entertain while imparting valuable lessons.
Why Kids Should Watch The Iron Giant
The Iron Giant is celebrated for its strong moral messages and captivating animation.
- Promotes themes of friendship and understanding.
- Features a memorable bond between the boy and the giant robot.
- Offers visually stunning animation that captures the imagination.
- Encourages empathy and acceptance of differences.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Iron Giant
Some parents express concerns about the film's intense moments and themes of danger.
- Contains emotional scenes that might be challenging for sensitive viewers.
- Includes moments of peril that could be unsettling for younger children.
- Some scenes may be visually intense or confusing for very young kids.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers themes of friendship, stunning animation, and a heartfelt story.
What Parents Should Know About The Iron Giant
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The film showcases the importance of friendship and understanding through the relationship between Hogarth and the Iron Giant. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The climax involves a tense situation where the giant must make a significant sacrifice, which may require parental guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The film clearly depicts the dangers of fear and misunderstanding, showing how they can lead to conflict. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Hogarth and the giant work together to solve problems, demonstrating teamwork and cooperation. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about accepting others for who they are and the power of friendship, delivered through the evolving relationship between the characters. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Iron Giant is praised for its strong storytelling, positive messages, and beautiful animation, making it a favorite among families. While some intense scenes may require parental guidance, the film's overall impact is uplifting and educational. Parents can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the film's themes of friendship and acceptance with their children. For those seeking similar films, titles like "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" and "Wall-E" are recommended for their similar themes and appeal.
Official The Iron Giant Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The Iron Giant
The Iron Giant's most common core values include Friendship, Bravery, and Sacrifice. The movie showcases friendship through the bond between Hogarth and the Iron Giant, as they learn to Trust and support each other despite their differences. Bravery is highlighted when Hogarth and the Giant face challenges and dangers, teaching kids the importance of standing up for what is right even when it's scary.
Sacrifice is a powerful theme, as characters make difficult choices for the greater good, demonstrating to children the value of putting others before oneself. These core values are woven into the story, providing children with meaningful lessons about relationships and courage.
Other Core Values Explored: Acceptance | Being unique | Being yourself | Caring for others | Compassion | Courage | Dealing with fear | Doing the right thing | Empathy | Helping others | Loyalty | Making good choices | Perseverance | Protecting nature | Respect | Self-discovery | Standing up for what's right | Trust
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Iron Giant
Embracing Differences: The Iron Giant teaches kids the importance of embracing differences through the friendship between Hogarth and the Giant. Despite the Giant's intimidating appearance, Hogarth sees beyond it and accepts him for who he is. This encourages children to look past external differences and appreciate the unique qualities in others.
Building Friendships: The movie highlights the value of building friendships as Hogarth and the Giant form a strong bond. Their relationship shows kids that true friendship is based on trust, understanding, and support, regardless of how different someone might seem.
Choosing Right Over Easy: A significant lesson in the film is choosing right over easy. Hogarth faces several situations where he must decide between the easy path and doing what is right, such as when he stands up for the Giant against those who fear him. This teaches children the importance of making ethical choices, even when they are difficult.
Being True to Yourself: The Iron Giant emphasizes being true to yourself, as the Giant ultimately decides to be a hero rather than a weapon. This decision shows kids that they have the power to define who they are and make choices that align with their true selves.
Protecting the Environment: The movie subtly underscores the importance of protecting the environment. The Giant's presence in the natural world and the impact of human actions on it serve as a reminder for kids to be mindful of their surroundings and the environment.
Other Lessons Learned: Facing Fears Head-On | Making a Difference | Valuing Deep Connection | Supporting Your Friends | Practicing Empathy | Offering Redemption | Standing Up for Others | Recognizing Your Potential | Letting Go with Love | Trusting Intuition
Why Kids Love The Iron Giant
The Iron Giant is an exciting adventure that transports kids to a world where a giant robot and a brave boy form an unlikely friendship. The towering Iron Giant, with his curious and gentle nature, captures the imagination as he explores the small town, creating a sense of wonder and excitement. Kids will be thrilled by the giant machines and the suspenseful moments as Hogarth and the Giant work together to stay hidden from the prying eyes of the government. The movie is filled with action-packed scenes and humorous interactions, especially when the Giant tries to understand human life.
As Hogarth and the Giant team up with the quirky artist Dean, kids are drawn into their thrilling escapades, where teamwork and clever problem-solving lead to exciting outcomes. The film's mix of adventure, humor, and unexpected friendships keeps kids entertained and engaged, making it a captivating experience from start to finish.