The One and Only Ivan (2020)
Release Date:
2020
Movie Rating:
PG
Runtime:
1h 35m
Synopsis:
The One and Only Ivan follows the story of Ivan, a silverback gorilla who lives in a suburban shopping mall. Ivan shares his space with Stella the elephant and Bob the dog, among other animals. They are part of a circus run by Mack, who cares for them but also uses them for entertainment. Ivan spends his days performing for visitors and painting, a hobby that becomes significant as the story unfolds. When a baby elephant named Ruby arrives, Ivan begins to see their world differently. As Ruby becomes the new star attraction, Ivan starts to question their life in captivity. The animals form a bond and work together to change their circumstances, leading to unexpected adventures and challenges.
The One and Only Ivan, released in 2020, is a family-friendly adventure drama that captivates young audiences with its heartwarming story and engaging animation. As a movie rated PG, it is designed for kids, offering a blend of humor and emotional depth that resonates well with children and parents alike. Most parents appreciate its positive messages and the gentle handling of complex themes, making it a beloved choice for family viewing.
Why Kids Should Watch The One and Only Ivan
The movie is praised for its uplifting themes and engaging storytelling.
- Promotes the importance of friendship and empathy.
- Features a strong character arc for Ivan, the gorilla, who learns to embrace his true self.
- Visually appealing with vibrant animation that captures kids' attention.
- Encourages discussions about animal rights and conservation.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The One and Only Ivan
Some parents express concerns about the emotional intensity of certain scenes.
- Contains themes of captivity and loss that may be challenging for sensitive viewers.
- Scenes depicting animals in distress could be upsetting for young children.
- The storyline may be complex for very young kids to fully grasp.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers valuable lessons in empathy, engaging storytelling, and beautiful animation.
What Parents Should Know About The One and Only Ivan
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Ivan learns to stand up for himself and his friends, showing courage and leadership. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The theme of captivity and the animals' longing for freedom may require parent guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The movie clearly shows the negative impact of keeping animals in captivity. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Characters work together to achieve their goals, highlighting the power of teamwork. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the importance of freedom and being true to oneself. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The One and Only Ivan is celebrated for its heartwarming story and positive messages, making it a great choice for family movie nights. While some scenes may be emotionally intense, they provide opportunities for meaningful discussions between parents and children. The film's engaging animation and strong moral lessons make it a standout option for young viewers. For families seeking similar themes, movies like "Finding Dory" or "Zootopia" might also be enjoyable alternatives.
Official The One and Only Ivan Trailer
The One and Only Ivan, released in 2020, is a family-friendly adventure drama that captivates young audiences with its heartwarming story and engaging animation. As a movie rated PG, it is designed for kids, offering a blend of humor and emotional depth that resonates well with children and parents alike. Most parents appreciate its positive messages and the gentle handling of complex themes, making it a beloved choice for family viewing.
Why Kids Should Watch The One and Only Ivan
The movie is praised for its uplifting themes and engaging storytelling.
- Promotes the importance of friendship and empathy.
- Features a strong character arc for Ivan, the gorilla, who learns to embrace his true self.
- Visually appealing with vibrant animation that captures kids' attention.
- Encourages discussions about animal rights and conservation.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The One and Only Ivan
Some parents express concerns about the emotional intensity of certain scenes.
- Contains themes of captivity and loss that may be challenging for sensitive viewers.
- Scenes depicting animals in distress could be upsetting for young children.
- The storyline may be complex for very young kids to fully grasp.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers valuable lessons in empathy, engaging storytelling, and beautiful animation.
What Parents Should Know About The One and Only Ivan
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Ivan learns to stand up for himself and his friends, showing courage and leadership. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The theme of captivity and the animals' longing for freedom may require parent guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The movie clearly shows the negative impact of keeping animals in captivity. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Characters work together to achieve their goals, highlighting the power of teamwork. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the importance of freedom and being true to oneself. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The One and Only Ivan is celebrated for its heartwarming story and positive messages, making it a great choice for family movie nights. While some scenes may be emotionally intense, they provide opportunities for meaningful discussions between parents and children. The film's engaging animation and strong moral lessons make it a standout option for young viewers. For families seeking similar themes, movies like "Finding Dory" or "Zootopia" might also be enjoyable alternatives.
Official The One and Only Ivan Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The One and Only Ivan
The One and Only Ivan's most common core values include Friendship, Courage, and Empathy. Throughout the movie, the bond between Ivan and his fellow animal companions showcases the importance of Friendship. Kids will see how these animals support each other, especially when new challenges arise. Courage is highlighted as Ivan and his friends face difficult situations, encouraging children to be brave in the face of adversity.
Empathy is a key value as Ivan begins to understand the feelings and needs of those around him, particularly when a new member joins their group. This teaches kids the importance of understanding and caring for others' emotions. An example of this is when Ivan takes a stand to help his friends, showing that understanding and supporting each other can lead to positive change.
Other Core Values Explored: Determination | Creativity | Self-discovery | Standing up for what's right | Compassion | Environmental awareness | Teamwork | Being unique | Family love | Helping others | Protecting nature | Encouraging others | Trust | Respect
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The One and Only Ivan
Believing in Yourself: In the movie, Ivan discovers his talent for painting, which becomes a powerful tool for change. This teaches kids the importance of believing in their own abilities and how self-confidence can lead to making a difference in the world.
Building Friendships: The bond between Ivan and the other animals, like Stella and Bob, highlights the importance of friendship. Children learn that supporting and caring for friends can help overcome challenges and create a sense of belonging.
Coping with Change: As the animals face new circumstances, they must adapt to their changing environment. This shows kids that while change can be difficult, it can also lead to growth and new opportunities.
Finding Courage: Ivan's journey to question his life and seek a better future for himself and his friends demonstrates courage. Kids learn that standing up for what's right, even when it's hard, is an important part of personal growth.
Valuing Imagination: Ivan's love for painting not only helps him express himself but also becomes a catalyst for change. This encourages children to value their imagination and creativity as powerful tools for problem-solving and self-expression.
Other Lessons Learned: Accepting Yourself | Appreciating the Little Things | Being True to Yourself | Celebrating Uniqueness | Discovering Hidden Strengths | Embracing Differences | Holding Onto Hope | Making a Difference | Never Giving Up | Practicing Empathy | Supporting Your Friends | Trusting Intuition | Working as a Team
Why Kids Love The One and Only Ivan
The One and Only Ivan is a captivating tale where kids are drawn into a world of talking animals and unexpected friendships. Ivan, the artistic gorilla, and his animal pals, like the wise elephant Stella and the cheeky dog Bob, create a lively atmosphere filled with humor and heart. The movie is a colorful adventure where teamwork and creativity shine as the animals band together to solve problems and help each other. Kids will be enchanted by the bright, vibrant settings and the playful antics of the animal friends.
The arrival of Ruby, the adorable baby elephant, adds a layer of excitement and charm, as the animals rally to support her. With its mix of fun, friendship, and a dash of heroism, The One and Only Ivan offers an engaging experience that keeps kids entertained and eager to see what happens next.