The March school holidays are just next week, and it’s a great time to bring your whole family out for a treat at the cinema! But with so many films out there, which ones are both enriching and suitable for families with young children? We take a look at family friendly films which are sure to impart good values to audiences of all ages.
“Zootopia” sees innocent rabbit Judy Hopps and wily fox Nick Wilde teaming up to solve a mystery in the animal metropolis of Zootopia. It might be an animated film, but there are jokes based on current affairs and world news as well so it’s good entertainment for adults too!
“Zootopia” also carries strong messages about racism and discrimination, and in multi-cultural Singapore, that’s an especially important lesson to internalise. Strong characters and great animation round off this must-see film.
2)The Kid from the Big Apple (我来自纽约)
“The Kid from the Big Apple (我来自纽约)” is a touching tale of New York-bred girl Sarah who is forced to stay with her traditional Chinese grandfather, Chun Gen, in Malaysia. Parents and children will definitely empathise with the generation gap and resultant misunderstandings between the two main characters!
Family values are key in “The Kid from the Big Apple (我来自纽约),” showing us how modern technology and cultural values can complement each other. Mutual respect between the young and the elderly is important for family harmony, and there won’t be a dry eye left in cinema after watching this tearjerker.
3)Long Long Time Ago (我们的故事) (rated PG-13)
“Long Long Time Ago (我们的故事)” is a tale of of widow Zhao Di as she struggles to make a living in the early days of Singapore. It’s a good film to teach children about the history of Singapore, without forcing their noses into a textbook and remembering endless dates.
With the majority of the dialogue in Hokkien, it also helps introduce the younger generation to the language of many of our forefathers. Its multiracial cast is also a subtle reminder of the diversity of Singapore and how it took all Singaporeans working together to build the nation of today. Rather than telling them about the good old days, let your kids experience it through “Long Long Time Ago (我们的故事).”
Do note that “Long Long Time Ago (我们的故事)” is rated PG-13.
4)Race
Set in the 1930s, “Race” is about Jesse Owens, an African-American runner who broke records in the 1936 Olympics at Nazi-controlled Berlin. It’s a story about the triumph about the underdog, and its messages of perseverance and courage are important to instil in young children.
Besides the obvious themes of racial diversity, “Race” is also a chance to let the younger generation learn about Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. It’s an important aspect of world history, but it’s also far removed from our current times, and “Race” provides that opportunity to learn about one of the most despised dictators in history.
“Kung Fu Panda 3” sees Po returning to battle the evil spirit warrior Kai, who threatens more than just the mortal realm. This film is pure family entertainment, and gives us more than just one kung fu panda this time with Po’s panda village!
Its colourful characters help relay its message about stepping out of your comfort zone, which might be a little deep for children, but ultimately can be simplified as not giving up. It’s a good comedy for the whole family, and a sequel that we’ve all been waiting for.
So which film are you going to catch this March holidays?
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