“How to Train Your Dragon” is a beloved animated film franchise that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. However, before settling in for a family movie night, it’s essential to consider the content and whether it’s suitable for your children. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the elements within “How to Train Your Dragon” that parents should be aware of.
Violence and Gore: A Viking’s Life
The world of “How to Train Your Dragon” is one of Vikings and dragons, and as such, violence is a recurring theme. Keep in mind, this analysis is for the first movie.
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Dragon Battles: Scenes frequently depict Vikings battling dragons with swords and other weapons. Dragons are shown breathing fire, destroying homes, and being struck down. While not overly graphic, these scenes can be intense for younger viewers.
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Large-Scale Conflicts: There are depictions of larger battles, including an enormous dragon attacking a village. Fire engulfs people, catapults, and ships, with some falling into the ocean. This can be overwhelming for some children.
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Dragon-on-Dragon Violence: The film features scenes of dragons attacking each other, including one instance where a large dragon eats a smaller one. This may be disturbing for sensitive children.
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Training Sequences: The film includes “dragon training classes” where teens learn to kill dragons using axes and swords. Drawings depict methods of inflicting fatal wounds on dragons.
Intense Scenes and Themes
Beyond direct violence, other scenes and themes could be concerning for some parents.
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Near-Death Experiences: Characters face several dangerous situations. A teen boy is thought to be dead after flying into flames, and another nearly drowns while trying to free a trapped dragon.
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Loss of Limb: A character wakes up having lost a leg from the knee down, and another talks about a dragon biting off his hand. These injuries are visible, though not excessively graphic.
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Emotional Distress: Characters experience emotional distress, including a father disowning his son and teens yelling at each other. These moments may be upsetting for younger children.
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Threatening Situations: Dragons chase teens, pin them against rocks, and pick them up, creating moments of intense fear.
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Gross-Out Humor: There’s a scene involving a boy reluctantly eating regurgitated fish. Some may find this humorous, while others may find it unpleasant.
Language
The language in “How to Train Your Dragon” is generally mild and appropriate for most audiences. The most common concerns are brief, infrequent uses of insults and potentially suggestive jokes.
Positive Messages
Despite the potential concerns, “How to Train Your Dragon” also offers valuable positive messages.
- Acceptance and Understanding: The film promotes acceptance and understanding of those who are different. Hiccup challenges the Viking’s traditional view of dragons, ultimately leading to peace between the two groups.
- Friendship and Loyalty: The bond between Hiccup and Toothless is a central theme, highlighting the importance of friendship and loyalty.
- Courage and Self-Discovery: Hiccup’s journey is one of self-discovery, as he learns to embrace his unique qualities and stand up for what he believes in.
How to Approach “How to Train Your Dragon” With Your Children
- Consider Your Child’s Maturity Level: Every child is different, and it’s essential to consider your child’s individual maturity level and sensitivities.
- Watch it Together: Watching the movie with your children provides an opportunity to discuss any scenes or themes that may be concerning.
- Pause and Discuss: Don’t hesitate to pause the movie and talk about what’s happening. This can help children process their emotions and understand the film’s messages.
- Focus on the Positive Messages: Emphasize the positive messages of acceptance, friendship, and courage.
Conclusion
“How to Train Your Dragon” is a captivating film with exciting action, memorable characters, and heartwarming themes. By being aware of the potential content concerns and taking a proactive approach, you can help your children enjoy this movie in a safe and meaningful way. Remember to tailor your approach to your child’s individual needs and sensitivities.
