Early Man
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Early Man
Early Man (2018) is a stop-motion animated sports comedy film from Aardman Animations, directed by Nick Park, known for 'Wallace & Gromit' and 'Shaun the Sheep.' The story centers on Dug, a young caveman, and his Stone Age tribe who live a simple life of rabbit hunting. Their world is disrupted when a Bronze Age city, led by the greedy Lord Nooth, invades their valley to mine for bronze, displacing the tribe. To reclaim their home, Dug challenges the Bronze Age civilization to a high-stakes football match, despite his tribe having no prior experience with the sport. With the help of a Bronze Age girl named Goona, Dug must unite his tribe and teach them to play, highlighting themes of teamwork, perseverance, and standing up for one's community.
Things to Consider
Violence
The movie includes frequent slapstick violence and mild animated action, typical of Aardman productions. While some scenes depict conflict and natural disasters, they are generally comedic or brief, without graphic gore.
Romance and Sexual Content
The film contains mild sexual references and innuendo, as well as brief, non-graphic nudity primarily for comedic effect. Romantic elements are very light.
Profanity
The film features infrequent mild coarse language and a notable amount of crude/toilet humor.
Scary & Intense Content
There are some scenes that could be perceived as mildly scary or intense for younger viewers, primarily involving natural disasters, large animals, and chase sequences, though these are often interspersed with comedy.
Disrespect & Rebellion
The film explores themes of challenging established norms and authority, particularly through the protagonist's actions against an oppressive leader and traditional tribal ways.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The film contains no explicit or implied LGBTQ characters, relationships, or themes. General character portrayals do not delve into specific sexual orientations or gender identities. One source noted some 'flamboyant' characters without further specifying if this indicated LGBTQ identity.
Witchcraft & Occult
No elements of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, spells, or supernatural themes are present in 'Early Man (2018)'.
Substance Use
The film contains no depictions or mentions of alcohol, drug use, or smoking.
Anti-Christian Themes
The movie does not contain explicit anti-Christian themes or messages. While some sources note a lack of specific spiritual content, others identify positive biblical messages within the movie's broader themes.
Early Man presents a worldview that aligns with several biblical values, primarily emphasizing community, teamwork, and the importance of defending one's home and heritage. The narrative rewards characters for virtues such as bravery, perseverance, and selflessness, particularly through Dug's efforts to unite his tribe and save their valley. The villain, Lord Nooth, embodies greed and imperialistic ambition, and his actions ultimately lead to his downfall, demonstrating moral accountability for vice. The film's messaging highlights that collective effort and intrinsic worth are superior to individual glory and material wealth, which resonates with biblical teachings about humility and serving others. While the film does not explicitly mention God or Christian faith, it portrays a transcendent view of life through the deep connection the Stone Age tribe has to their ancestral land and their dedication to their community's well-being. A prayer of thanks is offered at the beginning of the movie, suggesting a recognition of a higher power, even if undefined. Family values are implicitly portrayed through the strong tribal bonds, where Chief Bobnar acts as a paternal figure, and Goona demonstrates loyalty and helpfulness, challenging gender norms positively. The film's themes of sacrifice (Dug's willingness to risk everything for his tribe) and fighting for what is right (against Lord Nooth's injustice) have parallels with concepts of righteous struggle and standing for truth found in Christian teachings. Ultimately, the film's core message champions working together and caring for one's community, values that are deeply embedded in a Christian worldview.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
Recommended for ages 6 and up, due to mild slapstick violence, some rude humor and toilet humor, infrequent mild coarse language, and scenes that could be moderately intense for very young children.
Good to Know
The film is a standalone production and does not have direct sequels or adaptations that would introduce evolving content concerns. Its humor style relies heavily on British cultural references and visual puns, which some younger international audiences might not fully grasp. The animation quality is consistent with Aardman's distinct stop-motion style.
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