My Father's Dragon
My Father's Dragon is an animated fantasy adventure film produced by Cartoon Saloon, based on the classic 1948 children's novel by Ruth Stiles Gannett. The narrative centers on a young boy named Elmer Elevator, who, grappling with his family's financial hardship after relocating to the bustling Nevergreen City, embarks on a courageous journey to the mythical Wild Island. His mission is to locate and liberate a young dragon, Boris, with the belief that the dragon can provide a solution to his family's struggles. The film delves into universal themes such as bravery, the essence of friendship, and the process of confronting one's fears. Elmer and Boris form an unlikely bond, working together against a backdrop of a sinking island and various challenging animal inhabitants. This heartwarming tale is crafted to appeal to a younger audience, delivering valuable lessons in emotional intelligence through its richly imaginative scenarios and distinctive 2D animation style. With a runtime of approximately 99 minutes, the movie carries a PG rating, primarily due to elements of mild peril and scenes that could be considered scary for very young viewers.
Concerns
Violence
MediumThe movie contains several instances of mild, cartoonish violence and peril. While no graphic gore is present, characters face threats from wild animals and engage in minor physical altercations, consistent with its PG rating.
Kids grab and shove Elmer's jar to steal his one precious coin early in the film. Wild animals, such as a crocodile, threaten Elmer with dialogue like 'I will snap him in two,' and tigers discuss 'taking a first bite and how juicy Elmer must be.' Additionally, Elmer kicks a monkey in the face during a confrontation, and the monkey retaliates by throwing a flaming branch at him.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThe film features fantastical elements and benign magic within its adventure narrative. This includes talking animals, a magical island, and a dragon's mystical 'rite-of-passage' to acquire greater powers, presented within a fantasy context rather than dark occult practices.
Elmer is guided to Wild Island by a talking cat, initiating his fantastical journey. Boris the dragon aims to undergo a 'rite-of-passage transition from being a young dragon to being an After Dragon with greater power' to save the island, which is presented as a magical and fantastical process. The entire premise of Wild Island, its animals, and the dragon's role in preventing its sinking are based on magical and supernatural elements.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe movie contains elements of peril and suspense that contribute to its PG rating. These include threatening situations, characters facing danger, and an overall tense atmosphere, which could be frightening for very young children.
The overarching threat of Wild Island continuously sinking creates constant peril and intense moments where animals are in danger of drowning, and Elmer himself falls and nearly drowns. Wild animals, including menacing crocodiles and fierce tigers, repeatedly threaten to harm or eat Elmer and Boris, creating suspenseful chase sequences.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe film presents instances of defiance and arguments, primarily through the protagonist Elmer. His actions, such as running away and confrontational dialogue, are depicted as problematic and are part of his character's growth arc.
Elmer runs away from home to the docks after his mother states that their dream of opening a new shop is a 'lost cause,' demonstrating an act of defiance and rebellion against his mother's resigned outlook. Later, Elmer and Boris engage in a 'charged and tearful confrontation' where Elmer says 'hurtful things,' stemming from Elmer's need to be in control.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowNo explicit or implied LGBTQ+ content, characters, or themes were found in the movie 'My Father's Dragon' or in discussions related to its creators. Content analysis from various review sites consistently reports an absence of sexual references or gender identity discussions.
The film contains no characters identified as LGBTQ+, nor are there any discussions or portrayals of gender identity topics. Multiple sources, including Raising Children Network and Parents' Guide reviews, explicitly state 'There are no sexual references in My Father's Dragon' and 'There's no nudity and sexual activity in My Father's Dragon.'
Romance and Sexual Content
LowThe film is entirely free of romantic or sexual content. There are no sexual references, suggestive language, nudity, or implied sexual activity throughout the movie.
Review sources explicitly confirm the absence of such content. For example, Raising Children Network states, 'There are no sexual references in My Father's Dragon' and 'There's no nudity and sexual activity in My Father's Dragon.' Plugged In also confirms 'Sexual & Romantic Content: None.'
Profanity
LowThe movie includes very mild profanity and insults. Stronger curse words are absent, with language remaining generally appropriate for young audiences.
Instances of mild language include one use of 'oh my god' and several uses of 'gosh' or 'oh my gosh.' Additionally, characters use mild insults such as 'runt,' 'useless,' and 'shut up!'
Substance Use
LowThere is no depiction or mention of substance use, including alcohol, drugs, or smoking, throughout the film. This content area is entirely absent.
Multiple parental guidance reviews explicitly state the absence of this content. Raising Children Network notes, 'There’s no substance use in My Father’s Dragon.' Similarly, Movieguide and Plugged In confirm 'No alcohol use,' 'No smoking or drugs,' and 'Drug & Alcohol Content: None.'
Anti-Christian Themes
LowNo anti-Christian themes, mockery, or sacrilegious content were found within the movie. The film promotes a strong moral worldview centered on positive universal values.
Movieguide highlights that the film has a 'Very strong moral worldview' that teaches positive values such as 'truth, honesty, generosity, kindness, perseverance, making your family a priority, personal responsibility, courage, facing reality, facing your fears.' There are no references to Christian beliefs, symbols, or practices, and consequently, no content that could be interpreted as anti-Christian.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
The film is recommended for children aged 6 and up, with parental guidance suggested for those under 7. This is based on its MPAA rating of PG for 'some peril' and consistent advice from parental review outlets. Sources indicate it is 'not for under 5s' and 'OK for over 7s' due to mild violence, mature fantasy themes, and scary scenes that may be intense for younger children.
Additional Notes
The film is an adaptation of a 1948 novel, and some plot points, such as Elmer's backstory in the city and the dragon's name 'Boris,' differ from the original book. While visually stunning, some critics found the narrative to be more simplistic and less complex than other Cartoon Saloon productions. The movie's core message revolves around facing fears and the importance of friendship and accepting help, offering valuable discussion points for families.
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