MovieChat Forums > The King and I (1956) Discussion > How Will Kids React?

How Will Kids React?

posted 14 years ago by broncopolobabe
5 replies | jump to latest

Does anyone have young children that have watched this, or know young children who have? I work at a summer camp and am in the process of planning a "Night At the Drive In" evening activity. I want to show the kids (who range in ages from 8-15) an older movie as opposed to something new that they've probably all seen a million times. I know that there isn't much profanity, etc, etc in the movie, but do you think any of the movie would scare younger kids? Or would they even enjoy it? If any of you are parents, how would you feel about your child being shown this movie while away at camp?

Thanks!

"He's her lobster!" - Phoebe

[–] agkap 14 years ago

I can assure you that they will absolutely LOVE it! My little brother hates musicals and thinks they are boring. But when we watched "The King and I" together, he was mesmerized. Furthermore, the film raises many subjects (human rights, democracy, the traits of the true leader, the respect of the national identity and its combination with modernization, platonic love, etc.) that afterwards the children can discuss and express themselves on these issues.

Memento vivere (Remember to live)

[–] Toasted_Peaches 14 years ago

I think it would be a great choice, others might disagree.

As you can see from the mesage board, there are those that find the film racist and objectionable.

~*~ Melba ~*~

[–] pierce-mn1 14 years ago

I'm teaching a movie musical class for children, and this is their 3rd movie. I showed That's Entertainment as a foundation for movie musicals and Meet Me in St. Louis as a good representation. I'm showing The King and I now and the class loves it. As long as you explain along the way things that are going on, they will like it.

Next week: The Music Man, class finale: Mary Poppins.

[–] danaenicole 12 years ago

i grew up with this movie. i watched it all the time as a kid. :)

[–] HungLouMeng 12 years ago

I wouldn't appreciate it unless there was a lot of discussion afterward about the heavy ethnic condescension at work in the film.