to take young children to see Into the Woods?

[burgatroyd]

Children are five and six years old. The rating is PG but I have heard it might be too adult? Anyone seen it? Would it be suitable this age group?

[museumum]

I haven't seen it but it's supposed to be (or the play was) an adult piss take on the traditional fairy tale so I wouldn't take any child who might still enjoy a good fairy tale.

[MrsAmaretto]

Trailer scares the bejesus out of me & I'm old. I really don't think it's suitable for young children - have a look at the trailer & the reasons for the classification.

[molyholy]

I have watched it with my just turned 6 year old daughter. The plot is a bit complicated, she kept asking questions as it is a turn on the classic fairlytale stories, but she loves a good musical and enjoyed it thoroughly. She wasn't scared whatsoever and I really enjoyed it too.

[lavendersun]

The reviews are that it is quite adult in its portrayal with a few scenes with a sexual undertone.

I was considering it for today (8 year old here) but decided to go for the Hobbit instead.

Haven't ruled it out though, I would just like to read a bit more.

It could be that all the risqué bits just go over the heads of younger children.

[gazzalw]

We went to see a Times preview of it last weekend and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all the family (DCs 14 and 9).

I think it's only as scary as all fairy tales have the potential to be. If the children know the stories then I think they will cope. Johnny Depp is brilliant as the 'Big, bad wolf' and Meryl Streep is a corker of a witch.

It may confuse them a bit though because you are presented with a 'mash up' of about five different fairy tales. Younger members of the audience may not easily be able to 'unpick' them easily and that might confuse them???

Brilliant film though - the showing we went to had quite a lot of elderly couples sans enfants in the audience!

[arlagirl]

Its not aimed at children.
If your children will sit quietly , fine.

But not if they're going to be bored and fidgety.

[molyholy]

As being someone who has actually seen the film, I wouldn't say there was anything overtly sexual in it, or I would have not let my daughter watch it. If there was, it totally went over my head!

[Skatingfastonthinice]

I've seent the Broadway version, the second half has lots of unhappy endings for many of the fairytale characters. Unfaithfulness, insanity, death...

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Into_the_Woods_%28film%29

[lavendersun]

That is nice to hear moly - some of the reviews make it sound quite strange in that regard. Over the head is what we want!

[OstentatiousBreastfeeder]

I've seen it. There's no gore, any death that features is either very subtle (simply lying down) or blacked out completely.

No sexy times. Just some kissing, and if you're an adult you may understand more may have gone on when the scene cuts back to them, but children won't because there's no nudity, or overt suggestions of sex.

That being said I don't think it's a film that would appeal to a child unless that child is into musicals in a big way.

[Everythingwillbeok]

Just watched it its truly awful.

Everything is sung gets so boring and annoying after 30 mins. The little girl who plays little red riding hood is ok that's about it.

It's so long and there's nothing to make you like the characters at all.

Although its not scary and im sure your DC will be fine watching it please don't waste your money.

[YouBetterWerk]

I went today with my DSIS and niece, 6.
We all really really enjoyed it, me and my DSIS were bought up on the broadway soundtrack so it holds quite a special place and we had high expectations.
As far as peril and scariness goes, my DN was totally fine, apart from a bit of excited squealing when the witch arrived (FWIW, I think kids love to be scared a bit in films).
There were lots of children there, and they were all deathly silent which I think is testament to the film.

[Clawdy]

Went to see it today and it seemed tediously long in places with too many unmemorable songs. I think it should have ended before the giantess storyline personally. I'm impressed so many young children on this thread have enjoyed it. I'm pretty sure mine at that age would have found it too long,and also too disturbing in parts.

[TurnOverTheTv]

It was a bit tedious in some places. My 10yo was gutted about the bakers wife cheating with Prince Charming. I was a bit shocked at her very strong reaction to it!

[Cabrinha]

My almost 6yo paid attention thought, and enjoyed it.
It's fun. Songs are good whilst on but instantly forgettable.
It's not scary unless you're very sensitive.
Agree the giantess bit could have been cut. Thought it was unfair actually though wont say why and spoil it!

[LucieHMumsnet]

We've sweeped this thread over to Films after the OP very kindly gave us permission. Thanks!

[curiousgeorgie]

I took my 4 year old. She was fine with it but got a bit bored (as did I) as it really loses its way for the last half hour...

[Lonz]

It's quite a long film I think for a kid to sit through. Everything is sung but there are parts where I got bored. I wanted to enjoy it but...it was hard, ha!
There's nothing in it that's not suitable for kids.