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Original poster

To let me 8yr old dd watch of mice and men

19 replies

widdles · 13/06/2012 16:42

Dd1 is 14 and doing of mice and men for gcse english. When i was at school this was the only book i read from cover to cover and loved it but i want to get the dvd so i can discuss with dd1.

Dd2 is 8 and i want to also show her the dvd as she would not concentrate to read the book but my friend says it is not suitable.

Should i let her see it or not??????

OP posts:
CailinDana · 13/06/2012 16:42

No I would say not. It's too upsetting for an 8 year old.

AnyoneForTennis · 13/06/2012 16:44

My dd got the DVD.... We were all in tears, including her then 12 year old brother

loveisagirlnameddaisy · 13/06/2012 16:46

My DP was an actor and played Lennie in a stage performance of 'Of Mice and Men' years ago. His 8 year old cousin came to see it and was inconsolable when Lennie gets killed. Arguably that's because it was her cousin getting 'killed' but I think it's still heartrending stuff for a child of that age.

xDivAx · 13/06/2012 16:46

Definitely, let her see it!

Why on earth would it not be suitable, I thoroughly enjoyed both the book and the film, sure there are some controversial subjects and sad parts, but as long as you take the time to explain these to DD2, then I don't see a problem. There is a reason why kids study this book, it's a classic! IMO you will be setting DD2 in good stead and on the right path! Much better than some of the drivel on the telly box nowadays!

Original poster
widdles · 14/06/2012 08:04

I have tried to talk to dh about it and he has no opinion about anything, so i think i will get the dvd and maybe watch it over a couple of nights and have a good chat about whats happening.

When i think of the stuff she sees on tv anyway this probably won't be so bad.

Thanks everyone

OP posts:
DesperatelySeekingSedatives · 14/06/2012 08:08

It depends how sensitive DD2 is. I was sobbing reading the book aged 15. If there's a chance she will the same I'd say no, not yet.

Wonderful book though.

scentednappyhag · 14/06/2012 08:11

I've never seen the film Blush so I'm not sure how suitable it is.
I did, however, read the book at 8, and it didn't affect me negatively. You know your daughter better than your friend, trust your judgement Smile

valiumredhead · 14/06/2012 08:17

It's not suitable at 8, why don't you all just watch it when dd2 is in bed?

She'll either be distraught or it will go over her head - both good reasons to let her watch it when she is older.

Original poster
widdles · 14/06/2012 13:12

She is the kind of kid where everything goes over her head, nothing shocks or upsets her and she is very aware of the world around her.

OP posts:
valiumredhead · 14/06/2012 13:20

Well if it goes over her head, why bother? I don't understand Confused

Thymeout · 14/06/2012 13:55

What is the rating for the film?

Never in a million years would anyone actually recommend the subject matter of the book as being suitable for 8 year olds. Can't believe mumsnet sometimes. On another thread, posters want to ban Horrid Henry.

But you seem quite casual about her tv viewing so not sure why you are asking.

HoneyMurcott · 14/06/2012 13:55

I am assuming you mean the John Malkovich film. If you are happy with your 8 year old watching a woman getting killed and then a man getting shot in the head by his best friend, not to mention a dog getting shot, then go right ahead. I thought it was pretty confronting for a year 9 class when I watched it with them this year. Do you really want to risk it?

titchy · 14/06/2012 14:00

When i think of the stuff she sees on tv anyway this probably won't be so bad.

Really? Hmm

FredQuimby · 14/06/2012 14:06

Haven't read it in years, but surely the theme with the creepy guy who keeps his hand soft for the woman isn't suitable for an 8 year old? The mercy killing of Lenny isn't something that a child could grasp easily either.

FredQuimby · 14/06/2012 14:07

Of course, yes, the accidental killing of the woman too. Certainly nothing a child should have to watch or think about, in my opinion.

Original poster
widdles · 14/06/2012 19:06

Ok, i will watch it with dd1 first and make a judgment. Dd1 asked her english teacher today if she thought dd2 should be allowed to watch it (just for her opinion) and she said "it's a powerful story about life that everyone should see", very diplomatic but also true.

Might even start to read a couple of pages to her of an evening

OP posts:
JosephineCD · 14/06/2012 19:09

It's a PG. I don't think it's that bad, the violence is in context. It's not like mindless gory violence or anything.

dearbagpuss · 14/06/2012 19:18

I would say no and agree with Valium: if it goes over her head, what's the point? There is also a very gruesome hand crushing scene that made some of my 'hard' 15 year old male students blanche! (i think possibly leave the room)

If much of it will be missed thematically, symbolically and contextually, I think she could wait to see it after she's read it. When they're older, they'll get so much more from it.

EverybodysSleepyEyed · 14/06/2012 19:20

I don't think you should for two reasons

Firstly, she is young and she will not understand the underlying story. The deaths are quite hard too. I'm not sure why you would want to expose her to something so emotionally challenging at her age. I also can't see the point if she doesn't understand the context etc

Secondly, there are some books that you should always read first and this is one of them. You say she wouldn't concentrate to read the book which suggests she isn't ready. Leave it on the shelf and let her read it when she wants to.

The books that had the most powerful impact on me growing up we're the ones I came across as hidden gems rather than the ones I was encouraged/told to read.

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