To not take a 4 year old to see the Hobbit

[Loveweekends10]

I went to the cinema this evening with my 13 year old to see the Hobbit. This film is a 12A. It has graphic details or Orkney heads been cut off, arms being hacked off etc.
so a lady walks in with her 4 year old. Sits down and sure enough 30 minutes lady the little girl is screaming and has to be taken out.
What was this mother thinking?

KnittingChristmas Sun 16-Dec-12 20:12:55
bisjo, yes one posted just underneath you.

snurk<

I'm so careful about what my DCs watch that we don't even own a tv! Or have any computer games or a wii (nor do we let them watch the adult news on iplayer) ..

In fact watch hardly any films, DD decided Dawn Treader would be too scary for her a couple of years ago and we didn't take them to Christmas Carol either as trailer looked nightmare-inducing. We vet Merlin episodes before they watch them. Totally avoid realistic violence and I'm as judgy as some of the posters on here, especially about innocent vulnerable small children being exposed to awful adult films.. but as ours are big fantasy and LoTR fans we took them to Hobbit today (DS is 6) and they both hugely enjoyed.

We got there early to ensure aisle seat in case of needing to pee, both parents prepared to take them out if not enjoying, no rustling sweet wrappers or mobile phones and strict instructions to whisper in the slientest voice if they wanted clarification.

It's a children's book that the whole family is really into and we've discussed it loads. DD is having a 'one ring' birthday party next month.

How is that irresponsible or selfish parenting? It was right for all of us and didn't disturb a soul in the almost empty cinema.

As has already been said, The Hobbit violence is clearly far removed from real life, mainly goblins getting pushed off bridges. Battles scenes are free from gore and when the city of Dale is burnt by the dragon it's kites and a kid's doll that you see on fire. There're lots of glorious sweeping scenery shots and themes of belonging, homes, mercy, courage and loyalty. For us the only possibly scary part was the Necromancer's fortress but that was framed by Radagast the Brown (crazy nature wizard) riding his sleigh pulled by rabbits and nursing a hedgehog called Sebastian back to health - thought we'd wanadered into a Disney film at that point.

The most disturbing thing for our DCs were the adverts and trailers beforehand.

If I wanted to take ds to something say aimed at 10 year olds it would be easy to prep him to answer any questions. No one believes him when he says he is 8 anyway.

Knitting I'm wondering what you posted under me?

Smell, I'm staggered at your decision - truly staggered.

Bisjo, you mentioned selfish and irresponsible parents and I was just saying one posted just underneath you!

Knitting you're quickly becoming one of my favourite MN posters!

The difference between a child reading the book and watching the film is the capacity of their imagination. I read The Hobbit when I was 8, I certainly couldn't have coped with the film at that age though.

Some 12As are actually ok so I think it is a bit of a rubbish rating TBH.

I wouldn't take a 4 year old based on the fact it is so long without even checking the content!

Film content aside, it's a rare 4 year old who can sit through a 3 hour film. It's selfish of parents to take them there, both from the child's pov and other cinema goers.

Four year olds should only be taken to see films that are specifically for them - ones that aren't too long.

@ SpecialAgent - you're too kind!

Post not thread!

Nope just honest.

We need more hones people like you!

Whenever I hear [inappropriate movie] + 7yr old + emotionally mature = teeth Itch

I saw it last night and wouldn't take my 5, nearly 6 year old to see it. He was upset by parts of Pirates in an Adventure with Scientists though so it's understandable I wouldn't take him to see something like the Hobbit.

Personally I found it overly violent with too much detraction from the story in terms of action scenes and battles which were unnecessary. There was also certain amount of suspension of belief necessary which I don't remember needing watching Lord of the Rings. It was on a similar level of believability as watching 2012!

Smell i'm staggered that anyone would be staggered at your post. I think you are clearly a very responsible parent in tune with your own children's likes and dislikes. Well done you. .

I don't think 12A is a poor rating, it's no-one allowed in under twelve without an adult. So I guess they would be asked for ID if they were unaccompanied. It leaves it up to the discretion of the parent, as clearly they know their child better than anyone. Seems pretty sensible all round to me.

Just to really shock/stagger some of you, my three year old loves Matilda... it's a PG GASP!

I agree. I saw it this evening and definitely don't think it suitable for any 4 year old. I was worried my 11 year old might have nightmares but he says not lol.

I suppose because it's an adventure-type film that some parents mistakenly think it's a kids film? It's definitely not, it's not aimed at children at all. I was quite surprised when we went that there were several kids in there (maybe around 6-8 years old).

Doshusallie

DH took 10y DD to see The Hobbit this afternoon. They really enjoyed it. However, both say that it isn't suitable for young children as there is a fair bit of violence in it. DH reckons the only reason it isn't a 15 really is because it is fantasy creatures having their heads cut off instead of actual people.

"It leaves it up to the discretion of the parent, as clearly they know their child better than anyone"

In my job I'm faced with the dire parenting decisions people make on a daily basis so I'm not that keen on leaving all decisions based on kids up to their parents, no.

That's why certificates exist - on films and computer games.

I find it utterly bizarre that anyone thinks this film is suitable for any 6 year old. I don't need to know every six year old in the country to know that this film just isn't what 6 yr olds should be watching and I don't understand why any parent would want to expose their 6 yr old to this kind of violence, "fantasy" or not.

Clearly many parents disagree - hence the need for the 12 certificate.

Knitting I am sure I will regret my inappropriate parenting choices when ds is in in prison age 13 for going on violent rampages, caused by seeing the hobbit at the age of six. What is society coming to? :-(

Yer, cos that was exactly what I was suggesting .

My five year old watched The Hobbit when he was four and wasn't in the slightest bit scared. He laughed at most of the Ork battles and sat through it twice, both times in one sitting. He's also seen the follow up twice and wants to see the next one. Of course, in a few years time when he's going on the rampage and beheading fictional beasts with his Elf mates, then I'll take the blame (Although the wife should take the blame, as she let him watch it when I wasn't in!).

The whole thing is so cartoonish it's hard to take seriously.

Of course, he wants to see the third film.