Gremlins. Suitable?

[xmasplumtartmeistergeneral]

What age do you think Gremlins is suitable for? It's on at Christmas. I remember when it first came out everyone was saying 'it's not a children's film' but I think, 20 years later children are exposed to more than a few fluffies getting mad. I don't know, haven't seen it for all these years, have an 8 yo and a 5 yo.

It is a 15 certificate, I think, but my 8 and 5 year old have seen it - they first watched it last year when they were 7 and 4. DH had told them all about it, because we found an old Gremlin soft toy, and didn't realise the certificate.

I don't think it's that scary or violent TBH. There are a few nasty-ish bits, but my boys find the most distressing bit the end where Billy has to say goodbye to Gizmo.

I must have been quite young when I saw it but my parents were very lax in that area - dodnt do me any harm but I wouldnt let very young kids watch it - maybe 8 is okay?

My DD watched it aged about 7 (I think) an loved it. It is more violent and gory than I remembered, although I guess when you watch films before you have children you see them differently to when you do have children.
It's personal choice really, I guess it depends how sensitive your children are.

My 8 yo has seen Indiana Jones against my wishes. You think initially it's a really good boys film, then you realise the amount of actual violence in it - particularly gun violence. I'm not in any way prudish about what my children see (have seen all Star Wars films etc) but that was ott. Not officially a kids film of course!

The one film both boys found the most upsetting - we had to switch it off - was March of the Penguins. Reduced both of them to tears a couple of months ago! Anakin's burnt head and amputated limbs had nothing on the mother penguin being eaten by a seal!!!!