OK for kids 8+
Animated space adventure tackles war, complex themes.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that even though it's animated and targeted at kids, this sci-fi adventure deals with some very mature themes, including extinction, colonization, unprovoked war, and even a suicide bombing of sorts (the incident involves a main character and is presented as a noble sacrifice). The violence is more prominent than in most animated films and is similar to what you'd see in a movie like The Clone Wars -- animated, yes, but still disturbing. On the other hand, there are many positive lessons about environmental preservation, cross-cultural awareness, and peaceful negotiation, and there's no sex, language, or drinking to worry about. (Note: Some theaters are showing this movie in 3D, which adds an extra level of intensity.)
- Families can talk about the character who decides to sacrifice their life. Why did that character make their decision? Kids: How did it make you feel? Does it have more or less impact than the rest of the movie's violence? Why? Families can also discuss the movie's environmental message. What could Earthlings have done to prevent the eventual battle? Do you think this is meant to be a cautionary tale for us?
The good stuff
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Messages: Good-guy characters model positive traits like courage, bravery, and sacrifice. Other messages include the importance of environmentalpreservation, cross-cultural awareness, and peaceful negotiation. The Terrians believe in being peaceful and close to nature, but they'll also defend themselves when attacked.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: An Earth Force general wants to wipe out the Terrians so that humans can have their planet. His actions lead to many, many casualties on both sides. Opposing forces shoot at each other from battleships, and there are several explosions that result in deaths, as well as deaths from poison in the air. One main character's death is presented as an act of "noble suicide" -- but it also kills many people.
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Sexy stuff: Best friends flirt and embrace.
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Language: Very infrequent; one use of "damn" and one "God."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
A better animated film. by ~Robert~
This is one of the best animated films I have seen in a while. It is a refreshingly mature film that ignores the tired old formulas of mainstream animation. If you want the usual goofy characters and zany comedy, look elsewhere. If you want a well made and thought-provoking animated film that won't insult your intelligence, see this immediately.
4
Battle for Terra by tlfuller2nd
A simple, but novel story that presents a peaceful alien race that is threatened to extinction by an invading army of human beings.
The engaging aspect of this movie brilliantly portrays war in one of its true forms: the tragic struggle between two powers for a critical element of their existence with neither being the clear "right" or "wrong" side.
Even though the "happy ending" of this movie is expected from the very first scene, it still comes as a long-desired surprise.
This movie was very well-done. It is not really much of a "kid's movie;" consequently, the golden elements presented in this film will probably be completely missed by children and the battle scenes at the end will not really be the exciting "Monsters Vs. Aliens" climax.
5
Not your typical Alien vs Humanity, Must see! by Stenieone
I thought this was a fantastic show! It really made you think about what could happen if we were the aliens not the ones being invaded. Some of the younger kids in the audience were noticeably having a difficult time paying attention but it is a good family film. There are some great twists and good morals to the story, and even with the low budget that it had, it is originally and indie film, all the graphics looked great and the animation was fantastic! I will recommend this to everyone I know!
5
This Movie Is A Winner!! by mickey13282002
I really enjoyed Battle for Terra.
The story is a fresh take on the classic Alien Invasion genre with an interesting twist. I found the narrative interesting and the characters well developed... quite a feat for an animated film.
Visually, the 3D CG-animation is a feast to the eyes and helps the audience immerse into the story.
Excellent & highly recommended.
5
Worth spending an hour and 25 minutes on by jessefox33
It took an old story (alien invasion) and gave it a new and exciting twist. Very refreshing, me and my wife loved it. Really makes you think, on the one hand you want to root for the Humans because you see their plight, but on the other hand you have to cheer for the Terrians because it is their planet and very existance. Would recommend to anyone.
4
Interesting twist on the usual alien invasion by The_Tuna
nice job for a independent animated feature. character models were a little blockish but the sets and environments were amazing. plot was straightforward. my son 3.5 liked it also. probably will be eclipsed by the big budget movies like UP this summer, but definitely worth your time.
5
Amazing Movie Experience by anita08042007
Just saw Battle for Terra Last night---it was an absolutely amazing experience!!
The story has both action for the younger crowd and solid characters and plots for adults.
I really loved how the lead in this movie is a female heroine who is a real role model
that is intelligent, witty, cool, and caring.
The story builds up the suspense and drama as the Terrans and humans face each other.
The movie also has important environmental and social co-existence themes woven naturally
into the story.
The 3D effect is excellentl and adds a whole new dimension to the movie-going experience.
Overall, it is absolutely wonderful!
4
Battle for Terra by HeadoverHillCountry
This movie is not the normal animated film you see today. It did not have cute little cheap laugh skits in the movie that are there only for a laugh. This was a novel approach for a new generation. Instead of the normal chatter of my 10 and 15 year old girls after a movie, we actually had a conversation about at what cost we were willing to pay to save ourselves over others. So if you want to see a movie that draws you in and makes you think the way Wizards or Akira did, than I would recommend this movie. If you want the standard Disney or Pixar fare, then you might look somewhere else for your animation.
4
Very good by youradmiral
A very good movie -- lots of battle scenes that my 7-year-old loved, but also some interesting messages in the subtext that adults can appreciate. The animation is beautiful, and we didn't even see it in 3D.
5
This is a great movie by Teddy
I first saw this at the Intl Children's Film Festival, but it was on a small screen which didn't do it justice. I highly recommend this film; kids as young as 7-8 will love it.