Black Beauty

YMA recommendation

Approved as non-violent media, with caution. Animals in danger ; Distressing scenes ; Accidental Harm

Most suitable age range:

5-7

Availability

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About the movie

Year of production	1994
Classification advice
Rating	G
Consumer advice lines	None
Duration	85 minutes

Other information
Country of origin	USA
Production Company	Warner Home Video

Synopsis

The classic tale of Black Beauty, based on the 1877 book by Anna Sewell, tells the story of his life from his own viewpoint. His life’s journey takes him from his idyllic country beginnings to the city of London where he encounters the best and the worst of human behaviour. It’s a story that’s both heartbreaking and joyful.

Points to consider

Words of caution

Scary and distressing scenes (which may be too intense for some children) include:

Black Beauty’s best friend Ginger dies from mistreatment (not actually shown but the horse’s covered body is taken away)
the stables where Black Beauty is staying, catches on fire and Joe (a stable boy) runs into the barn to save the horses– Black Beauty is very scared.

Accidental harm includes:

a bridge collapses during a storm and a man is swept into a river
Black Beauty loses a shoe and stumbles, throwing the rider.

Positive aspects

Courage, bravery, loyalty, empathy with animals.

Questions to ask

Does Black Beauty’s story show you how animals should be treated?
Why was Black Beauty too scared to cross the bridge during the storm?
Animals have different ways of communicating than people do – does the movie help you understand how animals can tell you what they want or need?