Song of the Sea (2014) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The story of the last Seal Child’s journey home. After their mother’s disappearance, Ben and Saoirse are sent to live with Granny in the city. When they resolve to return to their home by the sea, their journey becomes a race against time as they are drawn into a world Ben knows only from his mother’s folktales. But this is no bedtime story; these fairy folk have been in our world far too long. It soon becomes clear to Ben that Saoirse is the key to their survival.
Rated PG • 2014 • 1h 34m
Rated PG, "Song of the Sea" is a visually stunning animated film rooted in Irish folklore that earns its rating primarily for its emotionally complex themes. The story follows a boy, Ben, and his mute sister, Saoirse, as they grapple with the mysterious disappearance of their mother. Parents should be aware of the central themes of grief, parental loss, and family separation, which are handled sensitively but may be intense for younger… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Song of the Sea appropriate for kids?
Rated PG, "Song of the Sea" is a visually stunning animated film rooted in Irish folklore that earns its rating primarily for its emotionally complex themes. The story follows a boy, Ben, and his mute sister, Saoirse, as they grapple with the mysterious disappearance of their… Read more — free account
Content severity in Song of the Sea
What happens in Song of the Sea, moment by moment
- 0:02 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
Sex and nudity in Song of the Sea
None. There is no sexual content, nudity, or innuendo.
Violence and gore in Song of the Sea
Some scenes of animated peril could be frightening for young children. In one sequence, large owls with glowing red eyes pursue the children and turn magical creatures into stone statues by sucking the life from them. An older brother, Ben, acts with hostility toward his younger sister in the film's first act, at one point frightening her with a story and putting her on a leash. A character is shown in peril, nearly drowning in a storm and later appearing very sick and close to death. The violence is never graphic.
Language in Song of the Sea
Language is very mild. In a few scenes, a sign on a character's bedroom door reads "KEEP OUT, FEIC OFF." This is a visual pun on an Irish swear word that will likely go unnoticed by most children. There are a few religious exclamations but no profanity.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Song of the Sea
Substance use is minimal. A character is shown smoking a pipe in a couple of brief scenes. The children's grieving father is shown briefly drinking a pint of beer at a pub.
Mature themes in Song of the Sea
The film's most significant content involves its mature themes, which are central to the plot. The story is driven by the profound grief of a family following the loss of a mother, who disappeared after childbirth. Her husband is depicted as heartbroken and her son is resentful. A main villain, the witch Macha, turns characters to stone to spare them from pain and sadness, a metaphor for emotional suppression that stems from her own grief. Saoirse becomes very ill and her life is in jeopardy, which may be…
Read more — free accountScary moments in Song of the Sea
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Song of the Sea yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Song of the Sea appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Song of the Sea is best for ages 8+. It's rated PG. Rated PG, "Song of the Sea" is a visually stunning animated film rooted in Irish folklore that earns its rating primarily for its emotionally complex themes. The story follows a boy, Ben, and his mute sister, Saoirse…
What age rating does Song of the Sea have?
Song of the Sea is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 8+.
What is Song of the Sea about?
Rated PG, "Song of the Sea" is a visually stunning animated film rooted in Irish folklore that earns its rating primarily for its emotionally complex themes. The story follows a boy, Ben, and his mute sister, Saoirse, as they grapple with the mysterious disappearance of their mother. Parents should be aware of the…
Is there sex or nudity in Song of the Sea?
None. There is no sexual content, nudity, or innuendo.
How violent is Song of the Sea?
Some scenes of animated peril could be frightening for young children. In one sequence, large owls with glowing red eyes pursue the children and turn magical creatures into stone statues by sucking the life from them. An older brother, Ben, acts with…
Is the language in Song of the Sea appropriate for kids?
Language is very mild. In a few scenes, a sign on a character's bedroom door reads "KEEP OUT, FEIC OFF." This is a visual pun on an Irish swear word that will likely go unnoticed by most children. There are a few religious exclamations but no profanity.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Song of the Sea?
Substance use is minimal. A character is shown smoking a pipe in a couple of brief scenes. The children's grieving father is shown briefly drinking a pint of beer at a pub.
What mature themes appear in Song of the Sea?
The film's most significant content involves its mature themes, which are central to the plot. The story is driven by the profound grief of a family following the loss of a mother, who disappeared after childbirth. Her husband is depicted as heartbroken and…
How long is Song of the Sea?
Song of the Sea runs 94 minutes, directed by Tomm Moore, released in 2014.
Where can I read the full Song of the Sea parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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