selected book topics for all ages | character traits in books (all ages) | character traits in movies (all ages)
Films about Character
films for families to enjoy and process together
This is (obviously) not a comprehensive list. Simply films I’ve enjoyed and appreciated that illuminate traits worth illuminating. I’ve not broken it down by ages; rather, I’ve focused on ones that I think are worth seeing together as a family…at some point. That point is up to you. Clearly there’s a difference in range between Finding Nemo and The Princess Bride, or Inside Out and Fiddler on the Roof…but all are wonderful films. Caveat emptor - or let the viewer (and viewers’ parents or guardians - beware 😀) Let me know of additions or ideas!
Adventure
coming soon
Anger / getting along / solving disagreements / emotions
coming soon
Art
coming soon
Boldness
Caring & Compassion
coming soon
Cleanliness / Tidiness / Picking up
coming soon
Confidence / Uniqueness / Daring to be yourself
coming soon
Cooperation / Getting along
Courage / Sticking up for others
Babe (1995)
Creativity
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Curiosity
coming soon
Determination
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Devotion
Encouragement
Empathy - the effort to feel and understand what somebody else is feeling
The BFG (2016)
Inside Out (2015)
Anger, Sadness, Joy, Fear and Disgust. All characters in Pixar’s wonderful little story about feelings and emotions.
E.T. (1982)
Spielberg’s classic about a boy who befriends and protects an alien…from the adults wanting to harm someone who is different.
Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
Intense epic about traditional Ukrainian Jews facing changes to their way of life, in both small ways such as relationships and romance, and big ways such as religious persecution. Excellent look at different cultures and how they form who people become - and the importance of understanding how different isn’t better or worse. Simply different. Also a good dialog jump-off for peoples who are religiously discriminated against today.
Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
The quirky classic about a very odd teenager who is simply himself…and finds a little band of fellow oddballs to form a community of family and friendship.
Pollyanna (1960)
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
One of the definitive stories about the importance of standing up for what’s right, even when you’re surrounded by people pressuring you to do something different. Deals head-on with systemic racism as the main narrative, but also with a reminder of how easy it is to misunderstand people (the mysterious Boo Radley).
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
The inspired-by-a-true story of a father who pursues a Wall Street career while trying to raise his son. Oh, and they’re homeless. A strong reminder of how little we know of others’ lives and the struggles and challenges they may be facing, especially as it concerns social class and the stigma of houselessness. Inspiring as it tracks a dad’s determination to give his son a better life.
Up (2009)
Wonder (2017)
Enthusiasm
Envy / Jealousy
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Fairness
Faithfulness
Fear / Worry
coming soon
Forgiveness
Friendship
E.T. (1982)
Paper Planes (2015)
The Red Balloon (1956)
The Two Towers (2002)
Generosity / Sharing
coming soon
Grief, Loss & Death
Paper Planes (2015)
Honesty & Truth
Pinocchio (1940)
Humility
Imagination & Play
Mary Poppins (1964)
The Sound of Music (1965)
Integrity
Kindness
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Learning / growth
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Listening / paying attention
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Loneliness
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Love
Loyalty
Optimism
Patience
Peer pressure
coming soon
Politics
coming soon
Peacefulness
Perseverance
Playfulness
Proactiveness
Problem-solving, ingenuity, and not giving up - films that highlight the ability to solve a problem
Apollo 13 (1995)
The Martian (2015)
Reliability
Resilience - films that highlight the human spirit’s capacity to get through tough times
Annie (1982)
Finding Nemo (2003)
The Journey of Natty Gann
The Two Towers
Resourcefulness
The Martian (2015)
Self-discipline / self-control
coming soon
Spirituality
Blog posts regarding films & movies
Thoroughness
Tolerance
Trust
coming soon