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It seems to many that in times of a pandemic, you need to choose a movie about viruses, disasters and the salvation of mankind. In fact, quarantine is a great reason to watch movies or cartoons about love, emotions and mutual assistance with the whole family.
All recommendations are for school-age children.
1. “Captain Fantastic” (2016)
About what:
Once the head of a huge family, Ben decided to isolate his family from capitalism and consumer society and organized a camp in the forest where everyone lives according to his ideals.
His children with unusual names are smart beyond their years, thoughtfully read Dostoevsky and Nabokov, instead of Christmas they celebrate the birthday of the living classic, philosopher Noam Chomsky, and at the same time they are perfectly developed physically. But one day life forces them to get on a bus and go to a city full of enemies and temptations.
Why it’s worth a look:
It is interesting to discuss with children what isolation gives, what it can teach us and why there are people who consciously choose it.
2. “Pay to another” (2000)
About what:
Seventh grade student Trevor McKinney has always been a bit of an odd boy. While the rest of the kids played war or bullied their not-so-lucky classmates, Trevor saved animals and helped teachers.
One day the boy read somewhere that he could start a “chain of goodness” on his own. Do something nice to a stranger who will then do the same to someone else. Despite the assurances of adults that people are cruel and nothing will work out, Trevor still began to help the homeless, orphans, even his enemies …
Why it’s worth a look:
Let’s think about what kind of “chain of goodness” we can launch while sitting in our apartments? Maybe help single mothers or organize a flash mob of support on social networks?
3. “Puzzle” (2015)
About what:
The main character is a cheerful, inquisitive girl Riley. She is eleven years old and lives with her parents in a small provincial town where everyone knows each other. For several years, Riley has been friends with the same guys, goes to the same school and is secretly in love with the same boy.
But she does not suspect that all her deeds, thoughts and feelings are controlled by five basic emotions that are in her head: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust. They constantly quarrel and cannot agree among themselves in any way, but at some point they will have to do it.
Why it’s worth a look:
A great opportunity to talk about your feelings in isolation and share fears and worries with each other.
4. “Five friends” and “Five friends-2” (2012-2013)
About what:
German adventure film for the whole family, based on the children’s detective book series by Enid Blyton. A story about four teenagers who went from hatred to friendship.
Why it’s worth a look:
Well suited for those who have several children in the family, as the film is about the importance of friendship between sisters and brothers and about the fact that you can only win together. By the way, it is a good reason to read the books of the famous writer, which have been read by European teenagers for more than seventy years.
5. “Little Miss Happiness” (2006)
About what:
A story about a big family with a lot of problems and difficulties. But everyone has to gather their strength and go to the contest, which little Olive dreams of winning.
Why it’s worth a look:
It is quite possible that this film will help you find a purpose for which it is worth surviving isolation. It should be noted that the film received two Oscars, a Cesar, two British Academy Film Awards, an Audience Award at the San Sebastian Festival, an Actors Guild Award and a number of other honorary nominations.
6. The Secret of Coco (2017)
About what:
A boy from the Mexican hinterland, Miguel Rivera, cannot live without music. But he and his beloved guitar are not destined to be together: the fact is that his whole family cannot stand musicians. This hatred has been passed down from generation to generation, starting with Miguel’s great-great-grandmother, Imelda.
Why it’s worth a look:
One of the best films about how to come to oneself, overcoming various personal wilds and family prejudices. The case when the authors discuss very important and serious topics with the help of techniques understandable to children.
7. “Room” (2015)
About what:
A story about a young mother and her son who live with the kidnapper, and the boy did not see anything until the age of 5, except for this room. The baby was born here and never went out the door. However, he does not suffer at all about this: together with Ma, he reads, develops, plays and celebrates birthdays. And when Ma finally manages to escape, Jack sees for the first time how huge and beautiful the world around him is.
Why it’s worth a look:
Discuss with your child how long-term isolation and the subsequent exit from it can affect a person, talk about the connection between mother and child. This film can also be an occasion to touch on difficult topics about violence, to discuss safety issues with the child.
About the Developer
Nina Dobrynchenko-Matusevich — Producer of educational projects and events, Leader of the League of Modern Parents, Creator .