Common Sense Media Review
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 10+
The vintage fantasy epic is great, despite the overly graphic death.
Not present
Videos and photos
Based on 9 parent reviews
What is the story?
DRAGONSLAYER follows the quest of a sorcerer’s apprentice, Galen (Peter MacNichol), who sets out to slay the dragon and stop the cycle of sacrificing girls to stop the beast from destroying the entire kingdom. Galen valiantly tries to slay the dragon, but when the beast returns, Princess Elspeth discovers that her father, the king, has kept his daughter’s name off the list of maidens to be sacrificed. As another day of sacrifice approaches, Elspeth puts her name on the list and Galen decides to fight the dragon again, unaware that the creature is guarding a nest filled with eggs that are on the verge of hatching.
Is it good?
This medieval fantasy adventure is full of moral dilemmas, giving kids plenty to think about. For example, the king made a terrible deal with the dragon, but it was better for his people than the uncertainty they had before. This begs the question, when a community is in danger, how do you decide what to do? And, Galen does not know what he does not know. He thinks that because he knows a few tricks, he has enough magic to defeat the dragon. He is wrong, of course, and the princess dies because of his mistake. But when the time comes, and he must know the right moment to destroy the amulet, he can trust himself, and he will do it right. Dragonslayer it also reveals a world where religion eventually replaces magic.
Talk to your kids about…
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Families can discuss how to decide whether to fight, compromise or flee. How did you see those questions presented?
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Do you think this movie feels dated or stands the test of time? Is it a classic?
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If the film was remade, who would you cast in different roles?
Did we miss something about diversity?
Research shows a link between children’s healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in the media. That’s why we’ve added a new “Different Representations” section to our reviews that will be published on an ongoing basis. You can help us help children