As parents, we always want to ensure that the movies our children watch align with our family’s values. That’s why it’s essential to know if a movie like How to Train a Dragon is suitable for our children, especially from a Christian perspective. This Christian review will give you an in-depth guide on what you can expect from this popular movie.
How to Train a Dragon is a heartwarming story about a young Viking boy named Hiccup who befriends a dragon and embarks on an adventure that will change his life forever. This movie is full of action-packed scenes, touching moments, and valuable life lessons that will inspire your children.
Whether you’re concerned about the values portrayed in the movie or the positive role models your children will look up to, this guide will help you make an informed decision. So, if you want to know if How to Train a Dragon is worth watching with your family, keep reading!
Table of Contents
Is How to Train a Dragon Suitable for Christian Families?
How to Train a Dragon is an award-winning movie that tells the story of a young Viking named Hiccup who befriends a dragon. The movie is filled with adventure, humor, and heartwarming moments that have captured the hearts of children and adults alike. However, some Christian families may have concerns about the appropriateness of the movie for their children.
One of the main concerns for Christian families is the portrayal of magic and mythical creatures. Some families may feel that the movie promotes beliefs that are inconsistent with their faith. Additionally, some parents may be worried about the level of violence in the movie and whether it is appropriate for younger viewers.
On the other hand, there are many positive aspects of the movie that Christian families may appreciate. For example, the movie emphasizes the importance of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice. It also shows the value of understanding and accepting those who are different from us.
Ultimately, whether How to Train a Dragon is suitable for Christian families depends on their individual beliefs and values. Some families may feel comfortable allowing their children to watch the movie, while others may choose to avoid it. As with any movie or TV show, it’s up to parents to decide what’s best for their family.
Understanding the Movie’s Content and Themes
Before deciding whether or not How to Train a Dragon is suitable for Christian families, it’s important to understand the content and themes of the movie. The film centers around a young Viking named Hiccup, who befriends a dragon named Toothless and works to bring peace between the Vikings and the dragons.
- Positive themes: The movie promotes important values such as forgiveness, acceptance, and compassion. It also emphasizes the importance of loyalty, friendship, and perseverance.
- Action and violence: While the movie does contain some action and violence, it is not excessive. The violence is mainly depicted through battles between Vikings and dragons and is not overly graphic.
- Mythology: The movie is set in a fictional Viking world and features mythical creatures such as dragons. However, the movie does not promote or endorse any specific religious beliefs or practices.
- Humor and entertainment: The movie is full of humor and entertaining scenes that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
- Overall rating: The movie has a PG rating and is generally considered suitable for children ages 7 and up. However, as with any movie, it’s important for parents to use their own judgment and consider their child’s maturity level before allowing them to watch it.
Overall, while How to Train a Dragon may contain some content that some Christian families may find objectionable, it is generally considered to be a wholesome and entertaining family movie with positive messages and themes.
The Values Portrayed in How to Train a Dragon
Friendship: One of the main values that this movie teaches is the importance of friendship. Hiccup, the main character, befriends Toothless, a dragon, and this changes everything. He learns to look past the physical appearance of the dragons and see them for who they are. This teaches children to look for the good in others and to be open to making new friends.
Perseverance: Another important value portrayed in the movie is perseverance. Hiccup faces many challenges along the way, but he never gives up. He continues to work hard and tries to find a solution to every problem. This is an important lesson for children to learn, as it teaches them that hard work and determination can pay off in the end.
Courage: The movie also teaches children the importance of courage. Hiccup and his friends show bravery in the face of danger, and they are willing to stand up for what they believe in. This is an important value to instill in children, as it can help them to overcome their fears and stand up for themselves and others.
Acceptance: Lastly, the movie teaches the value of acceptance. Hiccup’s father, Stoick, has a hard time accepting his son for who he is. But as the movie progresses, he learns to accept Hiccup and embrace his differences. This is an important lesson for children to learn, as it teaches them to be accepting of others and not judge them based on their differences.
One of the prominent values portrayed in How to Train a Dragon is acceptance of differences. The movie features a society where Vikings are the dominant group, and they are presented as strong, brave, and honorable. However, the main character Hiccup is not like the other Vikings; he is small, weak, and has a keen interest in dragons.
Despite being different, Hiccup’s father, Stoick, expects him to conform to the Viking way of life. However, throughout the movie, Hiccup proves that being different is not a bad thing, and it can lead to unexpected accomplishments. The movie encourages children to embrace diversity and accept those who may seem different from them.
The message of acceptance is also evident in the portrayal of dragons. Initially, the Vikings viewed dragons as vicious, terrifying creatures that needed to be destroyed. However, as the movie progresses, Hiccup and his friends realize that dragons are not just mindless beasts, but they have their own unique personalities and characteristics.
The movie teaches children that everyone, including creatures, has value and should not be judged solely on appearance or initial assumptions. These values of acceptance and diversity are crucial for children to learn, and How to Train a Dragon presents them in an engaging and accessible way.
How to Train a Dragon and the Importance of Friendship
How to Train a Dragon emphasizes the importance of friendship and the positive impact it can have on our lives. The movie portrays the development of friendship between the main character Hiccup and his dragon, Toothless, as a central theme.
The movie showcases how the bond between Hiccup and Toothless grows through shared experiences and a mutual understanding of one another. The themes of loyalty, trust, and empathy are also emphasized in their friendship.
The portrayal of friendship in How to Train a Dragon is particularly relevant for children, as they learn about the importance of having positive relationships in their lives. It is a valuable lesson that can help children develop social skills and build meaningful connections with others.
The movie also shows how friendship can overcome differences and prejudices. Hiccup and Toothless come from different worlds and have different appearances, but they form a bond based on mutual respect and understanding.
Overall, How to Train a Dragon teaches children that friendship is a powerful force that can help us overcome challenges, learn from one another, and find joy in our lives.
The Significance of Friendship in the Movie
The Importance of Teamwork: The movie highlights the significance of working together towards a common goal. The characters understand that they cannot achieve their objectives alone and need to rely on their friends to succeed.
Loyalty and Trust: The bond between the dragon and the main character, Hiccup, showcases the importance of trust and loyalty in any friendship. Their relationship grows stronger over time, and they become inseparable allies.
Acceptance and Understanding: The movie shows how important it is to accept your friends for who they are, even if they are different from you. The characters learn to appreciate each other’s unique qualities, which helps them to build stronger friendships.
Overcoming Differences: The movie also demonstrates how friendships can help people overcome their differences. The characters come from different backgrounds and have different beliefs, but they find common ground and form lasting friendships.
The Power of Forgiveness: The movie also highlights the importance of forgiveness in any friendship. The characters make mistakes, but they learn to forgive each other and move past their conflicts, which strengthens their bond.
How to Train a Dragon’s Positive Role Models
How to Train a Dragon offers a variety of positive role models for children to look up to, such as Hiccup, who is willing to stand up for what he believes in, and Stoick the Vast, who learns to listen to his son and grow from his mistakes.
Another standout character is Astrid, who is brave, intelligent, and not afraid to speak her mind. She encourages Hiccup to be true to himself and supports him through his challenges.
The movie also portrays the dragons themselves as role models, showing the importance of loyalty, compassion, and standing up for what’s right. Toothless, in particular, demonstrates the power of friendship and the value of overcoming differences.
Overall, How to Train a Dragon presents a variety of strong and positive role models for children, promoting important values and traits that parents can appreciate.
Why Hiccup is a Great Role Model for Children
Courage: Despite being a physically weaker member of his tribe, Hiccup shows great courage in standing up for what he believes in and defying the expectations of his people.
Intelligence: Hiccup is portrayed as highly intelligent, always finding creative solutions to problems and constantly seeking knowledge to better himself and his community.
Empathy: Hiccup’s empathy is one of his greatest qualities, as he is always trying to understand others and see things from their perspective, even when it’s difficult.
Humility: Despite his numerous achievements, Hiccup remains humble and grounded, never allowing his successes to go to his head and always treating others with kindness and respect.
Hiccup’s character in How to Train a Dragon provides an excellent example for children of how to be a true hero: by using their unique strengths to make a positive difference in the world and treating others with empathy and respect. As such, the film is a great option for families looking for inspiring and positive role models for their children.
The Impact of Astrid’s Character on Young Girls
Empowerment: Astrid is a strong, independent, and determined character who can be a positive role model for young girls. She is a skilled fighter, a natural leader, and doesn’t shy away from standing up for what she believes in.
Diversity: Astrid’s character breaks gender stereotypes as she is one of the few female Vikings portrayed in the film. Her character also promotes diversity and inclusivity by showing that girls can be just as brave and capable as boys.
How to Train a Dragon and the Battle Between Good and Evil
Introduction
How to Train a Dragon portrays a classic battle between good and evil, with a young protagonist who learns that things aren’t always as black and white as they seem.
The Good
The “good” in the movie is represented by the dragons, who are initially seen as dangerous creatures but are ultimately shown to be loyal and friendly companions. The bond between Hiccup and Toothless is a strong example of good in the movie, as their friendship leads to positive change for both dragons and humans.
The Evil
The “evil” in the movie is represented by the Vikings’ belief that dragons are to be feared and killed. This belief is personified by Hiccup’s father, Stoick the Vast, who is determined to protect his village by any means necessary, even if it means killing all dragons.
The Gray Area
The movie also presents a “gray area” between good and evil, represented by characters who are neither entirely good nor entirely evil. For example, Gobber the Belch is a Viking who initially supports the belief that dragons are enemies but later helps Hiccup and Toothless.
The Message
Through the battle between good and evil, How to Train a Dragon ultimately delivers a message of understanding and compassion. The movie shows that even those we perceive as “evil” may have reasons for their actions, and that it’s important to take the time to understand them before passing judgment.
The Hero’s Journey in How to Train a Dragon
The hero’s journey is a common storytelling device used in many cultures and films, including How to Train a Dragon. In this movie, the hero’s journey follows the character of Hiccup as he faces a variety of challenges and obstacles on his path to becoming a dragon rider and saving his village.
The Call to Adventure: The story begins with Hiccup’s desire to prove himself as a Viking warrior by killing a dragon, which leads him to encounter Toothless, the Night Fury.
Refusal of the Call: Hiccup initially struggles with the idea of befriending a dragon and goes against the beliefs of his community.
Meeting the Mentor: Hiccup meets Astrid, who helps him develop his skills and understand the importance of friendship.
Crossing the Threshold: Hiccup and Toothless go on a dangerous mission to find the Dragon’s Nest, which leads to Hiccup being accepted by the dragon community.
Tests, Allies, Enemies: Hiccup faces various challenges as he tries to convince the Vikings to stop fighting the dragons and becomes a target of those who oppose him.
Approach to the Innermost Cave: Hiccup and Toothless embark on a final battle to save the village from the Red Death, the biggest and most dangerous dragon.
Ordeal: Hiccup and Toothless face the ultimate test as they fight the Red Death and risk their lives to protect their village.
Reward: Hiccup and Toothless succeed in defeating the Red Death and bring peace between the Vikings and dragons, leading to Hiccup’s acceptance as a leader and dragon rider.
The hero’s journey in How to Train a Dragon teaches us the importance of perseverance, friendship, and understanding, and serves as a powerful example of storytelling for both children and adults alike.
The Importance of Choices and Consequences in the Movie
How to Train a Dragon highlights the importance of choices and the consequences that come with them. Throughout the movie, the characters must make decisions that have a significant impact on themselves and others.
For example, Hiccup chooses to spare Toothless’ life, which leads to a series of events that ultimately bring peace between humans and dragons. On the other hand, Stoick’s choice to lead a violent attack on the dragons results in chaos and destruction.
The movie encourages viewers to think critically about their own choices and to consider the potential outcomes. It also teaches the valuable lesson that one person’s choices can have a ripple effect on the world around them.
The importance of choices and consequences is a relevant message for children and adults alike, reminding us to take responsibility for our actions and to think about the impact they have on those around us.
How to Train a Dragon and the Battle for the Soul of the Community
Introduction: How to Train a Dragon is a movie that explores the concept of community and what it means to work together for the greater good. The movie depicts the battle for the soul of the community between two opposing forces.
The Role of Community: The movie emphasizes the importance of community and the role it plays in our lives. It shows how individuals can come together to achieve a common goal and how they can work together to overcome challenges.
The Importance of Leadership: The movie highlights the importance of leadership in guiding and uniting a community. It shows how good leadership can inspire people and lead to positive change.
The Dangers of Division: The movie also demonstrates the dangers of division and the negative impact it can have on a community. It shows how differences can create conflict and how this conflict can tear a community apart.
The Triumph of Unity: Ultimately, the movie shows the triumph of unity over division. It emphasizes the importance of coming together and working as a team to overcome obstacles and achieve a common goal.
How to Train a Dragon and the Themes of Forgiveness and Redemption
In How to Train a Dragon, the themes of forgiveness and redemption are central to the story. The film’s protagonist, Hiccup, starts off as an outcast in his Viking community and is desperate to prove himself to his father and fellow villagers.
However, when he befriends a dragon, Toothless, he begins to question his community’s belief that dragons are vicious beasts that must be killed. As he learns more about the dragons, he realizes that they are not the monsters they have been made out to be, and that his community’s actions have been wrong.
Hiccup’s journey towards forgiveness and redemption is not an easy one, and he faces many challenges along the way. He must convince his community to change their ways, confront his father about their differences, and ultimately make a difficult sacrifice to save the dragons.
The film’s portrayal of forgiveness and redemption is both powerful and inspiring, showing that even the most unlikely individuals can change their ways and make a positive impact on their community.
Overall, How to Train a Dragon is a beautiful example of how forgiveness and redemption can lead to positive change, and serves as a reminder that it is never too late to do the right thing.
The Power of Forgiveness in How to Train a Dragon
In How to Train a Dragon, forgiveness is a powerful theme that runs throughout the story. The characters all have to learn to forgive each other, and themselves, in order to move forward and achieve their goals.
Hiccup forgives Toothless: Hiccup’s willingness to forgive Toothless for injuring him is the catalyst for their friendship and ultimately leads to the defeat of the villain.
Stoick forgives Hiccup: Stoick’s ability to forgive Hiccup for his mistakes and accept him for who he is, even if it goes against tradition, shows the power of forgiveness to heal relationships.
Astrid forgives Hiccup: Astrid’s forgiveness of Hiccup for lying to her demonstrates the importance of acknowledging mistakes and taking responsibility for them.
The theme of forgiveness is also illustrated in the acceptance of dragons into the community. The Vikings must forgive the dragons for their past attacks and learn to live in harmony with them. Through forgiveness, the community is able to come together and create a new, better future for themselves and the dragons.
Redemption and Second Chances in the Movie
One of the central themes of How to Train a Dragon is redemption and second chances. Hiccup’s character arc from outcast to hero is a perfect example of this theme.
Toothless, the dragon who Hiccup befriends, is also a symbol of redemption. Despite being seen as a deadly menace by the rest of his village, Toothless is given a second chance by Hiccup, who believes that dragons are not the mindless creatures they are made out to be.
The idea of redemption is further explored in the character of Stoick the Vast, Hiccup’s father. Stoick initially sees Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless as a betrayal, but eventually comes to see the error of his ways and seeks redemption for his past mistakes.
The movie also shows the importance of giving others a second chance. The dragons, once seen as savage beasts, are shown to be capable of empathy and compassion. By giving them a second chance, Hiccup and the other characters are able to build a community that is more inclusive and tolerant.
How to Train a Dragon and its Impact on Children’s Morals and Beliefs
Morals: How to Train a Dragon is a movie that showcases the importance of acceptance, empathy, and perseverance. It teaches children that just because someone or something is different, it doesn’t mean they are bad or should be feared. It also highlights the value of forgiveness, second chances, and the power of communication in resolving conflicts peacefully.
Beliefs: How to Train a Dragon encourages children to believe in themselves and their ability to overcome challenges. It promotes the idea that success is achievable through hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. The movie also emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships based on trust, respect, and understanding.
Impact: How to Train a Dragon has had a significant impact on children’s morals and beliefs. It has inspired children to be more accepting of others who are different from them and to believe in their ability to achieve their goals. The movie has also encouraged children to develop empathy, compassion, and a sense of community. It has become a source of inspiration for children around the world, and its positive impact on their development cannot be overstated.
Educational Value: How to Train a Dragon has significant educational value for children. It teaches them about the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects, as well as history, culture, and language. It also exposes children to different environments and encourages them to explore the natural world around them. The movie has been used in classrooms around the world to promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
The Movie’s Messages and Their Effect on Children
Morality: How to Train a Dragon teaches children the importance of doing what is right even if it is difficult. Characters like Hiccup demonstrate that honesty and kindness are virtues that can ultimately lead to success.
Self-Acceptance: The movie also emphasizes the significance of self-acceptance. Through the character of Toothless, children learn that differences and imperfections should be celebrated rather than hidden.
Friendship: How to Train a Dragon promotes the value of friendship and teamwork. The movie highlights the power of supporting each other and working together to achieve a common goal.
Empathy: Finally, the film encourages empathy towards others. By depicting the Vikings and dragons initially as enemies, and then showing them come together, the movie demonstrates the importance of understanding and respecting differences in others.
The Importance of Parents’ Guidance in Interpreting the Movie
Interpretation: How to Train a Dragon is a movie that can have a significant impact on children, especially in terms of shaping their morals and beliefs. Therefore, it is important for parents to provide guidance in interpreting the movie and its underlying messages.
Parental Involvement: Parents can play a crucial role in helping their children understand the themes of the movie, such as forgiveness, redemption, and acceptance. By engaging in conversations with their children about the movie, parents can help their children learn valuable life lessons and develop positive values.
Age Appropriateness: It is also essential for parents to consider the age of their children when allowing them to watch How to Train a Dragon. While the movie is generally considered appropriate for children, some scenes may be too intense or scary for younger viewers. Parents should use their discretion and determine whether their child is ready to watch the movie.
Teachable Moments: Watching How to Train a Dragon with their children can also provide parents with an opportunity to teach their children about empathy, kindness, and compassion. By using the characters and situations in the movie as examples, parents can help their children understand the importance of treating others with respect and dignity.
The Relevance of How to Train a Dragon to Christian Families
How to Train a Dragon is a family-friendly movie with themes that can be relevant to Christian families. The movie explores important themes like forgiveness, redemption, and second chances that are central to the Christian faith. The character of Hiccup can serve as a model of how to treat others with kindness and love, even when they are different from us.
The relationship between Hiccup and Toothless also has parallels to the Christian message of love and acceptance. Hiccup shows that even the most unlikely friendship can be formed through love and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Christian perspective on How To Train A Dragon?
The Christian perspective on How To Train A Dragon involves examining the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances in the movie and how they relate to Christian values. The review may also explore the impact of the movie on children’s morals and beliefs and the importance of parental guidance in interpreting the messages of the movie.
How does the movie portray the themes of forgiveness and redemption?
The movie portrays the themes of forgiveness and redemption through the character development of Hiccup, who learns to forgive and redeem himself through his interactions with Toothless and the other dragons. The review may also discuss how these themes relate to Christian values and teachings on forgiveness and redemption.
What messages does the movie send to children and how do they affect them?
The movie sends messages about the importance of friendship, loyalty, and standing up for what is right, which can have a positive impact on children’s morals and beliefs. However, the review may also explore potential negative messages or themes in the movie and how they may affect children’s understanding of the world around them.
How can parents use the movie to teach Christian values to their children?
Parents can use the movie to teach Christian values by discussing the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances with their children and relating them to Christian teachings. The review may also suggest specific ways parents can use the movie as a teaching tool and provide resources for further discussion and exploration of these values.
What is the significance of How To Train A Dragon for Christian families?
How To Train A Dragon can be significant for Christian families as a way to teach and reinforce Christian values and as a source of family entertainment that is compatible with their beliefs. The review may also explore the relevance of the movie to Christian themes and traditions and discuss its potential impact on Christian families and communities.