White Bird comes from the author of Wonder, a book and film that moved audiences to choose kindness. White Bird continues with Julian but really is the story of Julian’s grandmother during the occupation of Nazis in France. Is White Bird ok for kids? The subject material is mature, but it’s also presented in a way that is kid-friendly for tweens and teens. Here’s what parents need to know in this White Bird Parents Guide.
Helen Mirren as Grandmère and Bryce Gheisar as Julian in White Bird: A Wonder Story. Photo Credit: Larry Horricks
White Bird Parents Guide
In White Bird: A Wonder Story, we follow Julian (Bryce Gheisar), who has struggled to belong ever since he was expelled from his former school for his treatment of Auggie Pullman. To transform his life, Julian’s grandmother (Helen Mirren) finally reveals to Julian her own story of courage during her youth in Nazi-occupied France when a boy saves her life.
They find first love in a stunning, magical world of their own creation, while the boy’s mother (Gillian Anderson) risks everything to keep her safe. From director Marc Forster (Finding Neverland and Christopher Robin), screenwriter Mark Bomback, and based on R.J. Palacio’s book, White Bird: A Wonder Story, like Wonder before it, is an uplifting movie about how one act of kindness can live on forever.
Age Rating: Why is White Bird Rated PG-13?
White Bird is rated PG-13 for thematic material, some strong violence, and language which means some content may not be appropriate for kids under 13.
Language
There are a couple words of profanity like bullsh*t and bastards. There is also some bullying language like calling someone a loser or making fun of them.
Mature Content: Is White Bird OK for Kids?
Parents need to watch out for the violence in White Bird. Because the Nazis have occupied France and are targeting Jews, there are some intense scenes where characters are shot and killed. Some are beaten and chased. Characters have to go in hiding and are frightened for their lives.
Two characters kiss.
Orlando Schwerdt as Julien and Ariella Glaser as Sara in White Bird: A Wonder Story. Photo Credit: Larry Horricks
Is White Bird Appropriate for Kids Under 13?
White Bird is a narrative that can appeal and hopefully change the hearts and attitudes of a younger audience. Some content is emotional and intense for younger kids, but I’d recommend White Bird for children ages 12 and older. This is an inspiring and heartfelt story where being kind can truly change the lives of many, but perhaps, sometimes we just start with changing one.
Many films have been made about the Holocaust and WWII and while there may be better, this is one that families can watch together to understand some of the devastation and cruelty during this war and others. The messages of human decency, courage, and hope are ones that are still needed. And it’s told in a way to reach young people.
White Bird is a powerful and emotional film able to reach a younger audience to inspire kindness and humanity in a world that desperately needs it. Perhaps that’s who we need to reach right now as young people can sometimes be the most cruel, but they also have the power to make the greatest change.
You don’t need to watch Wonder to watch White Bird, but the impact is a little greater if you do. Plus Wonder is a fantastic movie. The two young leads in White Bird are fantastic and added depth and emotion to the film.
White Bird broke my heart, but it also inspired me to want to be kinder. That desire to be kind may not fix the problems of the world, but it’s a good place to start.
