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Story

In Mary and the Witch’s Flower, Mary (voiced by Ruby Barnhill) has just moved in with her Great-Aunt Charlotte (Lynda Baron) in the English countryside. Mary is nervous about starting school and making friends.

One day, after being teased by a local boy named Peter (Louis Ashbourne Serkis), Mary escapes to the woods and stumbles across a beautiful glowing flower and an old broomstick. These items transport Mary to the magical school, Endor College, run by Madam Mumblechook (Kate Winslet) and Doctor Dee (Jim Broadbent).

When Mary discovers a horrible secret, she must be brave to save herself and Peter.

Themes

Magic/fantasy; separation from family; kidnapping; children in danger; cruelty to animals

Violence

Mary and the Witch’s Flower has some violence. For example:

  • Doctor and Madam kidnap Mary and Peter, and lock them in their dungeon. They render them unconscious with some magic gas. It’s implied that Doctor and Madam plan to magically transform the children into something else. At the end of the movie, they try to transform Peter into a magical being.
  • Doctor and Madam conduct experiments on helpless animals, trying to transform them into magical creatures. The results of failed experiments (animals who are deformed) are locked in cages in the dungeon.
  • It’s implied that a previous student was killed as a result of Doctor and Madam’s experiments.
  • Doctor and Madam have magical creatures that chase Mary and Peter, and try to attack or capture them. Some of these creatures look like robots and others like large magical birds.

Sexual references

Nothing of concern

Alcohol, drugs and other substances

Nothing of concern

Nudity and sexual activity

Nothing of concern

Product placement

None found

Coarse language

Nothing of concern

Ideas to discuss with your children

Mary and the Witch’s Flower is a beautiful Japanese animated movie by Studio Ponoc (founded by former Studio Ghibli animators). Based on Mary Stewart’s 1971 classic children’s book The Little Broomstick, the movie is a magical adventure starring a lovable and brave young girl.

Mary and the Witch’s Flower is sure to appeal to both parents and children. But because it has some scary and violent scenes, the movie isn’t recommended for children under 8 years, and we recommend parental guidance for children aged 8-10 years.

Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include kindness, bravery and willingness to help others.

This movie could also give you the chance to talk with your children about the real-world consequences of lying. For example, you could talk about what happens when Mary lies about being a witch and lies about Peter.

Supported By

  • Department of Social Services

Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.

Member Organisations

  • Parenting Research Centre
  • The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
  • Murdoch Children's Research Institute

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