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Story

Carl Fredricksen (Ed Asner) is in his late 70s. After the death of his wife Ellie, he decides to fulfil a dream they had shared since childhood. The dream is of going to exotic Paradise Falls in South America. Their hero, the once-famous explorer Charles Muntz (Christopher Plummer), claims this is the most beautiful place in the world.

Carl ties thousands of helium balloons to his house and takes off. After a while, he discovers that Russell (Jordan Nagai), a visiting scout, has accidentally stowed away with him. They are joined in their adventures by a rare bird called Kevin and a dog called Dug (Bob Peterson). When Carl finally meets Muntz, his hero is not the person he thought.

Themes

Death and separation; animal cruelty

Violence

This movie contains some violence. For example:

  • Carl hits a construction worker in the head with his pronged walker. The worker has a bloody injury and needs an ambulance.
  • In self-defence, Kevin runs at Dug to subdue him. He tackles him to the ground.
  • Carl mistakes a croaking frog for an alarm clock, and hits it on the head.
  • Alpha (head dog of the pack) attacks Dug, biting him on the neck and throwing him.
  • Alpha lunges at and bites Kevin’s leg. This makes Kevin bleed.
  • Muntz captures Kevin in a net and drags her into an aircraft.
  • Muntz torches Carl’s house before escaping.
  • The dog pack ties Russell to a chair. They slide him out of the ramp of the flying aircraft.
  • Pack dogs in planes attack Russell as he dangles from the flying house.
  • Dug bites Muntz’s leg before Muntz throws him out of the room.
  • Carl and Muntz fight with a sword and walking aid. They hit each other in the face.
  • Alpha attacks Dug again.
  • Carl and Muntz fight on top of the aircraft and in the house. Muntz jumps out and falls, presumably to his death, through the clouds.

Sexual references

None

Alcohol, drugs and other substances

This movie contains some very infrequent use of substances. For example, Muntz arranges for his dogs to pour him and Carl an alcoholic drink before dinner.

Nudity and sexual activity

This movie contains one scene of mild sexual activity. It is a scene where Ellie and Carl kiss passionately on their wedding day.

Product placement

None

Coarse language

None

Ideas to discuss with your children

Up is an animated 3D comic adventure movie. It is a funny and touching critique of the human character.

Values in this movie that you might wish to reinforce with your children include family ties, loyalty, perseverance, courage, friendship, kindness and respect.

This movie could also give you the chance to discuss with your children issues such as what happens when:

  • you put your faith in the wrong heroes
  • you put off doing something and live with regrets and bitterness
  • people are bullied and victimised.

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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