Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Time Bandits

film

Time Bandits

1981

Young history buff Kevin can scarcely believe it when six dwarfs emerge from his closet one night. Former employees of the Supreme Being, they've purloined a map charting all of the holes in the fabric of time and are using it to steal treasures from different historical eras. Taking Kevin with them, they variously drop in on Napoleon, Robin Hood and King Agamemnon before the Supreme Being catches up with them.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? PG-rated fantasy peril is frequent and sometimes intense, with frightening creatures, battles, a sinking ship, a menacing villain, fiery destruction, and a shocking ending. Younger children may find its dark comedy and imagery upsetting. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Religious themes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

Kevin’s parents are portrayed as obsessed with modern gadgets and buying things; this is a satirical theme rather than product promotion.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Several characters die throughout the film, and the ending involves the sudden, shocking death of Kevin's parents.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Evil is destroyed in flames and becomes charred rubble; the imagery is macabre but not presented as realistic gore.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild profanity or coarse expressions may occur, but strong language and slurs are not prominent.

Religious themes3/5
Why this rating?

The Supreme Being functions as a creator-like supernatural authority, with creation, cosmic order, and moral testing central to the fantasy premise.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Minor romantic elements, primarily comedic or incidental.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Menacing supernatural beings, a minotaur, ogres, a giant, imprisonment over a pit, a sinking Titanic, and a threatening dark realm may frighten children.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Some mild innuendo typical of Monty Python-adjacent humor.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Adults may be shown drinking in historical or social settings; substance use is minor and not central or glamorized.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Frequent fantasy and historical fights include weapons, warriors, monsters, battles, and comic combat; violence is generally stylized rather than realistic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Kevin repeatedly faces monsters, villains, imprisonment, separation, and dangerous escapes, using ingenuity and bravery rather than only force.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Highly imaginative, surreal, and visually unique fantasy storytelling.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Features a varied cast of characters, though mostly within a traditional 1980s British filmmaking scope.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

The story visits historical eras and figures, encouraging interest in history, but it uses extensive fantasy and satire rather than teaching reliably.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Friendship and cooperation appear within the group, but the central bandits exploit others and repeatedly pursue treasure over responsibility.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Explores themes of greed versus curiosity and the consequences of one's actions.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Kevin is curious, inventive, and brave, but the bandits are selfish thieves and unreliable adults, making the role-model picture mixed.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Time Bandits would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Time Bandits, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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