Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Tarzan

film

Tarzan

1999

Tarzan was a small orphan who was raised by an ape named Kala since he was a child. He believed that this was his family, but on an expedition Jane Porter is rescued by Tarzan. He then finds out that he's human. Now Tarzan must make the decision as to which family he should belong to...

Ages 7+Source checked

Why this age? Generally family-friendly, but young viewers may find the orphaning, dangerous animals, villainy, peril, and deaths emotionally intense. The story also involves identity, separation, and difficult family choices. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age7+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Standard Disney tie-in merchandise typical for major film releases.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

The story centers on orphaning, includes the deaths of important characters, and treats loss and grief as meaningful themes.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Injuries and death are presented without graphic blood or sustained anatomical detail.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild language consistent with a G-rated film.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Tarzan and Jane develop a gentle romantic connection with attraction, affection, and limited kissing; romance supports the family and identity story.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Predators, jungle danger, threatening encounters, separation, and villainous pursuit may frighten younger children.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Peril, animal attacks, fights, hunting, falls, and confrontations with the villain occur repeatedly, though the animated presentation limits graphic detail.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters face grief, danger, prejudice, and identity conflicts with loyalty and bravery; the film also distinguishes courage from selfish recklessness.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The imaginative jungle setting, animal-family perspective, visual world, and problem-solving strongly invite curiosity and imaginative play.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The story meaningfully explores human and gorilla communities, cultural difference, adoption, and belonging, though it is not a broad portrayal of human diversity.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

The adventure offers incidental ideas about gorilla family life, jungle ecology, adoption, identity, and cultural difference, but education is not its main purpose.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Nurturing adoption, loyalty, compassion, forgiveness, and care for family are central, with kindness repeatedly contrasted against exploitation.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong messages support empathy, chosen family, respecting differences, rejecting prejudice, taking responsibility, and making difficult but caring choices.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Caring characters protect one another, learn across cultural differences, and show loyalty and courage, although some adults act selfishly or cruelly.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Tarzan would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Tarzan, 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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