Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Blackfly

film

Blackfly

1991

A young surveyer, new to Ontario, encounters the blackflies. Over and over again, he encounters those blackflies.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes1/5
  • Violence1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Courage & resilience1/5
  • Educational value1/5

What’s in it?

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

The persistence of the insects creates mild, comedic tension.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

The violence is limited to comedic slapstick involving cartoon blackflies swarming and bothering the protagonist.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience1/5
Why this rating?

Character shows persistence in his work despite the obstacles.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

An animated musical short turns repeated encounters with blackflies into a playful, unusual premise, though the available description cannot confirm highly inventive problem-solving or depth.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental exposure to Canadian folk music and wilderness themes.

Positive messages1/5
Why this rating?

The message is simply a humorous look at the realities of Canadian wilderness life.

Good role models1/5
Why this rating?

The surveyor shows perseverance despite an annoying situation.

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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. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Blackfly would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Blackfly, and what caused that change?
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