Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Biggles

film

Biggles

1988

Unassuming catering salesmen Jim Ferguson falls through a time hole to 1917 where he saves the life of dashing Royal Flying Corps pilot James "Biggles" Bigglesworth after his photo recon mission is shot down. Before he can work out what has happened, Jim is zapped back to the 1980s......

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? Frequent wartime and action peril, shooting, pursuit and weapon-related danger may be intense for younger children, though the material is adventure-oriented and not strongly graphic or sexual. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5
  • Death of a character2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Uses brand names for context, but not heavily marketed to children.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Death in war is a central theme, though the tone remains an adventure rather than a tragedy.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Mild depictions of crashes and combat injuries, but generally not graphic or focused on blood.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild-to-moderate period adventure-film profanity or insults may occur, but strong or frequent language is not indicated.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Romance is not central; any relationship material appears limited compared with the time-travel adventure.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Time travel, mortal danger, aerial combat, armed pursuit and wartime settings create sustained peril and tension.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Possible brief adult social drinking; substance use is not a significant part of the story or presented as a major concern.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

The heroes fight Germans, face wartime combat, use weapons, and escape a SWAT team; violence is central adventure action.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Facing combat, mortal danger, time displacement and armed pursuit is central to the protagonists' actions.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The film strongly uses imaginative time travel, alternate-era connections and inventive science-fiction technology.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The cast and perspective are largely conventional for a 1980s British war-adventure film, with limited visible identity diversity.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides a light, fictionalized look at historical aviation settings.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

The bond between Ferguson and Biggles is built on mutual rescue and care.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The adventure emphasizes loyalty, cooperation, protecting others and confronting dangerous threats responsibly.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Biggles and Ferguson act courageously and cooperate under pressure, though the film centers on risky military and escape situations.

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

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating