Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Madeline

film

Madeline

1998

Horrified at the prospect of her beloved school being sold, a young French girl named Madeline uses her wit and craftiness to attempt to save it, making an unlikely new friend in the process.

Ages 7+Source checked

Why this age? Generally suitable for children, but young viewers may find scenes involving danger to children, separation, kidnapping-like peril, illness, and an intimidating adult villain unsettling. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age7+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Religious themes2/5
  • Violence2/5

Strongest positives

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

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What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Standard adaptation; no overt commercial product placement.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Brief reference to Madeline's parents being deceased (orphaned).

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild name-calling (e.g., 'poo-poo').

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

The setting is a Catholic boarding school with nuns as teachers; religious themes are incidental to the setting.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal, incidental adult background interest.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

There are tense moments involving kidnapping and threats to the safety of the children.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional background depiction of adults smoking or drinking socially.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes light slapstick and scenes of kids being pursued by kidnappers, but nothing graphic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Madeline faces threats to her school and friends with determined, principled bravery, though some actions are impulsive.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Madeline uses imagination, craftiness, observation and inventive problem-solving to help save her school.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The French setting and school community suggest some cultural and social variety, but identities and backgrounds are not explored prominently or deeply.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Introduces children to Paris and elements of French culture in a fun way.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, care for classmates, loyalty to teachers and empathy for vulnerable characters are important throughout.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes support loyalty, friendship, ingenuity, standing up to wrongdoing, and protecting one's community and home.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Madeline is a courageous and resourceful role model for children.

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 Madeline would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Madeline, and what caused that change?
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