Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Long Way North

film

Long Way North

2015

In 1892 Saint Petersburg, when her explorer grandfather's failure to return from his latest expedition brings dishonour to her aristocratic family, a resilient teenager runs away to follow in his trail in search of his famed ship.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? Arctic danger, shipwreck, hunger, abandonment, blizzards, dynamite, and discovery of a frozen corpse may upset younger viewers. The adventure is animated and non-graphic, with constructive themes and reassuring resolution. 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 scenes3/5
  • Violence2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The grandfather’s death is central: his frozen corpse is found after a fatal Arctic ordeal, though grief is handled within an adventure and reunion story.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

A frozen corpse is discovered, but it is not graphic.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Conflict includes insults, blame, and public humiliation, but no strong profanity or slurs are indicated.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

No significant romantic subplots.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Arctic storms, shipwreck, dwindling food, abandonment, a frozen corpse, and life-threatening cold create sustained tension, though the animated family presentation limits horror intensity.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes brief physical conflict and the dangers of arctic exploration.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

Courage is central: Sasha leaves home, crosses dangerous Arctic terrain, persists through betrayal and hardship, and uses knowledge to save the expedition.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The film encourages curiosity, exploration, problem-solving, navigation, and imaginative engagement with Arctic adventure.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Diverse international crew members are portrayed.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Touches upon historical exploration and the geography of the Arctic.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Moments of empathy and cooperation within the crew occur.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The story supports perseverance, truth, courage, accountability, loyalty, and repairing family relationships while showing the costs of obsession and dishonesty.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Sasha shows determination, resourcefulness, and courage, while the story also presents cautionary examples of deception, blame, and obsessive ambition.

Family discussion

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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 Long Way North would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Long Way North, 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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