Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Barbie as the Island Princess

film

Barbie as the Island Princess

2007

Young Rosella is saved by a few kind animals after a shipwreck. Now called Ro, she learns to talk to animals. One day, she saves the life of a prince and returns to civilisation to discover her past.

Ages 6+Source checked

Why this age? Mostly gentle fantasy adventure, but includes shipwreck peril, crocodiles, imprisonment, a poisoning plot, comatose animals, attempted murder, and separation. These are resolved without graphic imagery and within a reassuring musical fairy-tale structure. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age6+

Strongest cautions

  • Products & advertising4/5
  • Romance3/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5

Strongest positives

  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising4/5
Why this rating?

The film is explicitly the eleventh installment in Mattel's Barbie toyline, making the branded franchise central to its marketing context.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

No character dies. Poisoning and a shipwreck create danger, and Ariana intends to kill Peter and Antonio, but the animals recover and the plot ends safely.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Ro and Antonio gradually fall in love, face an arranged engagement, exchange proposals, and marry; romance is important but fairy-tale and non-explicit.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Shipwreck peril, crocodiles, imprisonment, poisoned animals, attempted murder, and falling overboard create suspense, but the musical animated tone and safe resolution limit the fright.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Ariana uses a poisonous herb to harm animals and attempt murder; this is a fictional plot device, not recreational substance use.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes minor fantasy peril like crocodiles and a tense scene where the hero is nearly tossed overboard; standard cartoon adventure fare.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Ro faces unfamiliar society, danger, imprisonment, and disbelief while protecting others and pursuing the truth rather than giving up.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Talking animals, musical storytelling, island exploration, lost identity, inventive problem-solving, and fantasy adventure strongly invite imaginative play.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse set of animal species and international settings, though human characters are quite homogenous.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental lessons on empathy and cooperation; primarily intended for entertainment.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Animals rescue and raise Ro, friends support her, Ro forgives Tika, and characters cooperate to save poisoned animals and expose wrongdoing.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story supports identity, forgiveness, loyalty, truth-telling, family acceptance, cooperation, and resisting manipulation and revenge.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Ro acts as a positive role model, showing compassion for animals and bravery in the face of prejudice.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. Where did a character show kindness or empathy, and what changed because of it?
  2. Did products, possessions, or buying things matter to the story? What message did that send?
  3. Which choice in Barbie as the Island Princess would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Barbie as the Island Princess, 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