Star Wars:The Clone Wars

Image from Common Sense Media

I had reservations about recommending this film because of the violence. I decided to include it because it has the type of “good versus evil” storyline that appeals to a lot of boys. Unlike many others in this genre, Clone Wars also includes strong characters of both sexes. The males are saddled to some degree with the warrior ethic of emotional detachment, but are good people at heart.

Although sexualized in appearance, Ahsoka, Amidala, and Ventress are all strong women who can take care of themselves. This film is also notable for allowing a female to defend herself and bring about a successful conclusion to her mission.

Because of the frequent battle scenes, parents may deem the violence too intense for young viewers. Common Sense Media rates it as suitable for ages 8and up and I would agree with that rating.

(I excluded the Clone Wars television program from my list of recommendations for TV shows because of its more intense violence. Season 1 of the TV show is much like the film, but in Season 2 the show takes a darker turn with the inclusion of many bounty hunter characters. Dead clone soldiers are shown, murder is threatened in a sometimes graphic fashion, and the violence seems more gratuitous. Although only two episodes of Season 3 had aired before I wrote this book, it appears that the violence and mature themes continue in newer episodes.)

I have written a couple of blog posts about Clone Wars. The first discusses the positive aspects of the movie and the first season of the television show.  The second post notes that the violence in subsequent seasons of the show gets a little too intense for young boys.