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Age Guide6+
MPAA RatingPG
Year1996
Runtime1h 38m
StudioTriStar Pictures
DirectorDanny DeVito
Cast
Mara WilsonDanny DeVitoRhea PerlmanEmbeth DavidtzPam Ferris
ComedyDramaFamilyFantasy
Matilda
1996
A brilliant girl with telekinetic powers endures neglectful parents and a terrifying headmistress while finding love and purpose through books and learning.
Content Guide
⚔️
Violence & ScarinessVery mild
Violence & Scariness
💬
LanguageVery mild
Language
👀
Sex & NudityNone
Sex & Nudity
🍷
SubstancesNone
Substances
😱
Frightening ScenesMild
Frightening Scenes
💚
Positive MessagesExcellent
Positive Messages
⭐
Role ModelsExcellent
Role Models
What's in this movie
- •Miss Trunchbull physically abuses children — swings a girl by her pigtails
- •Matilda's parents neglect and belittle her
- •A child is locked in the Chokey (a dark spiked closet)
- •A child escapes her family without adults' help
🌍 Cultural & Representation Concerns
✓ None identifiedEducational Value
Celebrates intelligence, reading, and the idea that a good teacher and a kind adult can change a child's world. Roald Dahl's story translated with real warmth.
💬 Pause & Talk — Discussion Topics
- 1.How does Miss Honey's own childhood connect to what Matilda experiences?
- 2.What do Matilda's telekinetic powers represent about children's inner strength?
- 3.Is it okay for Matilda to use her powers to stand up to adults, even if it means breaking rules?