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Encounters at the End of the World

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    South Pole documentary is gorgeous, if a bit dry.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The film calls attention to the pursuit of knowledge for knowledge's sake.

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Minor discussion of homosexuality among penguins.

  • Language:

    A written card includes the word "hell."

  • Consumerism:

    Herzog's trip is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Encounters at the End of the World

Parents need to know that this beautiful documentary -- which follows filmmaker Werner Hertzog to various scientific and research stations at the South Pole -- is fairly dry stuff, particularly compared to similarly themed audience-friendly docs like March of the Penguins. At the same time, it's a celebration of scientific curiosity and the human spirit, and while young kids may be vaguely flummoxed by Herzog's narration, the movie is absolutely family-friendly and full of astonishing images and ideas.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how this documentary is different from movies like March of the Penguins and Arctic Tale. What audience do you think it was made for? Families can also discuss exploring. What motivates people to go to places like the South Pole? Does seeing a far-off place on TV or in a movie make you want to go there?
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