Movies About Child Development

From Giuseppe Tornatore, starring Philippe Noiret, Enzo Cannavale, Antonella Attili, Isa Danieli
Rated R

Cinema Paradiso is an Italian drama directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. The film follows the life of Salvatore Di Vita, a Sicilian boy who grows up in a small village during the 1950s and 1960s. Salvatore's life revolves around the Cinema Paradiso, a local movie theater. He is fascinated by the films, and quickly befriends the theater's projectionist, Alfredo. Under Alfredo's tutelage, Salvatore learns how to splice and project films. As Salvatore grows older, he falls in love with a young girl, Elena. However, Elena moves away and Salvatore is left to pursue a career in film editing. Years later, Salvatore returns to his hometown, and discovers that Alfredo has died and the Cinema Paradiso is about to close. Salvatore is left with a difficult decision on what to do with the theater. In the end, Salvatore decides to save the theater, and restores it to its former glory. Cinema Paradiso is a touching story about the power of cinema, and the importance of preserving the past.

From Nadine Labaki, starring Zain Al Rafeea, Yordanos Shiferaw, Boluwatife Treasure Bankole, Kawsar Al Haddad
Rated R

Capernaum is a 2018 drama film directed by Nadine Labaki and written by Labaki, Jihad Hojeily and Michelle Keserwany. It stars Zain Al Rafeea, Yordanos Shiferaw, Boluwatife Treasure Bankole and Kawthar Al Haddad. The story centers on a 12-year-old boy named Zain, who is living in the slums of Beirut and has exhausted his life options. He sues his parents for the ‘crime’ of giving him life and takes refuge in the streets. Along his journey of survival, he meets a group of people who help him stay afloat and fight for his rights, while at the same time teach him how to care for another. The film follows Zain's struggles to escape the harsh realities of his life. The film was highly acclaimed upon its release and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

From Robert Mulligan, starring Gregory Peck, John Megna, Frank Overton, Rosemary Murphy
Rated Approved

To Kill a Mockingbird is a powerful coming-of-age drama set in the segregated American South of the 1930s. Atticus Finch, a lawyer and widowed father, is appointed to defend an African American man accused of the rape of a white woman. Atticus' children, Scout and Jem, must grapple with the complexities of racism and injustice, and Atticus must stand up for what is right in the face of overwhelming odds. Through the struggles of the Finch family, director Robert Mulligan creates a timeless story of courage, conviction and integrity.

From Guillermo del Toro, starring Ivana Baquero, Ariadna Gil, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú
Rated R

Pan's Labyrinth is a dark fantasy film set in 1944 in Fascist Spain. It follows a young girl named Ofelia who discovers a mysterious labyrinth and a mysterious faun who tells her she is a princess from an underground kingdom. She must complete three tasks in order to return to her kingdom and escape the horrors of her life in the fascist regime. Along her journey, she discovers the truth about her family, her destiny, and the harsh realities of the Spanish Civil War. The film is a mix of fantasy and horror, and ultimately showcases the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

From Majid Majidi, starring Mohammad Amir Naji, Amir Farrokh Hashemian, Bahare Seddiqi, Nafise Jafar-Mohammadi
Rated PG

Children of Heaven is a 1997 Iranian film directed by Majid Majidi. It tells the story of Ali and his younger sister, Zahra, who live in a poor neighbourhood of Tehran. After Zahra loses her only pair of shoes, Ali makes a promise to his sister that he will try to find a way to get her a new pair. To keep his promise, Ali and Zahra come up with a plan to secretly share one pair of shoes between them, taking turns wearing them to school each day. This plan leads to a series of misadventures for the two children as they navigate the difficulties of their situation. Along the way, the two learn important lessons about the power of love, devotion, and perseverance.

From Directors: Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Mervyn LeRoy, Norman Taurog, Richard Thorpe, King Vidor, starring Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr
Rated PG

The Wizard of Oz is a classic 1939 musical fantasy film directed by Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Mervyn LeRoy, Norman Taurog, Richard Thorpe and King Vidor. The film follows Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas, who is swept away by a tornado and finds herself in the magical Land of Oz. Along with her pet dog Toto, Dorothy embarks on a journey to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard of Oz, who she believes can help her return home to Kansas. Along the way she meets the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion, each of whom join Dorothy on her quest for the wizard. Together they must face the Wicked Witch of the West and her minions in order to get to the wizard and fulfill their wishes. Along the way they learn valuable lessons about courage, friendship and the power of believing in oneself. The Wizard of Oz is considered a classic of American cinema and is still beloved by audiences of all ages.

From Edward Yang, starring Nien-Jen Wu, Elaine Jin, Issei Ogata, Kelly Lee
Rated Not Rated

Yi Yi (A One and a Two...) is a 2000 Taiwanese drama film written and directed by Edward Yang. The film follows the Jiang family, a middle-class family living in Taipei, as they navigate the complexities of life and their relationships. Through the eyes of the eldest son, the audience is shown the family’s struggles, joys, and sorrows. As the film progresses, the Jiang family is forced to make difficult decisions that will affect their future in profound ways. The film examines the intricacies of the human experience and explores themes of family, faith, love, and identity. By the end of the film, the audience is left with a profound understanding of the Jiang family’s journey and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of life.

From Charles Laughton, starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish, James Gleason
Rated Not Rated

The Night of the Hunter is a classic 1955 thriller directed by Charles Laughton with Robert Mitchum in the lead role. It tells the story of a corrupt, murderous preacher named Harry Powell (Mitchum) who is on the hunt for two young children who possess the secret to their late father's stolen fortune. Powell attempts to manipulate their mother and stepfather, as well as the townspeople, to gain access to the money and the children. Meanwhile, the children, played by Sally Jane Bruce and Billy Chapin, must use their wits and courage to stay one step ahead of the ruthless preacher. Ultimately, the children must rely on the help of two unlikely allies, a prisoner played by Peter Graves and a kind-hearted woman played by Lillian Gish, to survive the night and escape Powell's clutches.

From Louis Malle, starring Gaspard Manesse, Raphael Fejtö, Francine Racette, Stanislas Carré de Malberg
Rated PG

Goodbye, Children is a 1987 drama film released by director Louis Malle. Set during World War II, the film follows the lives of two young boys, Julien and Joseph, who attend the same Catholic boarding school in occupied France. As the war intensifies, the boys must grapple with the increasingly oppressive Nazi regime, their looming separation and the consequences of their choices. Through it all, Julien must also deal with his burgeoning feelings for a Jewish girl whose family is on the brink of deportation. Goodbye, Children is a powerful drama that explores the harsh realities of life under Nazi occupation and the resilience of the human spirit.

From Xavier Dolan, starring Anne Dorval, Antoine Olivier Pilon, Suzanne Clément, Patrick Huard
Rated R

Mommy is a 2014 Canadian drama film written and directed by Xavier Dolan. It follows the story of Steve, a troubled and volatile 15-year-old, and his mother, Diane, as she struggles to cope with her son's explosive behavior and to find a way to keep him out of the foster care system. With the help of their neighbor Kyla, Diane attempts to control her son's behavior and find a way to keep him safe and out of trouble. The film chronicles the struggles and triumphs of the mother-son duo, and how their relationship is strengthened despite their difficulties. Along the way, both characters are forced to confront their own personal demons and learn to accept their differences.

From Tomas Alfredson, starring Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar, Henrik Dahl
Rated R

Let the Right One In is a Swedish romantic horror film directed by Tomas Alfredson and based on the novel of the same name by John Ajvide Lindqvist. Set in a Stockholm suburb in the early 1980s, the film follows the story of a 12-year-old boy named Oskar, who befriends a mysterious vampire girl named Eli. Through their friendship, Oskar learns to stand up for himself and defend himself against the bullies that plague his life. Meanwhile, Eli struggles to survive in a world of darkness and violence. As the two grow closer, their bond is tested by the forces of evil that haunt their lives. Let the Right One In is a dark, atmospheric tale of love, loyalty, and the power of friendship.

From Stephen Chbosky, starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Paul Rudd
Rated PG-13

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age drama directed by Stephen Chbosky and starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller. It follows the story of an introverted high school freshman, Charlie (Lerman), as he navigates his way through the social and emotional highs and lows of his freshman year. With the help of his English teacher and two senior classmates, Sam (Watson) and Patrick (Miller), Charlie gradually begins to come out of his shell and experience life to the fullest. Along the way, he confronts the difficult topics of suicide and depression, as well as his own struggles with anxiety, while discovering the true meaning of friendship and acceptance.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Dee Wallace
Rated PG

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a 1982 science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Melissa Mathison. The film tells the story of Elliott (Henry Thomas), a lonely young boy who befriends an alien who is stranded on Earth and is desperately trying to get back home. With the help of his siblings and his scientist friend, Elliott hides and protects the alien from the government agents who are searching for him. As Elliott and the alien bond, a powerful and unexpected friendship develops, and together they attempt to find a way for the alien to return home. The film is a heartwarming story of friendship, family, and the power of imagination.

From Ang Lee, starring Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain, Tabu
Rated PG

Life of Pi is a 2012 adventure drama film directed by Ang Lee and based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Yann Martel. The film follows the story of Piscine Molitor Patel, an Indian boy who, after a disaster at sea, is stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger for 227 days. Through his journey, Pi comes to understand the complexity of life and his own place in the universe, ultimately finding a sense of peace and purpose. The film, which has a spiritual and philosophical theme, won four Academy Awards including Best Director.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Elijah Smith
Rated R

Boyhood is a 2014 American coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Richard Linklater. The film follows the life of Mason Evans Jr. (Ellar Coltrane), from age 6 through age 18, as he grows up with divorced parents (Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke). Over the course of 12 years, the film explores various themes such as family dynamics, friendships, first love, and the struggles of growing up. Mason's journey is seen through his eyes as he navigates his way through the challenges and changes of life while trying to find his place in the world.

From Terrence Malick, starring Richard Gere, Brooke Adams, Sam Shepard, Linda Manz
Rated PG

Days of Heaven is a 1978 American period drama film written and directed by Terrence Malick, and starring Richard Gere, Brooke Adams, Sam Shepard, and Linda Manz. Set in 1916, it tells the story of Bill (Gere) and Abby (Adams), a couple of young lovers on the run from the law, who flee to the Texas panhandle to work as seasonal laborers in the wheat fields. When they arrive, they meet and befriend a wealthy farmer (Shepard). Bill convinces the farmer to hire him and Abby, and the two eventually settle into a life of toil and plenty on the farm. However, when the farmer falls in love with Abby and proposes marriage, Bill and Abby must devise a plan to keep their love alive while still getting the money they need to survive. The film was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography, and won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography.

From Víctor Erice, starring Fernando Fernán Gómez, Teresa Gimpera, Ana Torrent, Isabel Tellería
Rated Not Rated

The Spirit of the Beehive is set in rural Spain in 1940, at the end of the Spanish Civil War. Six-year-old Ana and her seven-year-old sister, Isabel, live in a small village with their parents, who run a beekeeping business. When a traveling showman screens a print of James Whale's 1931 movie adaptation of Frankenstein, Ana is deeply moved by the story and begins to see the monster in her own backyard. With her sister, Ana begins a search for the creature, involving a variety of unlikely characters and leading to a miraculous ending. A captivating exploration of childhood innocence and the power of imagination, The Spirit of the Beehive is a poetic and haunting film that remains one of the most beloved Spanish movies of all time.

From Stephen Daldry, starring Jamie Bell, Julie Walters, Jean Heywood, Jamie Draven
Rated R

Billy Elliot is an inspirational drama about an 11-year-old boy in a small mining town in northern England. Despite strong opposition from his father and the mining community, Billy pursues his passion for ballet. With the help of his dance teacher and a good friend, Billy overcomes obstacles and follows his dreams. He learns that his family can support him even when they don’t understand his choices. In the end, Billy discovers a way to be accepted and respected by the entire community.

From José Luis Cuerda, starring Manuel Lozano, Fernando Fernán Gómez, Uxía Blanco, Gonzalo Uriarte
Rated R

Butterfly is a 1999 Spanish film written and directed by José Luis Cuerda. The movie tells the story of Moncho (Manuel Lozano), an eight-year-old boy growing up in Galicia in the 1930s. Moncho is a dreamer who loves to explore and learn, and he is particularly interested in the butterfly specimens his schoolteacher has brought to class. When Moncho's father falls ill, he and his family are forced to move to the city. There, Moncho meets a girl, Rosa (Anna Galiena), who helps him to adapt to the new environment and teaches him about the mysterious world of butterflies. Together they explore the city, get into trouble, and learn valuable lessons about life and love. The film is a heart-warming tale of friendship, adventure and discovery.

From Lasse Hallström, starring Anton Glanzelius, Tomas von Brömssen, Anki Lidén, Melinda Kinnaman
Rated Unrated

My Life as a Dog is a 1985 Swedish coming-of-age drama film directed by Lasse Hallström and written by Reidar Jönsson and Lasse Hallström. It stars Anton Glanzelius, Melinda Kinnaman and Kicki Rundgren. The film follows Ingemar (Glanzelius), a 12-year-old boy, who is sent to live with his uncle in a small Swedish town. While there, Ingemar faces the joys, sorrows, and dilemmas of growing up, as he struggles to come to terms with his mother's terminal illness and his inability to help her. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

From Susanne Bier, starring Mikael Persbrandt, Trine Dyrholm, Markus Rygaard, Wil Johnson
Rated R

In a Better World tells the story of two Danish families whose lives are intertwined. Anton, a refugee from a war-torn country, moves in with his father who is struggling with a difficult divorce. Anton's father shows him the harsh realities of life, while his friend Christian is struggling with a bully at school. Tensions rise when Christian and Anton take matters into their own hands and seek revenge by targeting the bully. As their friendship evolves, Anton's father and Christian's mother begin to form a relationship, which further complicates the boys' lives. Through the struggles and triumphs, the boys discover that justice can be found in a variety of forms, and that in a better world, everyone has a chance to be heard.

From Byambasuren Davaa, starring Batchuluun Urjindorj, Buyandulam Daramdadi, Nansal Batchuluun, Nansalmaa Batchuluun
Rated G

The Cave of the Yellow Dog is a 2005 Mongolian drama film written and directed by Byambasuren Davaa. The film follows the story of a young girl, Nansal, who lives in a rural Mongolian family. When her father finds a small wild dog in the mountains, Nansal names it "Yellow Dog" and wants to keep it as a pet. Her father, however, won't let her, and tells her that she must get rid of it. Nansal then sets off on a journey with her brother and yellow dog in order to find a place where they can keep their pet. Along the way, the family learns to better understand both the natural world and themselves. Ultimately, Nansal finds the cave of the yellow dog, a place where she and her family can keep it safe.

From Haifaa Al-Mansour, starring Waad Mohammed, Reem Abdullah, Abdullrahman Al Gohani, Ahd
Rated PG

Wadjda is a 10-year-old girl living in a suburb of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She is determined to buy a bicycle to enable her to race her friend Abdullah, even though it is considered improper for girls to ride bicycles in her conservative neighborhood. Wadjda’s mother is preoccupied with discouraging Wadjda’s “tom boy” behavior and worrying about her own marriage. Meanwhile, Wadjda enters her school’s Koran recitation competition in order to earn money to purchase the bike. Despite harassment and discouragement in the face of strict gender roles, Wadjda remains determined to pursue her dreams of independence.

From Gabriele Salvatores, starring Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, Dino Abbrescia, Giorgio Careccia, Riccardo Zinna
Rated R

From Guillermo del Toro, starring Marisa Paredes, Eduardo Noriega, Federico Luppi, Fernando Tielve
Rated R