What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that although rumors suggest that songs
like "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" are veiled references to
drugs and the animation sometimes has a psychedelic look, there
is nothing that remotely approaches drug or alcohol use of any
kind. The violence is extremely mild, especially by cartoon
standards. The Meanies take over by "bonking" people with green
apples.
Families can talk about the different ways to interpret this movie -- do you think there are hidden messages? Why do you think the Beatles wanted to make this movie?
Common Sense Media Review
All is peace, love, and music in gentle Pepperland until the
wicked Blue Meanies take over. The Beatles come to the rescue
via the title vessel, meeting all kinds of strange and
interesting characters along the way. This movie is a pleasure
for the eye, ear, and heart, featuring spectacular animation,
gorgeous music (including the title song, "When I'm 64," "Lucy
in the Sky with Diamonds," "All Together Now" and the lovely
"Sea of Time," written by longtime Beatle collaborator George
Martin), witty wordplay (lots of puns and some sly political
satire), and a sweet story with a nonviolent happy ending.
NOTE: Although rumors suggest that songs like "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" are veiled references to drugs and the animation sometimes has a psychedelic look, there is nothing that remotely approaches drug or alcohol use of any kind. The violence is extremely mild, especially by cartoon standards. The Meanies take over by "bonking" people with green apples.
The 2000 video re-release and 2001 DVD include the long-missing "Hey Bulldog" musical number.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
