Time Bandits

Time Bandits

Movie (1981)

…they didn’t make history, they stole it!

Young history buff Kevin can scarcely believe it when six dwarfs emerge from his closet one night. Former employees of the Supreme Being, they've purloined a map charting all of the holes in the fabric of time and are using it to steal treasures from different historical eras. Taking Kevin with them, they variously drop in on Napoleon, Robin Hood and King Agamemnon before the Supreme Being catches up with them.

Family
Fantasy
Science Fiction
Adventure
Comedy
116 minutes
Released
Jump to family guidance

Family guidance

Ages 10+

The film features dark, surreal imagery and intense, often jarring sequences that may unsettle younger children. Its complex narrative structure and cynical tone are best suited for older grade-schoolers and pre-teens.

Every child is different. Use this guide alongside what you know about yours.

What to know before you start

Content details to help you decide what fits your child.

Sex & Nudity

0/5

There is no sexual content or nudity depicted in this film.

Violence & Gore

3/5

The film contains several intense action sequences where characters are injured or killed, including a beheading and characters being turned into animals or pigs. While not overly gory by modern standards, the scenes are stylized and can be quite jarring for younger viewers.

Profanity

2/5

The dialogue includes mild profanity such as 'd*mn' (multiple times) and 'h*ll' (frequent), typically used by the characters in moments of frustration or casual banter.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

2/5

There are brief scenes depicting characters consuming alcohol in a social or historical context, but it is not a primary focus of the story.

Frightening Scenes

4/5

The movie features several dark, sinister, and visually disturbing sequences involving a villainous character, unsettling creatures, and a grim, surreal atmosphere. These elements are designed to be dark and may be too frightening or overwhelming for young children.

Key Insights

Quick summary and important considerations

A curious boy goes on a wild adventure through time, meeting famous figures from history while learning that chasing treasures isn't as important as making the right choices.

Content Warnings

Dark surrealism
Intense atmosphere

Detailed Analysis

In-depth insights for parents and educators

What Parents Need to Know

The movie contains surreal, grotesque imagery and a cynical perspective on authority. Some moments involve peril and a pervasive sense of dark, British-style irony.

What Kids Can Learn

Kids can develop critical thinking skills by observing the consequences of impulsive decisions and the pursuit of material wealth.

Key Topics Discussed

Historical figures
Ethics
Consequences of greed

Why Parents Might Like It

Adults will appreciate the imaginative world-building, sharp wit, and unique visual style synonymous with Terry Gilliam's direction.

Positives & learning

Positive messages

3/5

Emphasizes the importance of curiosity, the value of historical inquiry, and the idea that greed ultimately leads to one's own undoing.

Role models

2/5

Kevin displays genuine bravery and integrity, standing as a moral compass in a group of self-interested, ethically compromised characters.

Representation

1/5

No diverse representations indicated in available information.

Learning

2/5

Provides exposure to various historical figures and eras, encouraging further research into the different time periods depicted.

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