Content lists tell parents what happened. They rarely say what it meant. This is a look at where a story tells children their value comes from, using three films LionLens has reviewed recently — because the same element can be handled well in one story and carelessly in another.
Spirit Untamed (2021)
LionLens rates this some for identity and worldview.
Lucky pushes against being told, “Proper ladies do not hang out of window ledges,” and resists the polished expectations of her wealthy family. The film treats identity as something discovered by following one’s inner nature and sense of freedom. Parents may want to discuss the difference between self-expression and identity rooted in God’s design.
“part of being a Prescott is not always having what you want - but doing what’s best for the family.”
Read the full review of Spirit Untamed
Maksym & Milana (2026)
LionLens rates this some for identity and worldview.
The story centers on a Ukrainian boy who has fled war and a Russian girl he meets after arriving in Spain. That national contrast matters because it invites children to see a person before a political label. Parents may want to discuss how every person bears God’s image.
Read the full review of Maksym & Milana
Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole (2010)
LionLens rates this some for identity and worldview.
Soren is shaped by heroic stories and wants to live up to them, while Kludd mocks him as having a “soft head” filled with “stories and dreams.” The film ties identity to belief, courage, and belonging. Parents may want to discuss whether identity should come from family expectations, heroic fantasy, or who God says we are.
Read the full review of Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole
What To Do With The Difference
Set the three side by side and the useful question stops being “how much was there?” and becomes “what did the story want us to feel about it?” A film can show something difficult and still treat it as difficult. Another can show far less and quietly make it look admirable.
That is the question worth teaching children to ask for themselves, long before they stop watching films with you.