“The Black Cauldron“, based on the novel by Lloyd Alexander, is a Disney animated feature from 1985. It’s quite possible that you’ve never heard of it. It’s the first animated Disney film to garner a PG rating and it is certainly a bit darker than the usual Disney fare. It actually bombed when it was first released to the theaters, but has since found a new audience since its release on DVD.
Young Taran is an assistant pig-keeper who dreams of adventure. But one day, he learns that the pig he helps take care of, Hen Wen, is no ordinary pig. Speak the right spell and place her snout in a bit of water and she’ll show you visions of what you seek. Hen Wen is in danger. The Horned King seeks her to find the location of the magic black cauldron, which is said to hold the magic of the most evilest king the land of Prydain has ever seen. It was said even the gods feared him. The cauldron cannot be destroyed and if someone were to release the magic within, it would be the end of all.
Taran is charged to protect Hen Wen, and to bring her to a cottage at the edge of the Forbidden Forest where they will be safe for a time. But on the way, Hen Wen disappears during one of Taran’s daydreams and he must frantically search to find her. While searching, he encounters a mischievous little creature (that looks partly like a dog, partly like an old man and sounds like Smeagol from “Lord of the Rings”) who immediate takes to Taran and wants to be his friend. Taran doesn’t have the patience, though and when he hears Hen Wen squeal in danger, he rushes off only to see her taken by the Horned King’s dragons.
The rest of the movie involves Taran getting into the castle, meeting a kidnapped princess and saving Hen Wen and the land of Prydain from the evil Horned King. I hesitate to recommend this movie for kids under 8 or 9, because the Horned King and his skeleton army are a bit scary. Our five year old enjoyed, in his own words “the end and the beginning.” When I asked him about the middle, he said it was a little scary. One character also sacrifices himself to save the others, and this might upset some children. But, as it is a Disney movie, it does have a happy ending with everyone ending up safe and sound.
The Black Cauldron is rated PG for some scary images.
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