Body Image on Screen

Cert

Age group5–14

Duration87 mins

Shrek(2001)

Animated comedy about a fat, green, bad-tempered ogre banished from his woods cabin home by an evil lord, which has become a modern classic.

This joyful animation incorporates elements from many traditional tales with a modern update – the hero is an ogre, and the princess decides she’s happier as an ogre too when the time comes for her to choose her fate.

Cert

Age group5–14

Duration96 mins

Finding Nemo(2003)

The colourful world of the tropical sea is captured in all its glory in this moving and funny story of a lost fish.

Plucky hero Nemo may be slowed down but isn’t held back by his one undersized fin.

Cert

Age group7+

Duration90 mins

A Kid For Two Farthings(1955)

Memorable film about a boy growing up in a working-class area of London after World War Two, who becomes obsessed with a fable he hears.

This snapshot of post-war East London reveals a society under pressure to put on a brave face after the ravages of war. Amateur boxer Sam Heppner strives for the idealised male body, inspired by body-builder pin-ups, and hopes to make a living from his body.

Cert

Age group7–11

Duration81 mins

Khumba(2013)

Entertaining South African animation about a half-striped zebra who learns that difference can be a strength.

A zebra born with only half his stripes is rejected by his herd, who believe his unusual appearance is a bad omen.

Cert

Age group11+

Duration86 mins

Penelope(2007)

Original, touching film about a young woman who, due to a family curse, has a pig's snout instead of a nose and is pursued by a cruel photographer.

Penelope’s appearance is rumoured to be so hideous that potential suitors run in fright. Forced to live in seclusion, Penelope is desperate to experience the real world – but is frightened what people will think of her.

Cert

Age group5–11

Duration103 mins

Mary and the Witch's Flower(2018)

Gentle anime which sees a young girl embark on a magical adventure after finding a mysterious flower.

Bored and lonely after moving away from home, Mary stands out to some people because of her wild, red hair which makes her feel awkward and distinct. However, after learning that she comes from a family of witches, it turns out that her hair might make her more unique and powerful than she could have imagined.