During the trip, not only can you help your child exercise physically, develop social skills, broaden their horizons, and foster their understanding and empathy for different regions and people, but you can also nurture their independence and ability to analyze and solve problems on their own.
To be honest, your child is still young, and you’re still young too, so hop in your car, bring your little one, and hit the road.
For specifics, please (qie) refer (wu) to (mo) and draw (fang) inspiration from the following road movies related to children—or maybe child-themed road movies. (Whatever, it’s all good ==) In short, they’re films that include both kids and travel themes~~~
1. A Perfect World
Director: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Kevin Costner / Laura Dern / Clint Eastwood / T.J. Lowther / Keith Szarabajka
Country/Region: United States
Language: English
Release Date: 1993-11-24 (USA)
Review by Teacher Guanshan: A blend of emotion and brutality—every adult who still holds onto kindness has the responsibility to protect the beautiful world inside a child’s heart. Butch’s protection of Phillip represents a longing to return to innocence, as well as self-redemption.
2. Summer of Kikujiro
Director: Takeshi Kitano
Starring: Takeshi Kitano / Yusuke Sekiguchi / Kayoko Kishimoto / Gurêto Giday? / Dr. Tokita / and more...
Country/Region: Japan
Language: Japanese
Release Date: 1999-05-20 (Cannes Film Festival) / 1999-06-05 (Japan)
Duration: 121 minutes
Review by Teacher Guanshan: One of Takeshi Kitano’s rare heartfelt films, telling a childhood story filled with the director’s deep nostalgia. At the moment when Masao and Kikujiro part ways, they actually become one. Simple, funny, and full of childlike charm. Summer is a magical season—enjoy it one more time before it ends~~~
3. Away We Go
Director: Sam Mendes
Starring: John Krasinski / Maya Rudolph / Carmen Ejogo / Catherine O'Hara / Jeff Daniels / and more...
Genre: Drama / Comedy / Family
Country/Region: United States / United Kingdom
Language: English
Release Date: 2009-06-29
Duration: 98 minutes
Review by Teacher Guanshan: This film doesn’t feature a child because the child is still in the female lead’s womb. On the surface, it’s about finding a great environment for the unborn child to grow up in. But on a deeper level, it’s about searching for a sense of belonging in life, reaching mutual understanding and consensus on what “home” means to the couple—a topic every parent should reflect on. That’s why, even though the baby isn’t born yet, we still recommend it.
4. Stand by Me
Starring: River Phoenix / Wil Wheaton / Corey Feldman / Jerry O'Connell / John Cusack / more...
Genre: Drama / Children / Adventure
Country/Region of Production: United States
Language: English
Release Date: 1986-08-08 (USA)
Runtime: 89 minutes
Comment by Teacher Guan Shan: This film was nominated for Best Picture and Best Director at the 1987 Golden Globe Awards, and for Best Screenplay at the 1987 Academy Awards. Of all the films about troubled youth, I only recommend this one. The characters are very well-developed. At twelve years old, the first bonds in life are incredibly precious. Childhood friends may seem scattered across the vast sea of people, but it's good to have had them accompany us as we grew up.
5. Miracle
Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda
Starring: Kai Inoue / Ohshirô Inoue / Nene Otsuka / Masahiro Motoki / Yui Natsukawa /
Genre: Drama / Family
Country/Region of Production: Japan
Release Date: 2011-06-11 (Japan)
Runtime: 128 minutes
Comment by Teacher Guan Shan: “It is the quietness that grows within autumn camellias, the heritage that lingers in food, the volcanic ash that clings to your fingers. Youth roars loudly, yet never speeds past—those wishes shouted aloud, the ding-dong of bells, the scramble for snacks, the selling of toys, the beloved puppy, and also what flows through aging and death.” The story, the actors, and the scenery all possess a serene refinement. Fans of Japanese minimalism shouldn’t miss it.
I’d just like to say, in movies, children are either abducted or come from problematic families, and they run away at the slightest disagreement. Screenwriters and directors sure do have a lot going on inside, but real life isn’t really like that.
The real-life version should look more like this
We might as well start a journey by road trip. Let the kids enjoy the world’s beauty while being warmly accompanied by their parents.
More importantly, it gives us and our children a chance to grow together.
Throughout this process, the child’s safety is always the top priority.