Plot so thin, it passes unnoticed.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

This was my favourite film as a child - it was shown on tv one night and my family taped it for me, on a whim (back in the days of VHS). I LOVED it and still do, 25 years later. Highly recommend, especially for children.

This is a great film that is very good for families, but with a few tentatively startling scenes for the young 'ens. It's mostly about a boys journey and his interactions with pirates, friends, and saving his family from poverty. Jens is his father's friend, NOT his brother, who promises his father to keep an eye on him since he's going to sea to save his family. It's light hearted overall, and seems to get more and more kid-friendly throughout. You have your Swiss Family Robinson reminiscent booby traps, your classic stowaways, your bad guys and your heroes. Altogether a movie that can be enjoyed for parents and children alike.

I haven't seen this movie since the 2nd grade, so I can only speak from the perspective of a child. It was an amazing movie, and I can still remember the villain well. It was suspenseful and had me on the edge of my seat. That being said, sure: if I were to see it again today I might see small flaws in the acting and/or plot, but the key here is that it captures the imaginations of children, which was its purpose. I am not rating this movie since I have not seen it for 12 years.

This film could have and should have been better. The acting by the main characters is horrible. Hakon and Jens seem too self-conscious throughout the whole film. The girl is bad too. Unfortunately we don't see too much of her. Gabriel Byrne and the other supporting actors are ok. The plot points and action reek of Disney. The story is too wholesome for the subject matter. Oh well. I shouldn't expect too much from a Disney action/family adventure.