Lord of the Flies

Based on William Golding’s award-winning allegorical novel, this is the story of a group of English schoolboys marooned on a remote island. At first, they operate according to the structure they are used to (“Let’s make a lot of rules!” shouts one of the boys). Ralph, thoughtful and democratic, is selected as their leader. He plans for the long term, keeping a signal fire going. But when no one comes to rescue them, civilization slips further and further away. Jack and his “hunters” take over, becoming more and more savage. They paint themselves and make sacrifices to a mythical “beast,” first the heads of the animals they kill for food, and then one of the boys, killed in a wild ceremonial dance. They murder Ralph’s last follower, a chubby boy called “Piggy,” and they are chasing murderously after Ralph when they are found by rescuers. NOTE: This has some very scary moments, and the overall theme may be particular troubling for some kids.

Teenagers should read the book, by Nobel Prize-winner William Golding. This movie was remade in 1990, in color, with a contemporary setting, and the nationality of the boys changed to American. It has some power, but is not as good as the original.