lead the discussion
Peter Rabbit - 2018
Movie Info
Rating: PG
Age-appropriateness: slapstick violence; a gardener tries to catch rabbits with traps/tools; scene of an older man dying of a heart attack
Overview: This is the feature adaptation of Beatrix Potter's classic tale of a rebellious rabbit trying to sneak into a farmer's vegetable garden. This rabbit learns how to be vulnerable while grieving the loss of his parents. Characters learn how to trust and protect others.
Themes: obedience, family, death/grieving, friendship, selfishness, love, honor, purity, vulnerability, lying, apologizing, forgiveness, trust
The Quick 3
Ask these quick questions to hit the major themes of the film.
1. Obedience. How often do you obey the rules? What makes it so hard to be obedient sometimes?
Peter Rabbit often broke the rules. He was rebellious. He regularly snuck into Mr. McGregor's garden to eat his yummy vegetables. Obedience is listening to and following the rules, knowing that's what's best for you.
2. Death/grieving. How do you think the rabbits feel, now that they are on their mother died and they are on their own? What are some ways that the rabbits might process their feelings in a healthy way?
Bea took care of the family of rabbits, ever since their mother died. She protected them and cared for them. The rabbits were grieving the loss of their parents. The rabbits try to figure out how to process their sadness.
Here's an article about How to Talk to Your Kids About Death/Grieving.
3. Vulnerability. How often are you vulnerable with your friends and family? Is there any big feeling that you have that you'd like to vulnerably share with someone?
Peter shows some vulnerability when he mentions that he's afraid to lose Bea. He fears losing his relationship with Bea because he already lost his mom, and he's worried that Bea is the only protector he has left. Later on, Peter admits that he should've been a better big brother and that he's felt "lost" since his mom and dad died. Vulnerability is sharing openly and honestly with someone knowing you are risking being hurt.
After The Movie Discussion Guide
Follow this 5-10 minute discussion guide to drive an in-depth conversation.
1. Peter Rabbit often broke the rules. He was rebellious. He regularly snuck into Mr. McGregor's garden to eat his yummy vegetables. Obedience is listening to and following the rules, knowing that's what's best for you. How often do you obey the rules? What makes it so hard to be obedient sometimes?
2. Adam and Eve, the first people God created, lived in a garden, sort of like Peter Rabbit did. In Genesis 2:16-17, we see that "the Lord God gave the man a command. He said, 'You may eat fruit from any tree in the garden. But you must not eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you do, you will certainly die.'" Instead of listening to God, Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. Have you ever disobeyed your parents on purpose, knowing it was the wrong thing to do? How did that decision turn out?
3. Bea took care of the family of rabbits, ever since their mother died. She protected them and cared for them. The rabbits were grieving the loss of their parents. The rabbits try to figure out how to process their sadness. How do you think the rabbits feel, now that they are on their own? What are some ways that the rabbits might process their feelings in a healthy way?
Here's an article about How to Talk to Your Kids About Death/Grieving.
4. Peter thought very highly of himself, often calling himself a "hero" and considering himself better than other rabbits. His selfish outlook on life was due to his pride. Pride is feeling that you are the best and most important. Do you ever feel prideful? Have you ever thought you were better than someone else?
Minute By Minute Guide
Use this break down of the entire movie in addition to the “After the Movie” discussion guide. Great for repeat viewings.
:08 Bea saved the rabbits from Mr. McGregor. She protected them from being hurt, knowing they were just animals who were trying to eat food. When you see that someone is in trouble, how do you usually respond? How can you step in and help someone who needs it?
:12 When the garden became available, Peter Rabbit shared all of the vegetables with all of the animals. Instead of planning for the long-term and saving the food, they decided to go crazy and eat it all, making a huge mess of the house. Have you ever made a decision that seemed like the right thing to do in the moment, but probably wasn't wise in the long run?
:26 The pig sees the gates are back up around the garden and tells Peter: "I guess you aren't the prodigal son after all." The phrase "prodigal son" refers to a story Jesus told in Luke 15:11-32. The prodigal son was a boy who went away from his home, made a bunch of bad decisions, and came home to a feast. Do you think someone who made bad decisions deserves to be rewarded with a feast when he/she came home? Why or why not?
:39 Thomas purchases some tools from the hardware store to launch the rabbits out of his garden. He's so angry with the rabbits, he doesn't even care if he hurts them. Have you ever been that angry with someone? What did they do to make you so mad?
:43 Bea says that rabbits are wonderful creatures, calling them "generous, honest, and pure". Philippians 4:8 says that we should focus on those qualities: "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." How can you think about things that are honorable and pure? What do you think will happen if you focus on those things?
:58 Peter shows some vulnerability when he mentions that he's afraid to lose Bea. He fears losing his relationship with Bea because he already lost his mom, and he's worried that Bea is the only protector he has left. Later on, Peter admits that he should've been a better big brother and that he's felt "lost" since his mom and dad died. Vulnerability is sharing openly and honestly with someone knowing you are risking being hurt. How often are you vulnerable with your friends and family? Is there any big feeling that you have that you'd like to vulnerably share with someone?
1:04 Thomas lied to Bea, saying that he didn't have explosives and pretending to like the rabbits. Thomas didn't want to tell the truth to Bea in order to make sure that she still liked him. Have you ever told someone a lie, hoping that they'd like you? Did they ever find out the truth?
1:08 Peter hears his mom encourage him, saying "love is infinite". She's saying that he doesn't need to worry about running out of love. There's always more love in the world to give and to receive, no matter how bad things might seem. 1 Corinthians 13:7 says, "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." What do you think that verse means? Do you think it's true?
1:20 Peter acknowledges his mistake and apologizes to Bea. Thomas also apologizes, asking for Bea's forgiveness. It's tough to forgive someone who's hurt us. Yet, the Bible urges us to do just that. Ephesians 4:32 says, "Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Do you owe anyone an apology? Is there anyone you need to forgive?