Update- at 16 my kid is finally completely enthralled by Fellowship of The Ring.
Don't force films or books on your kids when they're little.
Ask them.
When they're ready- they'll say so.
And if after trying it's still not for them-
Let it go.
You're raising a child. Not a clone.
Find other stuff to engage in together.
Signed- my kid cannot get into Star Wars and that's perfectly fine
Gandalf falls.
I pass a box of tissues towards my kid.
Kid- "Everyone knows Gandalf dies but comes back."
Hobbits start sobbing.
Kid grabs tissue.
16- I loved this and I need more media that's got this much platonic love being celebrated.
Discussed the changes made for the film including how nearly every wealthy English officer in WWI had a person who was brown assigned to him as a servant, page, slave who became their most trusted person and how Sam should actually be a person of color but Sean Astin fucking nailed it. While white.
My kid - holy shit.
Me- Oh we have loads of shit to discuss while loving this.
Samwise is The Hero of The Lord of The Rings.
In the books as well as the films.
Period.
So we discussed romanticism of the lower class as well.
Everything is a teaching moment if you've been teaching your kids to listen.
My kid said - "Are you saying that Tolkien was a bad person?"
And I said, "Absolutely not. I'm saying that he did his best, which was truly amazing for his time, in the time he was given."
Kid smirks.
Me- also all of my books about Tolkien are right out there in the dining room next to his own books so feel free to read them.
Me- the next two starting tomorrow?
My kid - I think I have to digest this so can we watch the next one Wednesday?
Me- "Nooooo we can't because Bluey is Wednesday. Thursday night and Friday night?"
My kid - perfect.