When I was a kid I watched so many different cartoon movies such as: Tarzan, Cinderella, Rugrats, Carebears and many others as well. All of these movies were amazing and entertaining, but did you know that they sent messages to you as a child? These movies had hidden messages in them, and we did not even notice. Luckily most of these messages taught us valuable lessons. And others were not as valuable, but we still use to this day. Like the terms “earthshake!”, sharptooth!”, as well as “longneck”. But where did we pick up these silly names for things we know scientifically as Earthquake, Tyrannosaurus Rex, and Apatosaurus? One title. Land Before Time. This movie was probably my favorite series ever besides Carebears, and I learned so much from these movies alone without realizing it. And here are some of the top 5 things we learned as kids from this amazing movie.
1. Sharing
Whether it is obvious or not, Land Before Time emphasizes sharing as a huge lesson to kids. One particular scene that stood out to me was after Little Foots mother had died, and he was so sad he wouldn’t move or eat, and a little bird walked past him and was concerned. So the little bird gave Little Foot his cherry that his mother had given to him. There are obviously so many more instances that they share throughout this movie, but there are far too many to list off.
2. Your loved ones will always be with you.
This might be the most important message to any kid. If someone dies in their family, they should know that they will always be with them no matter what.
3. You can have friends that are different and that’s okay.
Whether that be differences in race, gender, age, or where you’re from. No matter who they are, you can be friends with them. Like Little Foots friends, Cera, Petrie, Spike, and Ducky. They are all different species of dinosaurs, and they all are really great friends.
4. You can do anything you put your mind to with your friend’s support.
Throughout the movie Little Foot and his friends face dozens of difficult situations. They had to work together to get out of, even when one friend didn’t think it was possible. The others did and pushed them along through that situation to conquer to what seemed to be the impossible.
5. Let your heart guide you.
This is the most important lesson that I learned from this movie, and personally has always followed me through life. Little Foots mother told him before she died to “let your heart guide you”, and that’s how he eventually found The Great Valley. This definitely holds true in real life as well, I always let my heart guide me, whether it be to new friends, new adventures, or what my heart wants in life in general. It has led me to so many new opportunities, and has impacted me and others around me on so many occasions. So never ignore your heart, just follow it.
There were so many different messages in Land Before Time, it’s hard to even notice them most of the time. But you don’t have to notice them for the messages to sink in and impact you. No matter the lessons learned, this movie or any movie for that matter, there are messages to be learned in every aspect of it. Just let the movie sink in, and “Let you heart guide you” to whatever you feel important in your own life.
