Because of Winn-Dixie

Ten-year-old Opal has just moved to a small Florida town with her father. Lonely and missing her mother who abandoned them years earlier, Opal’s life changes when she adopts a stray dog she discovers causing chaos in the local Winn-Dixie supermarket. Naming him after the store where they met, Opal soon finds that the scruffy dog has a remarkable ability to help her connect with the eccentric residents of her new town.

With Winn-Dixie by her side, Opal befriends a cast of colorful characters: an old librarian who shares intriguing stories, a nearly-blind woman rumored to be a witch, and an ex-convict with a gift for music. As these unlikely friendships develop, Opal gradually begins to understand and come to terms with why her mother left. Through it all, Winn-Dixie slowly helps the community come together.

Based on Kate DiCamillo’s popular children’s book, Because of Winn-Dixie is a heartwarming story about how unexpected friendships can help us overcome loneliness and grief. The film deals gently with difficult topics like parental abandonment and alcoholism, but balances these moments with humor and warmth. Rated PG, this family-friendly tale celebrates the transformative power of love, forgiveness, and community.

Runtime: 1 hour, 46 minutes
Rated PG
USCCB Rating: A-I
IMDb Parents Guide
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