My Side of the Mountain

Upset after his parents cancel a summer camping trip, and inspired by the writings of Henry David Thoreau, thirteen-year-old Sam decides to test his self-reliance by running away from home to live off the land on his own. With his pet raccoon by his side, Sam heads deep into the Canadian wilderness where he makes a home inside a hollow tree, learns to forage for food, and trains a young falcon to help him hunt.

As the seasons change, Sam’s determination to live according to Thoreau’s philosophy of simple living and self-sufficiency is put to the test as he faces the many challenges of survival. While his confidence grows as he masters survival skills, his resolve is tested by loneliness, loss, and the harsh winter conditions that threaten his carefully constructed wilderness life, forcing him to learn not just about nature and survival, but about the importance of human connection and family bonds.

Based on Jean Craighead George’s popular novel, this slower-paced 1969 film offers a refreshing contrast to today’s action-packed movies with its reflective portrayal of a young person’s determination and resourcefulness. While the film admittedly makes wilderness survival look easier than it would be in reality, it beautifully explores the unique relationship between humans and nature; how our creativity and problem-solving abilities allow us to adapt to wild environments, yet ultimately how nature’s forces remain powerful and humbling. Though the premise of a young boy living alone in the wilderness might raise parental eyebrows, the film delivers valuable messages about self-reliance, respect for nature, and the thirst for knowledge. The film is rated G and is family-friendly.

Runtime: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Rated G
USCCB rating: A-I
IMDb Parents Guide
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