Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Girl Rising is one of those documentaries that feels like required viewing for raising globally-conscious kids—and it actually delivers. Nine stories, nine filmmakers, nine girls facing obstacles most American kids can't fathom, all fighting for education.

The good: It's genuinely moving without being manipulative, educational without being preachy, and the varied filmmaking styles keep it from feeling like one long lecture. The ratings are solid, and the impact was real (it launched a global campaign).

The reality check: This is a 2013 documentary about heavy topics. It's not entertainment in the traditional sense—it's more like medicine that tastes okay. Your 8-year-old who loves Encanto isn't going to vibe with this. Your thoughtful 13-year-old doing a social studies unit on global inequality? Perfect.

It's best watched with intention, ideally with discussion afterward. Not a casual Friday night pick, but an excellent choice when you want to expand your kid's worldview and have real conversations about privilege, gender equity, and why education matters. Just make sure they're emotionally ready for stories about real hardship.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12-17, though mature 10-11 year olds with parental support could handle it. The content is important and enriching but emotionally demanding. Adults will also find value, especially educators and parents looking to spark meaningful conversations about global equity.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Documentary profiles nine girls overcoming adversity with dignity and resilience. Models perseverance, family bonds, and the power of education. Emotionally healthy messaging about empowerment without being preachy. Tone is respectful and uplifting while acknowledging real hardships.

Imaginative

72

Nine different filmmakers bring varied visual styles and storytelling approaches to each girl's story, creating a global tapestry. The documentary format invites viewers to imagine lives vastly different from their own and consider systemic barriers. However, it's a straightforward documentary rather than something that sparks creative play or building.

Safe

75

Common Sense Media rates it 12+, suggesting some mature themes around poverty, gender discrimination, and educational barriers. The documentary addresses serious issues like child marriage, forced labor, and violence against girls, but handles them with care. No graphic content, but emotional weight and difficult realities may be challenging for younger viewers. Not a surprise-scary situation, but requires emotional readiness.

Enriching

90

Exceptionally enriching content about global education inequality, women's rights, and systemic poverty. Builds empathy across cultures and socioeconomic contexts. Strong pro-education messaging with real-world impact (the film launched a global campaign). Teaches critical thinking about privilege, gender equity, and social justice. High educational value with emotional resonance.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely eye-opening look at girls' education barriers worldwide—builds real empathy and global awareness
Each story is told by a different filmmaker, so the visual styles stay fresh and the pacing varies
Strong pro-education messaging without being a lecture; these are real girls with real dreams
Perfect for families who want to have bigger conversations about privilege, equity, and what we can do to help
High ratings across the board (80% RT, 7.1 IMDb) suggest it lands well with audiences

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What to Watch For

This is a documentary about serious global issues—child marriage, forced labor, poverty, violence against girls. It's handled sensitively but it's still heavy.
Common Sense says 12+ for good reason; younger kids may not have the emotional bandwidth for these stories
It's from 2013 and feels like a documentary from 2013—not boring per se, but not TikTok-paced either
This is 'watch with intention' content, not 'throw it on for movie night' unless your family is ready for real talk

Conversation Starters

"What surprised you most about the girls' lives compared to yours?"
"If you couldn't go to school, what would you miss the most?"
"Which girl's story stuck with you, and why?"
"What can we do to support girls' education around the world?"
"How does where you're born affect what opportunities you get?"

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