Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie1991

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The original crew's final mission: a Cold War allegory in space where Kirk learns to let go of his grudges—slowly, and with lots of Shakespeare.

7.2/10

83%

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Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

movie

PG, 1991

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The original crew's final mission: a Cold War allegory in space where Kirk learns to let go of his grudges—slowly, and with lots of Shakespeare.

7.2

83%

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7.2/10

83%

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be honest: this movie is 34 years old and feels like it. The effects are clunky, the pacing is glacial, and there's a lot of standing around talking about treaties. If your kid isn't already a Trekkie or deeply into space politics, they're going to be checking their phone.

That said, if you can get them to engage, there's real substance here. Kirk's arc—learning to let go of hatred after his son's murder—is genuinely moving. The Cold War allegory is a great teaching tool. The themes about prejudice, fear of change, and choosing peace over vengeance are timeless.

But you're fighting an uphill battle against dated production values and a plot that prioritizes diplomacy over explosions. This is a 'watch with your kid because you love it and want to share it' movie, not a 'they'll actually ask to rewatch it' movie. Manage expectations accordingly.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-14 who are already Star Trek fans or kids interested in history/politics. The themes are sophisticated but the entertainment value is low for modern kids—this is a 1991 movie that feels every bit its age. Adults who grew up with it will enjoy the nostalgia; kids will likely find it slow and dated.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The film centers on cooperation, diplomacy, and overcoming prejudice between former enemies. Kirk's arc involves confronting his own racism toward Klingons after his son's death, ultimately choosing peace over vengeance. The crew works together to prevent war. Some cynicism and darker themes (assassination, conspiracy, prison brutality) keep it from being purely uplifting, but the core message about reconciliation is solid.

Imaginative

Classic Trek space opera with interstellar politics, Klingon culture, and a murder mystery in space. The 'Undiscovered Country' Shakespeare references and Cold War allegory add layers. However, by 1991 standards and especially now, the effects are dated, the pacing is slow, and the world-building feels constrained by TV-era budgets. It's more 'talky diplomatic thriller' than visual spectacle or mind-bending sci-fi.

Safe

Rated PG, Common Sense Media suggests age 10. There's a brief assassination scene with purple Klingon blood, some phaser violence, and a prison planet sequence with harsh conditions. One scene has a shapeshifter reveal that's mildly creepy. No gore, no sex, minimal language. The violence is bloodless and brief. For a 1991 action movie, it's restrained, but younger kids might find the prison scenes tense and the political conspiracy plot confusing or boring.

Enriching

Strong themes about prejudice, peace-making, and the courage to change. The Cold War allegory (Klingons = Soviets) offers a historical teaching moment about détente. Kirk's character growth—moving past hatred after personal loss—is meaningful. The trial and conspiracy plot reward attention and critical thinking. Shakespeare quotes throughout add literary texture. That said, the entertainment value is middling for modern audiences; it's preachy at times and the pacing drags.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Kirk confronts his own prejudice after losing his son, modeling how even heroes have to grow and change
The Klingon-Federation peace treaty mirrors real Cold War history—good conversation starter about diplomacy vs. war
Murder mystery plot in space with courtroom drama and conspiracy intrigue rewards careful watching
Shakespeare references throughout (the title is from Hamlet) add literary depth for older kids
Final send-off for the original crew has genuine emotional weight if you're invested in the characters

⚠

What to Watch For

Pacing is slow and talky—this is a Cold War political thriller disguised as a space adventure, not an action movie
1991 effects look rough now; younger kids used to modern CGI will notice the clunky greenscreen and model ships
Prison planet scenes are bleak and somewhat violent (guards beat prisoners, harsh conditions)
Assassination scene shows purple Klingon blood spurting in zero gravity—brief but graphic for PG
Kids under 10 will likely be bored by the political intrigue and courtroom scenes

Conversation Starters

"Kirk hated Klingons because one killed his son. How hard is it to make peace with someone who hurt your family?"
"The movie is about the Cold War ending—do you know what that was? Why is it scary when enemies suddenly want to be friends?"
"Some people in the movie want to keep the war going because peace threatens their jobs. When might peace actually be bad for some people?"
"Why do you think they quote Shakespeare so much? What does 'the undiscovered country' mean?"
"If you were Kirk, could you have shaken hands with the Klingon chancellor at the end?"

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