I knew I recognized the names Asterix and Obelix when it popped up under New Releases on Netflix, but it took me a minute to put my finger on it!
As a former French major, I had to read some of the comics for an undergrad assignment, which was well over 10 years ago. Now that there is a lovely animation available in the States, I am just as eager as my kids to watch this limited series. The innocent folly in the show reminds me of another classic, Wallace and Gromit, so if you’re a fan of that show, you may want to give Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight a try.
How “new” is this new release?
Although the limited series was, in fact, released this year, Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight is based on a well-known European figure who has been around for decades. Asterix the Gaul is a French comic book character from the 1960s who received lots of love around the world for his witty representation of Gallic warriors.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to give your kids a quiz on this very loosely historical tale, but it’s worth mentioning that the Asterix character represents the people group who inhabited the land of France long before it was the independent country we know today.
Asterix and Obelix spend much of the series planning a fight against a rival group called the Romans. Your child is likely to hear about the Roman Empire when they dive into World History someday. For now, you and your kids can enjoy the lovely animation, action-packed episodes, and subtle nods to more modern culture without having to know much about Julius Caesar.
Using kids shows to practice a new language
Asterix & Obelix: the Big Fight includes five episodes, each lasting 30-45 minutes, with lots of language options, including the original language, French.
If you or someone in your home is attempting to learn French or one of the other languages available, listening to Asterix & Obelix: the Big Fight in that language, or even using the subtitles could be great practice!
You can try this with other children’s shows as well, because the language tends to be much simpler. In fact, you can challenge yourself to read the actual comics if you're up for the challenge.
There’s nothing to fight about when it comes to age appropriateness
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight is rated TV-Y7 for fantasy violence and mild themes. This means what the title already reveals- there will be lots of fighting (mostly punching and falling) and references to magic, which is quite normal for a comic about an ancient warrior. Declare yourself a winner, because your little ones will be just fine watching this one on their own if you’re having a busy day!
Asterix & Obelix: the Big Fight is now streaming on Netflix.