The Fighting Sullivans1944The Fighting Sullivans
1944
The five Sullivan brothers of Waterloo, Iowa, grow up scrapping, loyal, and inseparable. After Pearl Harbor they enlist in the Navy together on the condition that they serve on the same ship.
For children old enough to talk it through: sustained intensity, or language or sexual content that Common Sense Media rates 7–9.
Why it’s here
A true story of five brothers who stayed together to the end. It honors a Midwestern family's love for each other and for their country.
Context notes
For parents, before you press play.
All five brothers die when their ship sinks; the scene is brief but heartbreaking, and the parents receiving the news is very sad. The boys' childhood scraps and mischief earn their father's discipline.
The Fighting Sullivans (1944)
Discussion questions
When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.
- Why did the brothers want to serve together?
- How did their parents raise them?
- How did you feel at the end?
- What does it mean to stick together?
Content advisory
WebSearch synthesis (TCM/AFI): little combat; a brief, emotional sinking scene; childhood fistfights.
Trailer
Best edition
The disc comes first.
The Fighting Sullivans DVD (Commemorative Edition)
DVD · November 22, 2005
Coming later
Where to stream
Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.