Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- gentle
- wistful
- tender
- family movie night
- lazy afternoon
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ivan is bullied at school and taunted by his father for being physically weak.
Ivan spends much of his time daydreaming in response to loneliness and repeated humiliation.
Ivan forms a kindred-spirit bond with Ole, a friendly and lonely crane driver.
The film combines bullying-related hardship with comedy and an ultimately hopeful emotional trajectory.
Films like Rubber Tarzan, and why
The Karate Kid
children's comedy about bullying, loneliness, and a young protagonist finding confidence through an unlikely friendship
The Mighty
warm family film centered on an isolated child, school pressures, and emotional resilience
My Life as a Dog
gentle children's story combining social alienation, imagination, and friendship with adults
Movie Details
- Director
- Søren Kragh-Jacobsen
- Release Date
- 1981-10-15
- Runtime
- 89 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (27)
Cast
- Alex Svanbjerg
- Otto Brandenburg
- Peter Schrøder
- Susanne Heinrich
- Jens Okking
- Kjeld Løfting
- Terese Damsholt
- Kirsten Rolffes
- Ole Thestrup
- Hans Kragh-Jacobsen
Common questions
- What is Rubber Tarzan about?
- A bullied Danish boy escapes into daydreams and discovers strength through a friendship with a lonely crane driver.
- What is Rubber Tarzan like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Rubber Tarzan as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Rubber Tarzan violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Rubber Tarzan.
- Which films are like Rubber Tarzan?
- Films with a similar feel include The Karate Kid, The Mighty, and My Life as a Dog.
- How long is Rubber Tarzan?
- Rubber Tarzan runs 89 minutes.
