A Letter to Momo – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

A Letter to Momo

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2012

79%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Gorgeous Japanese animation about grief, goblins, and finding home—think Studio Ghibli's quieter cousin with real emotional weight.

80%

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A Letter to Momo

movie

PG, 2012

79%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Gorgeous Japanese animation about grief, goblins, and finding home—think Studio Ghibli's quieter cousin with real emotional weight.

80%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a genuinely beautiful film that deserves more attention, but let's be real about what you're getting into. It's slow. Like, really slow. Studio Ghibli-adjacent pacing that lingers on moments and feelings rather than racing to the next plot point.

The grief narrative is handled with exceptional care—Momo's journey processing her father's death feels authentic and earned. The goblins provide comic relief without undercutting the emotional weight. The animation is gorgeous.

But here's the thing: in 2025, getting a 10-year-old to sit through a subtitled, deliberately-paced Japanese film about loss is... a choice. The right kid will be mesmerized. The wrong kid will be checking how much time is left after 20 minutes.

If your kid has the emotional maturity for grief themes and the attention span for contemplative storytelling, this is genuinely enriching. If they're used to Marvel pacing and need constant action, maybe save this for a rainy day when you're feeling ambitious.

Age Fit

Best for ages 9-14 who are emotionally ready for grief themes and can handle slower pacing. The contemplative style and reading requirement make it less accessible for younger kids, while teens and adults will appreciate the emotional depth—this isn't just a kids' movie.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Emotionally mature story about grief, family connection, and finding home after loss. Models kindness and cooperation as Momo befriends supernatural beings. The tone is gentle and age-appropriate, dealing with heavy themes (death of father) in a sensitive way that validates sadness while showing healing. Pacing is deliberate and contemplative rather than chaotic.

Imaginative

Highly original premise blending Japanese folklore with coming-of-age narrative. The three goblins living in the attic are quirky and inventive characters. Beautiful hand-drawn animation invites visual exploration. The supernatural elements spark curiosity about mythology and culture. Strong world-building that feels fresh and distinctive.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 9+, which aligns with the grief themes. The father's death is central to the plot but handled sensitively—not graphic or shocking. The goblins are mischievous but not truly frightening. Some mild peril and emotional intensity around loss. No violence, gore, inappropriate content, or surprise traumatic elements beyond the known premise of missing her deceased father. The grief content is telegraphed, not a surprise twist.

Enriching

Deeply enriching exploration of grief, resilience, and cultural identity. Offers genuine insight into processing loss and finding connection in new places. Introduces Japanese folklore and island life authentically. Builds empathy through Momo's emotional journey. Strong character growth and meaningful takeaways about family, letting go, and moving forward. Balances emotional depth with entertaining supernatural hijinks.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Handles grief and loss with rare sensitivity—validates sadness while showing healing is possible
Stunning hand-drawn animation that's a visual feast in an era of CGI overload
Introduces Japanese folklore and island culture in an authentic, engaging way
The three goblin characters bring humor and heart without undermining the emotional stakes
Genuinely moving story that works for kids and adults—those Letterboxd scores aren't just parents

⚠

What to Watch For

The father's death is the emotional core—kids need to be ready for grief themes, though it's handled gently
Slow, contemplative pacing that's beautiful but may test modern kids used to faster content
Subtitled (likely)—requires reading stamina, which limits accessibility for younger viewers
Some mild supernatural peril and goblin mischief that could startle sensitive kids

Conversation Starters

"Momo's dad died before she could finish their conversation—have you ever wished you could say something to someone you can't talk to anymore?"
"The goblins were kind of annoying at first but became her friends—when has someone surprised you like that?"
"Why do you think Momo kept that unfinished letter? What would you write if you could send a letter anywhere?"
"Moving to a new place was hard for Momo—what helps you feel at home somewhere new?"

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