Isle of Dogs – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Isle of Dogs

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2018

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Wes Anderson's meticulously crafted stop-motion adventure is visually stunning but emotionally complex—more art film than family romp.

7.8/10

90%

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Isle of Dogs

movie

PG-13, 2018

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Wes Anderson's meticulously crafted stop-motion adventure is visually stunning but emotionally complex—more art film than family romp.

7.8

90%

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Screenwise Verdict

Isle of Dogs is a visual masterpiece that film nerds and Anderson fans will adore, but it's a tough sell for typical family movie night. The stop-motion craft is breathtaking, and the story has real emotional weight, but it's also slow, melancholic, and deals with some heavy themes (authoritarianism, exile, disease).

The 90% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects its artistic achievement, but the Common Sense Media age of 11+ is spot-on—this isn't for young kids expecting a fun dog adventure. It's sophisticated, sometimes dark, and deliberately paced in that Wes Anderson way that either enchants you or puts you to sleep.

If your tween or teen has shown interest in filmmaking, animation, or appreciates quirky storytelling, this is a great pick. For younger kids or those who prefer faster-paced narratives, skip it. And honestly? Adults might enjoy this more than kids—it's really an art film dressed up in a PG-13 dog costume.

Age Fit

Best for ages 11-14 and animation-loving adults. Younger kids may be bored by the pacing or unsettled by the darker themes. This isn't Pixar—it's art-house animation that happens to feature dogs.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Wes Anderson's stop-motion film centers on loyalty, friendship, and a boy's determination to find his dog. The emotional core is genuinely touching, with themes of cooperation between the pack of dogs. However, the tone can be melancholic and some darker moments (government corruption, dog exile, disease) may feel heavy. The pacing is deliberate rather than chaotic, which is age-appropriate but may test younger viewers' patience.

Imaginative

Visually stunning stop-motion animation with meticulous world-building in a dystopian Japanese setting. Anderson's signature aesthetic creates a highly stylized, imaginative universe. The creative choice to have dogs speak English while humans speak unsubtranslated Japanese is bold and inventive. The craft and artistry invite appreciation for animation as an art form, though it's more 'watch and admire' than 'build and explore.'

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 11+, which signals some caution. The film includes dog fights (not graphic but present), themes of government authoritarianism and propaganda, implied animal cruelty, and some tense/scary moments. No nudity or sexual content. The PG-13 vibe means parents should preview for sensitive kids. Not nightmare fuel, but definitely has edge and darkness that could surprise younger viewers expecting a light dog adventure.

Enriching

Strong themes of loyalty, standing up against injustice, and the bond between humans and animals. The film offers cultural exposure to Japanese aesthetics and language (though the cultural representation has been debated). The stop-motion craft can inspire appreciation for filmmaking artistry. However, the sophisticated storytelling and slow pacing may go over younger kids' heads, limiting the enrichment factor for the target age range. More enriching for tweens and adults who can grasp the political allegory.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Absolutely gorgeous stop-motion animation that showcases filmmaking as craft and art
Strong themes of loyalty, friendship, and standing up against corrupt authority
Sophisticated storytelling that respects kids' intelligence without dumbing things down
The dog characters are genuinely funny and endearing, with great voice performances
Cultural exposure to Japanese aesthetics, though execution has been debated

⚠

What to Watch For

Dog fights and peril throughout—not graphic but definitely present and potentially upsetting
Themes of government corruption, propaganda, and authoritarianism that skew dark
Slow, deliberate pacing typical of Wes Anderson—some kids will find it boring
The quirky Anderson style is polarizing; your kid will either love it or check out completely

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the mayor wanted to get rid of all the dogs? Have governments ever done things like that in real life?"
"How did you feel about not understanding what the Japanese characters were saying? Did you still follow the story?"
"Which dog was your favorite and why? What made them a good friend to the others?"
"The movie was made with stop-motion—every frame is a photograph of puppets being moved tiny amounts. What do you think that was like to make?"

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