This is a gem for the right kid—the one who's always making videos, obsessed with how movies are made, or dreams of telling stories. It's not a blockbuster action anime; it's a thoughtful, character-driven story about creative passion and taking your shot.

The near-perfect audience scores aren't a fluke—this clearly resonates with people who love cinema. Gene's journey from assistant to director is genuinely inspiring without being cheesy, and the film's celebration of the creative process feels authentic.

That said, this has very specific appeal. If your kid isn't into filmmaking or doesn't care about the behind-the-scenes magic of movies, they'll be checking their phone. The anime style is gorgeous but won't save it for kids who just want action or comedy.

The 13+ rating seems right—there's workplace stress, creative pressure, and probably some industry talk that younger kids won't track. But for a tween or teen who geeks out about storytelling? This could be genuinely formative.