Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those anime films that proves animation isn't just for little kids. Hosoda (who also made Wolf Children and Summer Wars) crafts a visually stunning coming-of-age story that doesn't shy away from heavy themes.

The first act hits hard—a young boy loses his mother, ends up on the streets, and escapes into a parallel world of anthropomorphic beasts. It's emotionally weighty, but the payoff is a rich story about finding family in unexpected places and learning discipline through mentorship.

The martial arts training sequences are engaging, the world-building is creative, and the relationship between the grumpy beast Kumatetsu and the angry boy Ren is genuinely moving. The film does take a darker psychological turn in the third act that might surprise younger viewers, but it handles these themes with care.

Not quite as universally accessible as a Miyazaki film, but for the right kid—one who's ready for something with emotional complexity and isn't looking for pure escapism—this is a gem.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-14 who can handle emotional depth and action. Younger kids might find the themes of abandonment and the darker third act too intense, while older teens will appreciate the psychological complexity.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

A gruff mentor-apprentice relationship that models perseverance and found family, though the tone can be emotionally heavy with themes of abandonment and loneliness. The dynamic between the boy and beast shows growth, cooperation, and mutual respect, but the emotional weight of parental loss and street life keeps this from being purely uplifting.

Imaginative

88

Mamoru Hosoda creates a visually stunning parallel world where beasts live in a feudal society, blending Japanese mythology with urban Shibuya. The world-building is rich and inventive, inviting viewers into a fantastical realm with its own rules, culture, and conflicts. The animation style is distinctive and the concept of a boy straddling two worlds—human and beast—is genuinely creative.

Safe

68

Contains martial arts action violence and some intense emotional moments involving parental death and abandonment. There's fantasy combat throughout, and the climax involves a darker turn with inner demons manifesting as literal threats. No gore, nudity, or sexual content, but the themes of loss and the intensity of some fight sequences make this better suited for older kids who can handle emotional complexity and action.

Enriching

82

Explores themes of identity, belonging, mentorship, and what it means to grow up without parents. The boy's journey from angry street kid to disciplined apprentice offers meaningful character development. The film raises questions about nature vs. nurture, the importance of chosen family, and managing inner darkness. Strong 90% RT critic score and 7.6 IMDb rating suggest it resonates with audiences looking for substance.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Mamoru Hosoda's signature animation style is gorgeous and imaginative
Explores complex themes of grief, identity, and found family without talking down to kids
The mentor-apprentice dynamic shows real growth and mutual transformation
Blends Japanese mythology with modern urban life in creative ways
Strong critical reception (90% RT) suggests it works for both kids and adults

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What to Watch For

Opens with a young boy losing his mother and living on the streets—heavy stuff
Martial arts action throughout, some intense fight sequences
The climax involves darker psychological themes about inner demons
Emotionally complex—kids who need everything upbeat might struggle

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Ren was so angry at the beginning? How did training with Kumatetsu help him?"
"What makes someone a good teacher or mentor? Was Kumatetsu a good teacher even though he was grumpy?"
"Ren had to choose between the beast world and the human world. What would you choose and why?"
"The movie shows how anger and darkness can grow inside us. What helps you when you're feeling really angry?"

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