Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Miyazaki's stunning adventure is geared to younger kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Ponyo
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 117 parent reviews
Parents say this movie is visually stunning with beautiful animation and heartfelt storytelling, making it a delightful choice for children, but it may contain some elements that could be scary or confusing for very young viewers. While many appreciate the warmth and creativity, concerns were raised over inappropriate language and portrayals of parental behavior, leading to mixed recommendations for really young audiences.
- visual appeal
- positive messages
- parental concerns
- age appropriateness
- whimsical storytelling
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 121 kid reviews
Kids say that the animated film offers stunning visuals and a charming story about friendship, making it a delightful watch for all ages, especially children. While some reviews mention minor issues like a few rude words and frightening scenes, the overall consensus celebrates its heartwarming themes and captivating animation, making it a beloved classic for families.
- family-friendly
- beautiful animation
- charming story
- suitable for all ages
- minor flaws
- heartfelt messages
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid tale, PONYO follows a goldfish princess named Brunhilde (voiced by Yuria Nara in the original version and Noah Lindsey Cyrus in the English dub). Brunhilde wants to explore beyond the sea, but when she ends up nearly lifeless on the shore of a small oceanfront village, 5-year-old Sosuke (Hiroki Doi/Frankie Jonas) rescues her, renames her Ponyo, and vows to take care of her. Ponyo's father, an undersea sorcerer who seems human (George Tokoro/Liam Neeson), recaptures her -- but Ponyo is determined to use her father's magic to turn into a girl and return to Sosuke. By unleashing her powers, Ponyo does transform into a girl, but she also disrupts the balance of nature and causes a tsunami that nearly destroys Sosuke and his mother Lisa's (Tomoko Yamaguchi/Tina Fey) village.
Is It Any Good?
This is a classic Miyazaki film, from the enchanting anime style to the recurring theme of humanity's relationship with nature.. And, once again, Ponyo features several unmistakably strong female characters: Ponyo is quite literally a force of nature, and her mother the ocean queen (Yūki Amami/Cate Blanchett) is even more powerful. Plus there's Sosuke's mom and the trio of women she tends to (Tokie Hidari/Cloris Leachman, Tomoko Naraoka/Betty White, and Kazuko Yoshiyuki/Lily Tomlin) at a nursing home, who form a sort of chorus for the film. And there is, at the heart of the Ponyo (and every Miyazaki story), a hero's journey.
Ponyo is just like a real 5-year-old girl -- in awe of the world, adventurous, hilarious. Sosuke, on the other hand, is wise beyond his years, courageous, responsible, and loving. Those who dive in to Miyazaki's world will be rewarded with a humorous, touching fable that will leave young children wide-eyed, although possibly demanding ham (you'll see!).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Sosuke and Ponyo's journey to be together. What obstacles did they each have to overcome, and what sacrifices (if any) did they each have to make? Is it strange that Sosuke and Ponyo are 5, instead of teenagers?
Miyazaki loosely based this story on Hans Christian Andersen's original Little Mermaid fairy tale. How does this version of the story compare to the Disney movie?
Families who want to learn more about anime may want to screen Miyazaki's other films together. How are they similar to each other, and how are they different from most American-made animated movies?
How do Ponyo and Sosuke show compassion and empathy for each other? How do they show courage? Why is Ponyo's curiosity a trait that gets her into trouble but also one of her strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 14, 2009
- On DVD or streaming : March 2, 2010
- Cast : Frankie Jonas , Liam Neeson , Noah Lindsey Cyrus , Tina Fey
- Director : Hayao Miyazaki
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Anime
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Animals ( Ocean Creatures )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Empathy
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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