 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Whisper of the Heart
- Review Date: December 2, 2011
- G
- Genre: Romance
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
Sweet, romantic coming-of-age anime with strong role models.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this sweet, romantic coming-of-age anime explores universal themes of first love, awkward crushes, and discovering the life passions that will appeal to older tweens as well as teens and adults. Expect some mild insults and a single instance of adult smoking.
What's the story?
Shizuku Tsukishima is an avid reader, a daydreaming tween beginning to discover an interest in both writing and boys. She notices that a boy named Seiji Amasawa has checked out the exact same books from the library, before she has. She is determined to discover who this boy is, and her explorations take her to a curios shop, where she meets Seiji's grandfather, who inspires her to become a writer and tell her stories, as she learns and gets to know Seiji.
Is it any good?
WHISPER OF THE HEART is another beautiful work of art from Studio Ghibli with a screenplay from legendary Hayao Miyazaki. The lush, detailed scenery is enchanting, as is the storyline, in spite of a slow pace and seemingly unfocused beginning. Coming-of-age themes -- hobbies becoming passions, the daily dramas of school life and family life, and the awkwardness of first love -- are given realistic presentations that transcend the Tokyo setting.
Be warned, though -- it is a romance, and not the action-packed film some kids might be more partial to. For kids who find the "mushy-mushy, kissy-kissy" stuff boring or worthy of outright mockery, Whisper of the Heart is not for them. But for older kids going through similar experiences to what Shizuku and Seiji are going through -- as well as anyone who can enjoy the beauty revealed through the settings, Whisper of the Heart is a sweet, universal film.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about life in Tokyo for Shizuku, the similarities and differences between where and how she lives and where and how your family live. How is her school life, home life, and social life the same? How is it different?
How is this movie similar to and different from American films about growing up, school, dating?
Kids: How do you balance your passions with your responsibilities?
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Educator and Parent
May 15, 2012
AGE
My favorite movie
It's a kind of guide, for teens, it shows the best and healthiest way of dating these days.
What other families should know:
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Kid, 10 years old
February 20, 2012
AGE
UHHHHHH...
actually, in the original japanise version, seiji proposes to shizuku but when it came to the US of A they changed it. Awkward!
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Teen, 16 years old
June 18, 2012
AGE
Sweet, Heartfelt Anime by Studio Ghibli
This film moved me deeply. The film has a lot of beautifully realized secondary characters who are realistic and relatable, but it succeeds in the end because at the heart of it all are teenagers Shizuku, a young bookworm who aspires to be a writer, and Seiji, who wants to become a great maker of violins. I think we all have a dream for life that we want more than anything, yet are frightened by the prospect of failure or incompetence. This film acknowledges that while Shizuku is not yet an adult, that does not mean that her thoughts are invalid or not worthwhile. Don't expect Princess Mononoke or Spirited Away, but I think you'll like what you find if you give this Ghibli masterpiece a chance.
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Parent
February 20, 2012
AGE
Beautiful family film!
This is an absolutely beautiful movie! It is a little slow at times, but it's fascinating to watch the characters interacting with each other in everyday situations. My 10 year old son really enjoyed it, even though it is a more sentimental movie. The overall message of this movie that struck me the most was to follow your dreams, but still prepare for the future. Kids should be able to relate to Shizuku because she is quite unsure of herself, but still wants to strive to accomplish her goals.
In addition to the review above, there is one more scene with dad smoking in the background, plus a comment "this place stinks like cigarettes". Also - the older sister briefly appears in her bra.
Overall - the animation, voice acting, and story are all beautifully well done. What else should you expect from Ghibli?
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Kid, 10 years old
June 29, 2012
AGE
A lovely Film!
A cute little romantic film for the children to the teens! Shuzuku tells everyone to follow their dreams. The most romantic thing is when Seji "proposes" to her.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, book characters, cats, dogs, and mice, friendship, great girl role models |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment |
| Director: | Yoshifumi Kondo |
| Cast: | Cary Elwes, Courtney Thorne-Smith, James B. Sikking |
| Genre: | Romance |
| Run time: | 111 minutes |
| DVD release date: | March 7, 2006 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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