Naruto - TV-PG
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: Cartoon Network Cast: Johnny Yong Bosch, Steven Jay Blum, Maile Flanagan
Genre: Children, Cartoons, & Animation
Available on: 
DVDDownload
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this popular anime series had a huge fan following long before its 2005 Cartoon Network premiere. The series is full of harsh language, and the Japanese style of animation is often very violent. Still, this is clearly a hit show that has captured the attention of young and old anime fans alike, so your kids may very well want to watch it. Proceed with caution.
Families can talk about Naruto's unyielding drive to master his craft and become a top ninja. He may be at the bottom of the class (and obnoxiously stubborn at times), but he never falters in his dedication or loses hope about himself and what he's capable of learning. How does his perseverance make kids feel about their own learning curves and challenges? The Japanese language and customs included in the program may also spark a cultural discussion.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Pam Gelman
The hugely successful anime series NARUTO follows the trials and tribulations of an orphaned adolescent boy as he progresses through the Ninja Academy. Along the way, he struggles with his own inadequacies -- both in his physical skills as a ninja and his social interactions with other academy students.
As an infant, Naruto wound up carrying the spirit of the demon who attacked his village, killing many -- including Naruto's parents. The sprit's presence caused Naruto to be singled out and ostracized by the other villagers. His one friend, ninja instructor Umino Iruka, helps Naruto overcome his feelings of inadequacy and pursue formal ninja instruction.
Each episode follows Naruto's psychological, physical, and social challenges. At times he is annoying, arrogant, and naïve, but his unyielding spirit to learn and succeed furthers him in his studies. It's these qualities that also make him appealing to viewers -- as demonstrated not only on television, but in DVD and video game sales as well (Naruto is quite the franchise).
Parents should expect lots of wham-bam, ninja-like battles in every episode. Violent fights break out between powers of good and evil, among kids in the academy, and even sometimes within a character's own self. In addition to the kicks, hits, and flips, sharp weapons and explosions are used to further color the battles. Plus, characters talk about "killing" others, "screwing" over someone, and causing ultimate destruction. Female ninja students describe themselves as being "sexy" and strong. And in typical adolescent fashion, girls and boys have crushes on each other and discuss the positive physical attributes of specific classmates.
For school-aged kids who like action and have parents who don't object to the show's endless violence, Naruto will certainly entertain. For others who want to take a pass, check out Jackie Chan Adventures or Avatar: The Last Airbender instead.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentGirl ninjas describe themselves as sexy; boys and girls flirt and have crushes. |
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ViolenceStrong, very frequent animated violence. Physical combat between individuals, often using weapons. |
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LanguageWords used by kid ninjas include "killing," "screwing over," "destroying," "decimating," "conquering," "hurting." |
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Social BehaviorWhile there are battle scenes in each episode, Naruto does have a mentor who helps him believe in himself. |
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