Sagwa is just a little too boring for me. Sure, it has some adventures and even life-threatning situations, but I just don't like it.
Sagwa the Chinese Siamese Cat
(Rated TV-Y, Children, cartoons, & animation, Starring Rick Jones, Holly Gauthier-Frankel, Oliver Grainger, Where to watch: PBS, DVD)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Wonderful series based on Amy Tan's kids book.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 4 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Language:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Sagwa the Chinese Siamese Cat was written by Joly Herman
Parents need to know that this delightful show not only introduces a taste of Chinese language and culture, but it also often centers around Chinese moral lessons, such as respecting elders, making appropriate choices, acting honorably, and looking after the good of the whole. This series can be appreciated by all audiences.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about what it means to act honorably, why respecting your elders is important, and how family is important everywhere, in every country throughout history. Families can also discuss the cultural details they see. How are the clothes and customs different?
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More on Sagwa the Chinese Siamese Cat
What’s the Story?
Based on a book by Amy Tan, SAGWA THE CHINESE SIAMESE CAT is set in an Imperial estate, where Sagwa (voiced by Holly Gauthier-Frankel) is the middle child in a family of cats. She plays with her siblings and sometimes verbally jousts with them, but she always takes care of her conflicts in a responsible way. Sagwa's grandparents are held in the highest esteem and treasured as role models -- Sagwa's family embraces individuality while encouraging family harmony. This series presents a thorough introduction to another culture: Chinese characters are shown, Mandarin Chinese is sung and spoken, mythological animals such as dragons are referred to, and the food, dress and customs are Chinese. Sagwa's best friend, Fu Fu (Rick Jones), is a bat whose name in Chinese means "lucky bat," and her grandfather (Neil Shee) is called "Yeh Yeh," which is an affectionate term for grandfather.
Is It Any Good?
This program seeks to culturally enrich its viewers and its beautiful visuals are a calming treat for the sensitive viewer. Sagwa doesn't attempt to appropriate another culture -- it actually immerses itself in its own, down to the tiniest details. The brief interlude between episodes -- called "What about you?" -- features real children discussing their interests and ideas. Such fortitude makes this program much more than yet another kids show -- it's one worth exploring with your kids.
Our Members Say
See all 107 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 3 and give it
Boring!
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I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Absolutely Adorable
When I was little I used to watch it. I'm Chinese-American myself and it's nice to see there's a show about it.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
This is one of the best shows on TV...
I really enjoy Sagwa the Chinese Siamese Cat. It teaches you a lesson on every episode, and I learn a lot about other cultures through watching this. It's educational and entertaining at the same time!
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Too dull!
In theory this is a great show, but it is so BORING that my kids (2 and 4) won't stay in the room to watch it.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Wow!
A brilliant series! Gorgeous to watch. Doesn't pander to kids and is watchable by adults. Easily surpasses Arthur. I wish this was on DVD more.
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