Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thoughtful Japanese drama about former sex worker.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Call Me Chihiro
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In CALL ME CHIHIRO, Chihiro (Kasumi Arimura) is a free-spirited young woman who works as a cashier in a bento stand. Before this, she was a sex worker, and is still known as such by many in the community. She's unapologetic about her recent past, and when she's not working, she befriends the lonely and vulnerable in her community, including an older unhoused man, a young boy raised by a single mom who is often away at work, and a teen girl who admires Chihiro's unconventional personality. While doing this, she also reconnects with a former coworker from her sex worker days, and also reconnects with her boss from that time.
Is It Any Good?
This is a beautiful meditation on loneliness, connection, and developing a sense of community among those who may often feel as if they don't belong. Call Me Chihiro won't appeal to those looking for the "high octane" action of Vin Diesel drifting a sports car on top of George Washington's head on Mount Rushmore (or whatever), but it has a hypnotic rhythm to its slow pace as these lost souls reconnect with society through Chihiro, herself a lost soul, and her free-spirited behavior and kindness.
Yes, the "sex worker with a heart of gold" story is as old as time, but this variation on the theme comes across as wholly original. The slow pace, lack of obvious conflict, and two-hour-plus run time isn't for everyone, but those willing to make the effort will find a rich character study and insightful reflections on our need to belong in a society where loneliness, despite and perhaps because of modern technology, is a problem for so many.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the themes of Call Me Chihiro. How does the movie explore themes of loneliness and connecting with those in a community who are lonely?
How does this movie reveal the people and culture of this Japanese seaside town?
How is this similar to and different from other movies centered on one character? What are some other examples of movies centered on a single character?
How does Chihiro show compassion and empathy? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : February 23, 2023
- Cast : Kasumi Arimura , Hana Toyoshima , Tetta Shimada
- Director : Rikiya Imaizumi
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy
- Run time : 131 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 27, 2023
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