Call Me Chihiro
Thoughtful Japanese drama about former sex worker.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Call Me Chihiro
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Call Me Chihiro is a 2023 Japanese drama about an unapologetic former sex worker who now works in a bento booth and befriends those around her going through tough times. There's one sex scene in which Chihiro is shown kissing a man she has just met outside of a restaurant, tells him, "I'd like to have sex," and then is shown in his bed on top of him (no nudity). Young boys are shown bullying an unhoused man before Chihiro chases them away; she later finds the man dead after he has gone missing. A man talks of hitting his father with a baseball bat. Chihiro talks about getting stabbed by one of her customers. A young boy says mean things to those around him, names like "ugly" and "old bag." Infrequent mild language: "crap," "piss," "hell." At a party, Chihiro leaves because she says that she's too drunk.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
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
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Drama
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Empathy
- Run time: 131 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 27, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Kiki's Delivery Service
A mystical, positive take on girl's coming of age.
-
Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams
Compelling docu about Japan's biggest baseball tournament.
-
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
Beautifully animated Japanese folktale for older kids.
For kids who love international movies
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate