Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Animated mystery has positive female role model, messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Fireheart
What's the Story?
In FIREHEART, 16-year-old girl Georgia (voiced by Olivia Cooke) disguises herself as a young man, Joe, to join the male-only fire department. When a mysterious spate of arson attacks draws her former-firefighter father, Shawn (Kenneth Branagh), out of retirement, he and his team -- Joe included -- investigate.
Is It Any Good?
A celebration of courage, teamwork, family, and empathy, this splendid animated adventure is a roaring success. With its undeniable subject of firefighters to display these admirable characteristics, Fireheart couldn't go far wrong. But by focusing on gender within the force it celebrates with a purpose. The movie is set in the 1920s, when "firemen" was the correct term because there was no such thing as anything but. The roll-call of real-life female firefighters from around the world whose photos appear in the credits is a proud salute to these women.
A kids movie playing with fire could be worrying, but here the horrific reality of infernal devastation is sidelined. Instead, a mysterious arsonist is using a chemical to burn theaters, so there are no flames, just an eerie glowing covering. But the edges aren't rounded off completely. A central story involves a child losing both parents in a fire and someone dedicating his life to protecting her. The tenderness and kindness that comes in these moments adds another layer of quality to an already solid movie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Fireheart teaches us about what it takes to be a firefighter. What character strengths does a person need to have to do a job that can sometimes be dangerous? How did Georgia show these qualities?
Were you surprised to hear that women used to be forbidden from becoming firefighters in the U.S.? Do you think everyone should have the chance to do a job they are suited to? Why is it important for kids to see a wide range of behavior from both genders in the media they consume?
What were Supreme Fury's motivations for doing what they did? Did you have any sympathy for them? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : February 15, 2022
- Cast : Olivia Cooke , Kenneth Branagh , William Shatner
- Directors : Theodore Ty , Laurent Zeitoun
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Hulu
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Self-control , Teamwork
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : July 22, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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