Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Indonesian tale has cute dogs, mild peril, emotional ending.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
June & Kopi
What's the Story?
One day, at the start of JUNE & KOPI, a stray dog follows illustrator Aya (Acha Septriasa) home. The dog is scared of most people, especially kids, but she quickly attaches herself to Aya, much to the chagrin of Aya's husband, Ale (Ryan Delon). Ale has his own, perfectly-trained dog, Kopi, and at first won't let the new dog, which Aya names June, into the house. June persists and proves her loyalty to Aya, even detecting she's pregnant before anyone else knows. When their daughter Karin (Makayla Rose Hilli) is born, Ale again pushes June outside, fearing she'll harm the new baby. And, again, June proves her loyalty and becomes Karin's faithful sidekick. When the family leaves the dogs behind for a vacation, June and Kopi escape and follow them into the mountains. Will the doggy duo make it there in time to help Karin, who has gotten lost in the woods?
Is It Any Good?
This well-intentioned film offers a relatively easy entrée for kids interested in exploring other cultures through the movies. The Indonesian-set, dog-centered June & Kopi is reminiscent of lots of American pet pictures, yet there are also some location-specific aspects to the characters, setting, and story that could spark conversation as well as curiosity, assuming kids are willing to read subtitles.
The film's sad ending comes as a bit of a surprise after a mostly lighthearted and at times even goofy story, though there are other dramatic elements throughout, including reference to a past miscarriage and the daughter's asthma diagnosis. The film has a few awkward moments, like comedic or dramatic pauses that last a beat too long, or music that overstates the mood in some scenes. Make sure to stay for the fun, illustrated end credits, which imagine Kopi in all manner of transportation devices. Drawn or real, the dogs steal this show.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the title canines in June & Kopi make their way to the mountain villa. Have you heard of real-life stories of dogs traveling long distances to find their owners? How is this possible?
What did you think of the ending of this film?
People on the Indonesian streets in the film are scared of dogs. Did this reaction surprise you? Why or why not?
Why do you think the film recommends against buying and selling dogs and supports rescuing them instead?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : January 28, 2021
- Cast : Acha Septriasa , Ryan Delon , Makayla Rose Hilli
- Director : Noviandra Santosa
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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