Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Enchanting folk tale with toddler hero, for all ages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Kirikou and the Sorceress
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Parents say that the film showcases enchanting storytelling with valuable lessons about compassion and resilience, making it appealing for children who are able to handle its deeper themes. However, many parents express concern about its age appropriateness, noting that some scenes can be quite frightening for young children, suggesting it may be better suited for viewers aged 10 and up rather than the recommended 5+.
- age appropriateness
- enchanting storytelling
- frightening scenes
- valuable lessons
- cultural insights
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 2 kid reviews
What's the Story?
Kirikou is born into an African village that is ruled by Karaba, an evil sorceress and her minions (robots called "fetishes"). She has cut off all their water and is believed to have eaten all the men of the village. The women and children who remain, live in fear and poverty as a result. In his innocence and with great self-confidence, the tiny Kirikou sets out to find the source of Karaba's wickedness, destroy her evil, and return the village to peace and prosperity. Along the way, he is faced with many obstacles the sorceress places in his path, as well as a gaggle of older children who make fun of him, and, finally, a wise man who helps lead him closer to his goal.
Is It Any Good?
This unique, beautiful film is thoughtful, funny, imaginative, and, at the same time, speaks to the best human impulses and behavior. Kirikou, the heroic toddler, with the wisdom of the ages and unwavering love for the world around him, does not wish merely to defeat the evil sorceress, but also to understand why she behaves as she does. Magically, because of Kirikou's tenacity and courage, the villain is not defeated, but redeemed. With vivid, simple animation that evokes African culture and its art, with music that enhances the always-engaging story, and with rich, full characters KIRIKOU AND THE SORCERESS is highly recommended. It's a movie that grownups and kids of all ages can delight in together.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how art and the music in this animated film from France and Belgium differs from the art and music in American animated films?
Most cartoon heroes set out to defeat the larger-than-life villains they encounter. What is different about Kirikou's quest?
How do the animators represent the human body in this movie? If you were embarrassed when you first saw Kirikou and the female villagers, did that change as you became accustomed to the way they were drawn?
In lots of movies, we can figure out how it's going to end very early. In what ways did this story surprise you?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 18, 2000
- On DVD or streaming : May 24, 2005
- Cast : Awa Sene Sar , Doudou Gueye Thiaw , Maimouna N'Diaye
- Director : Michel Ocelot
- Studio : Les Armateurs
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage
- Run time : 75 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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