Little Witch Academia
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Anime Hogwarts puts plucky magic students in peril.
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What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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Little Witch Academia
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Based on 4 parent reviews
Missed some language
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What's the Story?
LITTLE WITCH ACADEMIA depicts a Hogwarts-like academy for girls who are learning to be witches and to use their powers for good. Akka is one of the few students who doesn't come from a family of witches, so she's a little behind the rest of her class, particularly in the broom-riding department. She makes up for her lack of skill with pluck and adventurousness. The class is assigned to find treasures in a labyrinth, but each treasure is defended by a dangerous monster. When the girls' errors unleash the angry Ancient Dragon, even the teacher doesn't know how to stop it. Akka's courage and ingenuity save the day.
Is It Any Good?
The plot may be too simplistic and formulaic for older viewers and too scary for the young kids whom the plot would satisfy.
You can expect anime's customary big-eyed characters, with some visuals within the frame remaining frozen while others move fluidly. Young anime fans who can handle the scares will enjoy the vibrant depictions of monsters, children flying through the air, blasts of magical lightning bolts, and fireworks displays.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the fantasy elements here. Do you think some people have magical powers? Are witches real?
Why are the students told to believe in themselves? What does that mean?
What is the appeal of fantasy tales?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: March 2, 2013
- Cast: Jennifer Alyx, Megumi Han, Rachel Heger
- Director: You Yoshinari
- Studio: Trigger
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy
- Run time: 26 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 26, 2022
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