Parents' Guide to

Okko's Inn

By Tara McNamara, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Anime ghost story set in Japan embraces grief.

Movie PG 2019 94 minutes
Okko's Inn Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 12+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Agnes77
Agnes77 Parent of 8-year-old
October 13, 2020
age 9+
moveraterofloveranimal.com
moveraterofloveranimal.com Adult
June 30, 2020
age 14+

Just poor movie!

This anime movie had me in tears in pity! I watched better anime movie(unlike this) and this one just sucked!
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In OKKO'S INN, following her parents' death in a terrible car crash, Okko (voiced by Seiran Kobayashi) goes to live at her grandmother's inn located near a hot spring that's known for its healing properties. She embraces her title of "junior innkeeper" and eagerly learns the family business -- all with the help of the friends she meets there: ghosts of children who died long ago. Without realizing it, Okko finds the strength and capacity to deal with her loss by helping the inn's guests through their own pain and struggles.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (6):

This is a sweet, vividly animated ghost story that shows death and grief from a child's point of view. Family films often include the death of a parent, but it's the rare movie that's really about that profound loss. At first, after Okko's tragedy, it doesn't seem like this film will be about that, either. Okko shows up at her grandmother's inn in the tourist countryside town of Hananoya, and there's really no discussion about her parents. But then she meets two young energetic spirits that become her friends and help her embrace her new life. Okko continues to have happy experiences with her parents in her fantasies, always saying, "you're not really dead, are you?" Okko knows that her parents are no longer alive, but it doesn't feel to her like they're gone. They must still be here because she just can't imagine life without them. The little ghosts who play with her are her support system, helping her adjust to her new life while providing comfort and reassuring her that a soul continues to exist in an afterlife that's not horrible. In the meantime, Okko busies herself by helping her grandmother, learning a trade, and realizing that she's a positive force in others lives -- all keeping her from her own sadness.

When Okko finally experiences the rush of realization that her parents aren't coming back, she's overwhelmed with emotion. And, given how light the film is up to that point, viewers may be surprised to find that they, too, are crying buckets of tears. But we've also experienced Okko's process and know -- just as she does -- that she's going to be OK. For a family film about death, it's much lighter, more playful, and more colorful than you'd ever expect. Okko's Inn may not be hammering home a message, but what it delivers is understanding.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about their views on death and the afterlife. What does Glory mean when she tells Okko, "You're not alone, your parents are watching over you." Do you think ghosts exist? Why do you think movies like to have ghosts as characters?

  • While the loss of Okko's parents is obviously terrible, what opportunity opens up for her as a result? What does Okko learn about herself?

  • How does Okko's Inn reflect Japanese culture? How does the film line up with the principles of Japanese art? What parts of the film surprised you because they suggest a different way of thinking or doing things?

  • How is shopping portrayed in the film? Parents, what are your thoughts on "retail therapy"?

  • The other students say that Okko's rival Matsuki is one of the best and the brightest and she's a hard worker. What character strengths do you think Okko demonstrates?

Movie Details

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.

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