Common Sense Media Review
By JK Sooja
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Peril, forced marriage in melodic, magical adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Sirocco and the Kingdom of Winds
What's the Story?
In SIROCCO AND THE KINGDOM OF WINDS, Juliette (Loïse Charpentier) and Carmen (Maryne Bertieaux) are two sisters who find themselves accidentally transported into a magical world. Because their entry into the magical world turned them into cat people, the two sisters must figure out a way back home that will also change them back to normal humans. But they first have to escape the demands of the "Mayor," a goblin frog man creature who wants to give one sister away as a pet and force the other sister to marry his son. How in the world will they get back home?
Is It Any Good?
The animation in this film somehow feels both old and new at the same time. The world, creatures, and magic in Sirocco and the Kingdom of Winds are colorful and creative. A lot of the inventive creature design feels like it could be in a Hayao Miyazaki film, and the overall animation style recalls the simplicity of Yellow Submarine but remains subtly rich in invention, with Dr. Seuss-like environmental locations and nature and dream-like animals and plant life. For example, this film often combines different animals from the natural world with other fantastical features (like huge flying alligators with fishtail fins) or places psychedelically twisted versions of existing animals in different environments (like starfish floating around in the sky).
The story is easy to follow as well. On the shorter side, this movie should be easily digestible for most young audiences. The fast pace of the sisters' adventure, the action, chase scenes, and magical moments all make a journey that feels fresh, positive, and beautifully animated. In future installments, perhaps, the sisters might discover more about the wind monster in Sirocco's world or how Selma actually got to the magical world in the first place. Not much is mentioned about either, so hopefully any future stories in this world will more fully realize these characters. Here, they remain mysteries unsolved. At least the journey is still worth it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in animated family movies. In Sirocco and the Kingdom of Winds, what were the scariest parts? Was any part too scary?
How do Juliette, Carmen, and Selma show positive character strengths? What scenes most show the sisters' courage and perseverance? What scenes show Selma's empathy?
Were you scared of Sirocco at first? When did you start thinking about him differently?
What is your favorite animal creature in the magical world, and why?
Are you happy with how this movie ends? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 17, 2024
- Cast : Loïse Charpentier , Maryne Bertieaux , Aurélie Konaté , Pierre Lognay
- Director : Benoît Chieux
- Studio : GKIDS
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Run time : 80 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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