The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Movie review by Brian Costello, Common Sense Media
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Fun coming of age time-traveling anime with some romance.

PG-13 2008 98 minutes
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Parents say

age 11+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 8 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this coming of age anime addresses budding teenage romance, friendship, and the pressures of school and growing up. There is mild violence and non-violent injuries, some name calling that ranges from playful to not-so-playful, and some instances of bullying.

Community Reviews

diaryofamommy
diaryofamommy Adult
January 8, 2012
age 11+

One crude gag but suitable for the subtitled crowd.

My son watched this movie several times over the last few days, and he says it gets better and better every time. One crude gag but rest of film is G-rated.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Makoto Konno (voiced by Emily Hirst), a seemingly typical teenager, discovers she can leap through time and alter the course of events in her life and the lives of those around her in ways both large and small. As she begins to understand the effects this "time leaping" has on her friends, Makoto must learn to be honest with her feelings as she struggles to make to make things right.

Is It Any Good?

THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME is a dazzling and engaging take on both the coming of age story and the time travel story. Rather than using time travel to change the course of big historical events, Makoto uses her ability to try and alter the little moments between her and her best friends, boys Chiaki and Kosuke.

She learns that these travels can cause even bigger problems than she originally anticipated, and the film takes some unexpected plot twists that will keep kids guessing.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about taking responsibility for your actions. How do the decisions we make effect ourselves and those around us? How does this play out in the movie?

  • What similarities and differences do you see between Japanese schools and American schools, and how students relate to one another? How accurate do you think this movie portrays life in Japan?

  • Sometimes friends call each other names in a playful way, and other times, name calling crossing the line into hurtful behavior. How do you determine those boundaries between your friends or your classmates?

Movie Details

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