Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet, romantic coming-of-age anime with strong role models.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Whisper of the Heart
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a beautiful and heartfelt exploration of dreams, romance, and hard work, with engaging characters that resonate more as one matures. While many find it charming and inspirational with stunning animation, some viewers note that its slow pace and lack of action might not hold the attention of younger children.
- nostalgic storytelling
- relatable characters
- beautiful animation
- slow-paced
- inspirational themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Shizuku Tsukishima is an avid reader, a daydreaming tween beginning to discover an interest in both writing and boys. She notices that a boy named Seiji Amasawa has checked out the exact same books from the library, before she has. She is determined to discover who this boy is, and her explorations take her to a curios shop, where she meets Seiji's grandfather, who inspires her to become a writer and tell her stories, as she learns and gets to know Seiji.
Is It Any Good?
WHISPER OF THE HEART is another beautiful work of art from Studio Ghibli with a screenplay from legendary Hayao Miyazaki. The lush, detailed scenery is enchanting, as is the storyline, in spite of a slow pace and seemingly unfocused beginning. Coming-of-age themes -- hobbies becoming passions, the daily dramas of school life and family life, and the awkwardness of first love -- are given realistic presentations that transcend the Tokyo setting.
Be warned, though -- it is a romance, and not the action-packed film some kids might be more partial to. For kids who find the "mushy-mushy, kissy-kissy" stuff boring or worthy of outright mockery, Whisper of the Heart is not for them. But for older kids going through similar experiences to what Shizuku and Seiji are going through -- as well as anyone who can enjoy the beauty revealed through the settings, Whisper of the Heart is a sweet, universal film.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about life in Tokyo for Shizuku, the similarities and differences between where and how she lives and where and how your family live. How is her school life, home life, and social life the same? How is it different?
How is this movie similar to and different from American films about growing up, school, dating?
Kids: How do you balance your passions with your responsibilities?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 7, 2006
- Cast : Cary Elwes , Courtney Thorne-Smith , James B. Sikking
- Director : Yoshifumi Kondo
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre : Anime
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters , Animals , Friendship
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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