Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Awe-inspiring, tender anime tale has mature themes.
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Wolf Children
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a beautiful and heartwarming story about the struggles of a mother raising her wolf children, filled with emotional depth and stunning animation. Many viewers were moved to tears by the characters' growth and the poignant narrative, although some expressed concerns about mature themes that might not be suitable for very young children.
- emotional story
- beautiful animation
- strong characters
- family-friendly
- mature themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In WOLF CHILDREN, Hana (voiced by Aoi Miyazaki in the original version and Colleen Clinkenbeard in the English dub) is a bright, happy college student living on her own. She meets a young man (Takao Osawa/David Matranga) with a devastating secret: Only part human, the man she loves is the last remaining honcho wolf (thought to be extinct for more than a hundred years). Hana accepts the Wolf Man's occasional "transformation," and their wondrous romance produces two adorable children, Yuki (Haru Kuroki/Jad Saxton) and Ame (Yukito Nishii/Micah Solusod). Soon, however, while Ame is still an infant, tragedy intervenes and Hana faces life and parenting on her own. For a family in which the kids aren't fully human, growing up becomes a challenge that must be met with resolve, empathy, grace, and, ultimately, great sacrifice.
Is It Any Good?
From the moment the lyrical music begins and the buoyant Hana is introduced, this movie has you in its thrall. Alternately romantic, funny, poignant, suspenseful, and sad, Wolf Children and its characters Hana, Yuki, and Ame can't help but touch the heart. The visuals (a perfect combination of hand drawing and computer animation) are awe-inspiring: Scenes in the wild are vivid and exciting, the half-human/half-wolf children are charming, and the meadow-filled settings are gently beautiful. Touching upon some of life's most soulful themes—losing loved ones, growing apart, and surviving in both the wild and in the midst of community—the film isn't appropriate for most young children, but for those who are mature enough (and for the grown-ups who are lucky enough to watch with them), Wolf Children is highly recommended.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the filmmakers' attitude toward nature in Wolf Children. How does the movie enrich your understanding of wild creatures and the worlds in which they live?
Look up "fable," "fairy tale," "myth," and "legend." Which best characterizes Wolf Children? Why?
How do you feel about Ame's ultimate decision? How do the filmmakers prepare you, as well as Hana and Yuki, for Ame's choice?
How does Hana demonstrate integrity and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 26, 2013
- Cast : Colleen Clinkenbeard , Lara Woodhull , Aoi Miyazaki , Haru Kuroki
- Director : Mamoru Hosoda
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Japanese Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Funimation
- Genre : Anime
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 117 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : for thematic elements, some violence, brief sensuality and language
- Last updated : December 5, 2025
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