Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Smoking, drinking common in anime about becoming an artist.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Blue Period
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 17 kid reviews
Kids say that this show has a compelling story and inspiring themes about following one's dreams, often emphasizing artistic passion and self-discovery. While it includes some mild smoking, drinking, and minimal sexual content, many viewers appreciate the diverse representation and messages about life and morals.
- inspiring themes
- diverse representation
- mild content
- moral lessons
- great storytelling
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
BLUE PERIOD is an anime adaptation of a comic series, or manga, in which a young man named Yatori struggles with feelings of emptiness. He can't understand why his friends are so excited about things like soccer and drinking. Though he works hard to get good grades in school, he's not satisfied with the reults. Nothing really gives him a sense of fulfillment. Then he is struck by an experience during which he notices the morning dawning over the city. He begins to flirt with idea of doing some art. When he sees a painting that speaks to him in the art room at his high school, he suddenly feels the desire to express himself in order to give his life meaning. Will Yatori be able to follow his dreams? Or is there too much pressure on him to do what his friends are doing?
Is It Any Good?
There might be something lost in translation in this series that comes through in the popular manga series of the same name. Literally -- for English speakers it's difficult to know if the translation of the show Blue Period from Japanese into English falls flat, or if the Japanese-language version feels equally two-dimensional, but this show is slow to thrill. From a thematic point of view, it's not a bad idea: a young man is pressured to succeed, but discovers meaning when he begins to create art. Instead of poetic, though, the execution is a little clunky.
Teens who love all things anime will be excited for the drama to unfold. Be aware, though, that the male characters are kind of sexist in Blue Period. Adults might veer toward something a little more romantic or better fleshed out. Overall, a pretty interesting concept, but perhaps not as artful, or fluid, as it could be.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about perseverance in Blue Period. How does perseverance help the main characters excel in life? How much pressure to succeed is too much pressure?
Female characters in particular seem to feel compelled to exhibit humility in this show. What is the difference between being humble and being humiliated?
The main character in this show is really interested in art. Are there apps that you like to use to make art? How does technology change your art?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 9, 2021
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Anime
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Arts , Book Characters , Friendship
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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
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