Parents' Guide to

Eureka Seven

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

High-action anime isn't completely innocent.

TV Cartoon Network Science Fiction 2006
Eureka Seven Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Grigori
Grigori Adult
June 12, 2015
age 10+

Truth

I think firstly that this site is heavily prejudiced against anything that is perceived to be against the basic, biblical belief of proper. This is a fantastic way to set your children up for failure and ineptitude as adults that cannot adapt to a society they perceive to be against their values. Due to this prejudice, I highly advise parents to actually watch and digest these series themselves first. Or, even better, do so with your children. Japan is a very strange place, foreign in more ways than fathomable. However their illustrious culture has much we could learn from. This culture leaks out heavily through their media, especially anime. It is for this reason I say that, at least for those with any modicum of intellect, anime is a fantastic source of introspection and self-development if the interest is properly cultivated. On another note, this particular series reignited my faith after I saw it for the first time. It's plot and lessons have very little to do with violence or sex. These are merely instruments used to convey the compelling and complicated story and to flesh out the characters as believable people. The underlying message is unconditional love, the will and courage to pursue and protect it; true acceptance of someone you do not understand and the grace to treat them as an actual, fellow human; and, finally, the intelligence to not simply follow blindly whoever happens to hold your leash.
Rama eureka seven
Rama eureka seven Parent of 14-year-old
April 6, 2011
age 14+

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much consumerism
Great messages
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Renton Thorston (voiced by Johnny Yong Bosch) is an average 14 year old with an uncommon passion for "reffing," a fantastical type of air surfing that involves riding transparent light particles through the sky. But to Renton, his love for reffing is more than just a hobby -- it's the only way to escape the oppressive boredom of his life in Bellforest, where he lives alone with his cantankerous grandfather, Axel (Steve Kramer). Things really take off when a hulking LFO robot (that's short for Light Finding Operation) crash-lands in Renton's backyard and he meets the beautiful and mysterious Eureka (Stephanie Sheh), a fellow reffer who seeks Renton's help in getting her machine back off the ground. Joining up with her band of Gekko State rebels, Renton finally realizes his dream of reffing to his heart's content -- and he gets to do it alongside his idol, Holland Novak (Crispin Freeman).

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (7):

At once bleak and beautiful, EUREKA SEVEN boasts a complex storyline that's downright hard to process and could be overwhelming for some young viewers. And while the action starts out innocently enough, it doesn't take long for excessive violence and sexual themes to creep in, transforming a seemingly innocent anime into animation that's better left for adults.

Of course, what teen wouldn't be drawn to a colorful animated series with plenty of shape-shifting robots and attractive young people? Kids are bound to want to watch, so parents should proceed with caution.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the value of having dreams that counteract real-world realities, as well as the power of standing up for what you believe in. Can kids, teens, and other young people really make a difference in world politics and global affairs? Are the things that parents and guardians want for their kids always best? What are the risks and potential consequences of defying your family and your government for a good cause -- even if it's technically illegal?

TV Details

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