Parents' Guide to Glitter Force

TV Netflix Kids' Animation 2012
Glitter Force Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Emily Ashby By Emily Ashby , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 7+

Fairy-tale anime doesn't dazzle, but strong female leads do.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 7+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 6+

Based on 24 parent reviews

Parents say that the show offers positive messages of friendship and bravery, making it a suitable choice for children of both genders, while some critics express concerns about its portrayal of appearance and superficial themes. Overall, viewers appreciate the strong female role models and enjoyable animation, but debate surrounds the show's changes from its original Japanese version, with some fans calling for a return to its authentic storytelling and cultural elements.

  • positive messages
  • strong role models
  • animation quality
  • cultural concerns
  • appearance portrayal
Summarized with AI
 

 

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age 6+

Based on 80 kid reviews

Kids say that the show is a nostalgic favorite for many who grew up with it, praising its themes of friendship and empowerment, particularly for young girls. However, the adaptation has received criticism for its whitewashing, lack of cultural representation, and the removal of emotional depth, leading some to recommend watching the original version instead for a richer storytelling experience.

  • nostalgic favorite
  • empowerment themes
  • whitewashing criticism
  • cultural representation
  • emotional depth removal
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 80 kid reviews

What's the Story?

GLITTER FORCE is the story of five warriors foretold to save Earth and the magical fairy-tale realm of Jubiland from various evil villains. It centers on Emily (voiced by Laura Bailey), an optimistic teen whose encounter with a pixie named Candy (Debi Derryberry) identifies her as Glitter Lucky, the legendary leader of the powerful Glitter Force, sought by Jubiland's queen to fend off the villains. Together she and Candy gather four of her classmates -- Kelsey (Colleen O'Shaughnessey), April (Danielle Judovits), Chloe (Kate Higgins), and Lily (Alex Cavares) -- to assume their own powers and to join their fight to preserve happy endings for both Jubiland and Earth.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 24 ):
Kids say ( 80 ):

With an all-female cast of heroines and some fun tweaks on the standard good-vs.-evil story line, this Japanese anime tries hard to stand out in a populous genre, but it often comes across feeling silly and superficial. Kids, and girls especially, will like Emily's determination and ever-upbeat attitude, and the show does a good job casting each Glitter gal as a positive role model academically, athletically, and/or socially. As the girls' friendship deepens, their strength as a unit grows as well, giving new impact to the term "girl power."

As for flaws, the show's "glitter" shtick grates a bit. Between the glitter packs the girls use for their magical makeovers, the bedazzled boots and brightly colored baby-doll costumes that match their voluminous hair, and the constant references to all things glitter and sparkly, the show is a mild assault on the visual and auditory senses. It's too bad, really, since even without the overblown theme, it's a decent story with strong, appealing female role models.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the characteristics that make the Glitter Force girls good role models. Which special trait does each one have? How are these traits prominent when they're playing the heroines?

  • Kids: What is meant by a person's destiny? Do you believe that your future is already decided for you, or do you have control over it? Would being a superhero be fun? Which real-world heroes exist in your community?

  • Kids: Do you think much about how you look or what you wear? Is a person's appearance indicative of who he or she is inside?

TV Details

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