Lookism
Kids say
Based on 1 review
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Lookism
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Lookism is a dramatic anime series based on the Lookism comic book by Park Tae-joon. It centers around Daniel Park, a bullying victim who is targeted based on his appearance. Miraculously, one day he awakes into a new handsome body giving him a fresh start in life. Themes in this series include bullying, prejudice, and compassion. Violence is prevalent throughout the series (bullying, fighting, blood). Characters flirt with each other and there are some references to sexual content as one character is implied to be "easy." Nudity includes the naked backside of a character and some censored frontal nudity. There is frequent strong language throughout ("stupid," "idiot," "damn" "bastard," "s--t," "bulls--t," "f--k"). Some characters are shown smoking.
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What's the Story?
LOOKISM is an anime series about the prejudice people have based on others physical appearances. The series focuses on Daniel Park (voiced by Nicky Endres/Garrett Gallego), an individual who's constantly bullied because of his looks. One day he wakes up in a new "handsome" body, which he uses to give his life a fresh start. Throughout the series, Daniel witnesses how people treat him differently now that he has a different appearance. Through this lens, Daniel starts to really see prejudice and the treatment people give based on looks, and uses his newfound popularity to help other victims of bullying.
Is It Any Good?
This anime takes a disturbing look at bullying, the prejudices people hold based on appearances, and the preferential treatment given to attractive people. Lookism is a school drama that tries to show the disparity between those who are physically attractive and those who are not. Daniel is constantly bullied, beat up, and outcast from the rest of the students. He believes that he's destined to remain at the bottom echelon of society. Only after waking up in a new body is Daniel accepted and treated well. As he navigates his new life, he begins to understand the discrimination and prejudice that people form based on appearances.
Daniel's is a sympathetic story that shows the toll that bullying can have on a life. Overall, this series not going to be for everyone. Most of the cast outside of Daniel feel very shallow and superficial, and the character dynamics don't feel very significant at times. For a story that's supposed to be about appearance-based prejudice it often feels like attractive people are the only winners, and the only ones with the ability to create change, which is a somewhat bleak outlook.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about bullying and cyberbullying. Have you ever been bullied or bullied someone else? How can you prepare your child to protect themselves against bullying, and what advice would you give to the victims of bullying?
Families can also talk about the graphic violence in this anime. How do depictions of animated violence compare to depictions of live action violence, and what effect do these depictions have in the real world?
TV Details
- Premiere date: December 8, 2022
- Cast: Nicky Endres, Garrett Gallego, Nikki SooHoo
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: High School
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: December 12, 2022
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