Parents' Guide to

Ronja, the Robber's Daughter

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Beautiful book adaptation with exceptional female lead.

TV Amazon Prime Video Kids' Animation 2017
Ronja, the Robber's Daughter Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 7+

Based on 11 parent reviews

Jelena C.
Jelena C. Adult
March 27, 2017
age 10+

Wait until your kids are older or just skip episode 15

This is a fantastic production that lives up to the Ghibli studio's reputation. We are highly enjoying it but are grateful that we were warned about episode 15. In it, Ronja's father and his men beat up a 10 year old boy. He is shown bound in fetal position, half-conscious and badly bruised. The men stand around him laughing. I don't understand how Common Sense Media missed this horribly violent part of this series. Yes, the story-line is well written, the art is beautiful and there is a strong female character. All of this is ruined by episode 15 if you are caught unaware.

This title has:

Great role models
Too much violence
2 people found this helpful.
RonjasMom
RonjasMom Adult
October 1, 2019
age 7+

Fantastic TV show

I love that this is my daughter's favorite show. We didn't have anything of this quality when I was growing up. Ronja and her friend Birk are wonderful, interesting characters. Birk's kindness to Ronja, and Ronja's bravery in standing up for Birk, are absolutely heart gripping. We're allowed to have spoilers here, right? I assume you want to know whether your kids can handle certain details. Well, when my daughter first tried the show, she had to stop when Ronja's father cruelly kidnapped Birk. She had been enjoying the father character as a hot-headed goofball until he took it WAY too far, to say the least. She didn't come back to it for a year, but now, it's her favorite. That's why I say age seven. It could even be older, but my daughter loves this type of character and animation, so she is motivated to tolerate the more difficult scenes.

This title has:

Too much violence
See all 11 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Ronja (voiced by Theresa Gallagher) is a spirited girl, the only child of robber-band chief Mattis (Rufus Hound) and his wife, Lovis (Morwenna Banks). Growing up among an extended family of career thieves has inspired Ronja's enthusiasm for new challenges and adventures and her courage in the face of adversity. Her inquisitive nature brings her face to face with some unpredictable situations, especially in the neighboring forest and among its strange creatures. And then there's her unexpected friendship with Birk (Kelly Adams), the son of Mattis' sworn rival, Borka (Bob Golding). On that front, things get even tenser when Borka and his gang move nearer Ronja's family. RONJA, THE ROBBER'S DAUGHTER tells of Ronja's coming of age as an outspoken, courageous, and loving girl.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (11 ):
Kids say (6 ):

Narrated by Gillian Anderson, this internationally celebrated series is beautifully crafted around an exceptional young female character in Ronja. Though the details of her upbringing and family life among a band of robbers seem contradictory to the principled, empathetic girl she becomes, you quickly forget about the characters' questionable livelihood and focus instead on the image they create of family, community, and loyalty. As the beneficiary of her environment, Ronja emerges as an expressive, opinionated girl willing to stick out her neck for what she believes is right, even when it challenges her elders' beliefs.

Ronja, the Robber's Daughter is a methodical, almost relaxing series to watch because of the patient pace of the story, the sweeping scenery, and the stirring music that bridges dialogue. There's nothing rushed about this tale, allowing you to settle in and fully appreciate the expert animation and vivid storytelling that bring this popular book to life.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Ronja's character strengths in Ronja, the Robber's Daughter. How would you rate her courage? Her empathy? Her loyalty to her friends? How do these qualities compare with those you look for in a friend or strive for yourself?

  • Are strong female characters becoming more common in movies and on TV series? Are gender stereotypes challenged in this story or in others you've seen with girls at the forefront? Why is this a positive change? Are there any negative results that might come of it?

  • What does the music add to this series? How does this compare with American series, including anime-style ones? Did you like this show's slower pace?

  • People show empathy when they understand and share someone else's feelings. Let's think about empathy and Ronja, the Robber's Daughter. Do you remember when Ronja learned that her family steals things? How did she feel? Why do you think s/he felt that way? What other things might make Ronja feel sad or confused? How would you feel if you learned something about your parents that you didn't understand? What other things make you feel sad or confused?

  • People show courage when they feel scared but do something anyway. Let's think about courage and Ronja, the Robber's Daughter. Ronja shows courage because she makes and stays friends with Birk even though she's scared about what her family might think. Sometimes we have to do things, even if they scare us, so that we can take care of people. Can you think of a time when you showed courage? How did you feel before, during, and after?

TV Details

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