Parents' Guide to

Samurai Champloo

By Pam Gelman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Sex, alcohol, swearing, fights = anime for adults.

TV Cartoon Network Science Fiction 2004
Samurai Champloo 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 15+

Based on 6 parent reviews

Thatgeassotaku
Thatgeassotaku Adult
March 3, 2020
age 16+
I don't know why Adult Swim gave this show a TV-14 rating when on the DVD and Blu-ray releases it's rated TV-MA
Infrepea B.
Infrepea B. Parent of 13-year-old
February 25, 2019
age 16+

definitely in my top 3 anime would recommend for 16+ but if you are really mature then lower should be ok.

Don't let your child watch this if there a kid its very toxic; a lot of swearing money sex drinking and a lot of blood. overall is an amazing anime. watch it yourself before you let your kids
See all 6 parent reviews

What's the Story?

SAMURAI CHAMPLOO has a huge following with adult anime fans. That's partly due to its unique blending of visuals and characters based on Japan's historic Edo period with modern-day music (mostly hip-hop) and lingo. The main characters (who are on a journey to locate the "samurai with a scent of a sunflower") are also an interesting mix of personalities: a crafty 15-year-old girl, a strong-silent-type samurai, and another who's impatient, obnoxious, and fights in a style that mixes break dancing and martial arts.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (6):
Kids say (12):

The show's contemporary edge may draw young viewers -- but parents need to know that it's chock full of profanity, sex, drinking to the point of belligerence, violence, fear, and degradation of women. But despite these red flags, certain elements of the show separate it from others in the genre. The Edo period is a fascinating backdrop and actually meshes remarkably well with modern-day personality types, music, and lingo. Plus, the historic setting offers the opportunity for some cultural exposure. In one episode, for example, 15-year-old Fuu (voiced by Kari Wahlgren) is attracted to an Ukiyo-e (a kind of Japanese woodblock painting) artist, and many images of real woodblock prints (most depicting sex scenes...) are shown.

Director Shinichiro Watanabe's use of real Japanese hip-hop artists for the score complements the show's fighting style and the protagonists' personalities. But there's a reason the show is part of Cartoon Network's Adult Swim lineup: The main messages about working together as a team and learning from your journey toward a goal are lost amid all the profanity, violence, and sex.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the series' high levels of violence, sex, and alcohol. Do these elements enhance or distract from the main plot and messages? Families can also discuss how the three very different main characters work together (albeit sometimes grudgingly) as a team. Despite her fear, how is Fuu portrayed as a strong female character? What does she have in common with other female anime characters? What sets her apart? Parents can also talk to kids about the Edo period of Japanese history. What characterizes it? Why does it make a colorful backdrop for an anime series?

TV Details

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 suggesting a diversity update.

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