Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that unlike other Studio Ghibli productions, which are in the Japanese anime style, this one is all minimalist, cartoon-strip animation. The movie follows a multi-generational family of five in several short episodes focused on a specific theme or particular family member. Some kids may be disturbed when Nonoko is accidentally left behind at a mall and when bikers briefly threaten the family, leading to a motorcycle chase. The language occasionally includes quick insults like "stupid" or "shut up," and the father is shown smoking cigarettes in a couple of stories. Although there's no romance, there are references to Noboru's first crush and a gossipy conversation between the grandmother and her friend about a possible affair.
Sexual
Content
In one segment, Noboru shares an umbrella with a girl and is then teased about it; when she calls him at home, he blushes and his mother and grandmother are convinced he's "in love." The grandmother's friend thinks two people in the hospital are "fooling around" and having an affair. They are shown cuddling and smooching. Mr. and Mrs. Yamada usually bicker, but they embrace every now and then.
Violence
Some children may find the segment when Nonoko is left behind at the mall frightening, although she's calm about the situation. In another sequence, the family has a run in with bikers who drag off Mrs. Yamada and her elderly grandmother, until they're rescued by a heroic biker.
Language
Insults include "stupid," "jerk," and "shut up."
Social
Behavior
The movie is all about how a family can survive the many daily challenges they face, no matter how annoyed and exasperated they get with each other. It also provides an example of a multi-generational family.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Mr. Yamada is shown smoking a cigarette in a few of the vignettes.
