Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Hayao Miyazaki's magical adventure is widely considered an animated masterpiece, but it can be a creepy and frightening experience for younger viewers. There are dozens of freaky looking creatures that threaten each other or the protagonist, who is trying to save her parents. Many, many scenes involve these strange beings, and younger children used to more sanitized characters may find them disturbing. One particularly scary scene involves a beloved character in the shape of a dragon who returns from a journey injured, bloody, and on the verge of death. One character smokes and in a dinner scene someone is offered sake. Older children ready for a more sophisticated animated tale will be mature enough to enjoy this story of a brave young female protagonist.
Sexual
Content
None, but a gigantic baby's bottom is visible. Chihiro and Haku share a close and loving bond, but there's no hint of romance.
Violence
The scariest part is when a beloved character in the shape of a dragon returns home injured with blood coming out of his mouth and droplets of blood splatter as he moves. He seems close to death at times. Parents becomes ravenous in a disturbing way and turn into pigs, and Chihiro isn't sure they'll turn back into humans. A couple of characters, like No-Face and Yubaba can be off-putting and disturbing to younger viewers. The creatures range from strange looking birds or serpents and shape-shifting things to a carnivorous creature that lures others with gold and then preys on them. Various creatures shift into scary beings or people, and spells make odd things happen like a girl's mouth zippered shut. A giant baby causes trouble and kicks someone in the face. The mood is foreboding and ominous when Chihiro walks through the woods or encounters these strange creatures.
Language
There's one threatening exclamation, "I'll rip your mouth."
Social
Behavior
If you have faith in yourself, you can overcome your fears and act courageously enough to save those you love from danger. Also, kindness, selflessness, and a lack of greed will provide great rewards.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
One character smokes a cigarette and another is shown with an ashtray containing cigarettes. Sake is offered to someone.
