Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that The Boy and the Beast is a subtitled animated Japanese fantasy about an orphaned human boy who ends up being taken under the tutelage of a "beast" in a fantasy kingdom. This coming-of-age story has fish-out-of-water, adoption, and hero's-journey themes, and it features several battles, sword fights, and near deaths -- as well as an actual death (though it leads to reincarnation). The language is sometimes strong -- including "s--t," "damn," "pissed off," etc. -- but the messages about the nature of strength and the importance of perseverance, determination, and teamwork are clear. It's ideal for older tweens and young teens who are ready for more mature animated adventures.

Sexual Content

Kyuta and Kaede hold hands and embrace; they're obviously interested in each other but not in an overtly romantic way. Both a young Kyuta and big Kumatetsu wear traditional Japanese fundoshi underwear that shows the bottom, but it's in passing.

Violence

Sword battles, explosions, and property destruction. A character is nearly killed in a sword fight. Two young humans fight the Darkness and each other. One character dies, then reincarnates. The main character is an orphan, which could be distressing for younger children.

Language

"S--t" is heard a few times, plus many uses of "damn it," "what the hell," and insults like "cocky little brat," "cocky little s--t," "idiot," "shut up," "pissed off," "kick your ass," "idiot cry baby," etc.

Social Behavior

Listen to your teachers, follow their example, and accept help when you need it. The relationship between Kyuta and Kumatetsu proves that a father-son relationship isn't based on blood and that teamwork and perseverance are necessary to achieve certain goals. The movie spends a lot of time discussing the meaning of strength -- and how it shows itself in many forms.

Consumerism

Starbucks is shown every time Ren/Kyuta goes back into Tokyo in the human world.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Not applicable