Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Suzume

film

Suzume

2023

Suzume, 17, lost her mother as a little girl. On her way to school, she meets a mysterious young man. But her curiosity unleashes a calamity that endangers the entire population of Japan, and so Suzume embarks on a journey to set things right.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Ordinary branded or commercial settings may appear, but the film does not strongly promote products or buying.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Loss and the aftermath of a devastating disaster are central, with strong grief and references to people who died.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Injuries and destruction are not presented with graphic blood or detailed gore.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild language common in dubbed or subtitled media.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Minor, respectful inclusion of queer-coded characters, but it is not a focal point of the story.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Incorporates Shinto-influenced folklore and spiritual concepts regarding nature and ritual.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Developing bond and subtle romantic feelings between the leads, but it is not the primary focus.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Otherworldly threats, ominous settings, earthquakes, danger to communities, and tense supernatural confrontations may frighten children.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

No significant substance use depicted.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Characters face supernatural creatures, destruction, falls, chases, and peril; action is fantastical and generally not graphic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

Facing supernatural danger and painful memories to protect others and repair harm is central to the protagonists' journey.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Highly imaginative world-building, magical concepts, visual storytelling, and inventive problem-solving are central to the film.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The story includes varied Japanese communities and supporting characters with distinct lives, though cultural representation is relatively localized.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental exposure to Japanese geography and Shinto-inspired cultural storytelling.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Hospitality, friendship, generosity, and care for frightened or grieving people are recurring strengths of the story.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes emphasize compassion, remembering the dead, accepting grief, protecting others, and taking responsibility for healing.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists show persistence, empathy, loyalty, and willingness to help others, though they sometimes act impulsively under pressure.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Suzume would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Suzume, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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