Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Dou kyu sei – Classmates

film

Dou kyu sei – Classmates

2016

Rihito Sajo, an honor student with a perfect score on the entrance exam and Hikaru Kusakabe, in a band and popular among girls, would have never crossed paths. Until one day they started talking at the practice for their school’s upcoming chorus festival. After school, the two meet regularly, as Hikaru helps Rihito to improve his singing skills. While they listen to each other’s voice and harmonize, their hearts start to beat together.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? The film centers on a same-sex teen romance and coming-of-age emotions, with likely kissing and relationship intimacy. Its PG-13 rating suggests material or maturity beyond younger children, but violence and sexual content appear limited. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • LGBTQIA characters5/5
  • Romance5/5
  • Sexual content & nudity2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

What’s in it?

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild, infrequent language consistent with teenage conversation.

LGBTQIA characters5/5
Why this rating?

The film is centered on a romance between two male protagonists.

Romance5/5
Why this rating?

Romance is the central theme, depicting the gradual, emotional development of a relationship between two high school boys.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

There is light suggestive content and intimacy consistent with the genre, but it remains tasteful and focused on emotional connection.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Requires social courage for the characters to accept their feelings in a high school setting.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Music, singing, harmony, and preparation for a chorus festival are important creative elements.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Centralizes LGBTQIA experience, though primarily focused on the main couple.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It may offer incidental insight into music practice, Japanese school life, and adolescent relationships, but education is not the main purpose.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

The relationship is built on mutual support, listening, and gentle kindness.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story appears to value honesty, emotional openness, connection, and accepting one’s feelings while growing up.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters display integrity and effort in their pursuit of goals and personal honesty.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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 are identity and relationships presented, and how do they shape the characters’ experiences?
  3. Which choice in Dou kyu sei – Classmates would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Dou kyu sei – Classmates, and what caused that change?
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