Dickens & Rumi
Cover of A Letter to Momo

film

A Letter to Momo

2013

A shy 11-year-old's life takes a strange turn when she discovers three hungry goblins living in the attic of her new house. She misses her old life. She misses her father so very much. Until she makes some new ghoulish friends.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Religious themes2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The central theme is the protagonist coping with the recent death of her father.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild exclamations only.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Includes traditional Japanese folklore and Shinto-influenced spiritual elements.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

No romantic subplots present.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Supernatural creatures, nighttime encounters, danger, and suspense can frighten younger viewers, though the tone is ultimately reassuring.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Minor slapstick violence involving goblins and brief confrontations.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Momo must face fear, loneliness, anger, and supernatural danger, gradually showing emotional and practical courage.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Its imaginative yokai fantasy, visual storytelling, and inventive supernatural premise strongly encourage wonder and imagination.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Characters reflect contemporary Japanese society and traditional village culture.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into Japanese culture and traditional folklore.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, family care, empathy, and helping others are important throughout, despite moments of conflict and selfishness.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It emphasizes processing grief, communicating honestly, accepting help, caring for family, and finding connection after loss.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows growth and maturity in processing difficult emotions.

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 did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in A Letter to Momo would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in A Letter to Momo, and what caused that change?
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