Dickens & Rumi
Cover of From Up on Poppy Hill

film

From Up on Poppy Hill

2012

Yokohama, 1963. Japan is picking itself up from the devastation of World War II and preparing to host the 1964 Olympics—and the mood is one of both optimism and conflict as the young generation struggles to throw off the shackles of a troubled past. Against this backdrop of hope and change, a friendship begins to blossom between high school students Umi and Shun—but a buried secret from their past emerges to cast a shadow on the future and pull them apart.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Romance3/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5
  • Death of a character2/5

Strongest positives

  • Good role models4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

References to a father who died during the Korean War; grief is discussed but not depicted graphically.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild frustration or heated debate between students.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on a budding, chaste romance between the two protagonists.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

Minor tension regarding the demolition of the clubhouse.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Adults smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol in period settings; the behavior is present but not a central celebration or instruction.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Very little direct violence; wartime danger and past military events are discussed or briefly depicted rather than shown intensely.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show moral courage in standing up for their beliefs.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Students creatively restore and defend an old clubhouse, using teamwork, practical skills, and imagination to preserve its character.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Standard representation for a Japanese historical setting.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into 1960s Japan, post-war reconstruction, and social activism.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Strong emphasis on mutual support and helping others.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on hard work, community, preservation of history, and integrity.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists are hardworking, responsible, and principled.

Family discussion

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

  1. Which character was the best role model, and what did they do that you admired?
  2. How did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in From Up on Poppy Hill would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in From Up on Poppy Hill, and what caused that change?
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