Parents' Guide to

Mirai

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Sweet, magical family adventure is best for older kids.

Movie PG 2018 98 minutes
Mirai Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 11+

Based on 14 parent reviews

ButtertartMama
ButtertartMama Parent of 9 and 10-year-old
January 9, 2024
age 9+

A movie that gets kids

What I like about this film seems to be what other reviewers don't like...namely, that the story is very realistically told from the point of view of a 4-year-old boy who experiences deep pain from feeling ignored by his parents after his baby sister comes home. As I watched the movie, I really felt for this kid, and I saw all the mistakes the parents were making by not validating his real feelings, snapping at him, asking "what's wrong with you?" when he understandably acts out, and genuinely ignoring him when he begs for their attention. That's why I think this is a *great* movie for kids. I don't think they will view him as a role model. I think they will relate and maybe feel like someone gets them, because his character portrays the powerlessness kids often feel and how infuriating it is to not have adults show compassion for your big feelings. It is slow in pace, which I actually like for our family. The only reason I gave it 3 stars is that it was kind of meandering, but it's still a good watch.
Flaximus
Flaximus Parent of 10-year-old
February 5, 2022
age 8+

See all 14 parent reviews

What's the Story?

MIRAI is a Japanese animated drama about a 4-year-old boy named Kun (voiced by Jaden Waldman in the English-dubbed version) who's not thrilled when his mother (Rebecca Hall) and father (John Cho) come home with his baby sister, Mirai. Kun starts to feel increasingly ignored and usurped in his parents' affections and acts out accordingly: yelling, poking his baby sister, crying, and throwing tantrums. Things change when Kun starts to have time-traveling experiences in his garden and meets an older, teen version of his baby sister; a human version of his family dog; a preschool-age version of his mom; and also his WWII-veteran great-grandfather (Daniel Dae Kim). Each experience helps little Kun appreciate his family -- even baby Mirai -- more and even offers him the strength to do things like ride a bike.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (14 ):
Kids say (9 ):

The type of animated film parents might enjoy more than kids, this magical sibling adventure is a dreamy, touching look at the importance of family ties and knowing your personal history. Kun is a believably upset new big brother who, however misguidedly, feels replaced in his parents' affections. Director Mamoru Hosoda beautifully captures the emotional turmoil of introducing a newborn to an already established family of three -- from the realistically exhausted (and occasionally bickering) parents to the no-nonsense grandparents and, of course, the skeptical, downright angry older child, who in this case can't control his emotions.

The trippy time-defying moments in Mirai are funny and heartfelt. Even the dog is turned into an older human man who recalls being upset by Kun's birth. A particularly touching sequence has Kun meeting his great-grandfather, a motorcycle-driving mechanic injured in World War II. The older man (who doesn't really know what's going on) teaches Kun about confidence and courage, and little Kun brings that message back into his current life. The dreamy sequences all change Kun for the better, making him a more empathetic son, dog owner, and, finally, big brother.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Mirai compares to other Japanese animated movies. Do you think young viewers are the intended audience? If not, who is?

  • Are there any role models in the movie? Who are they, and what character strengths do they display?

  • How does little Kun learn from his mistakes? What changes does he make to his behavior? How is he representative of young preschool-age boys?

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