Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Release Date:
1995
Movie Rating:
G
Runtime:
1h 51m

Synopsis:
Whisper of the Heart follows Shizuku, a curious and imaginative young girl who loves reading and writing. One day, she notices that all the library books she borrows have been previously checked out by someone named Seiji. Intrigued, she sets out to find this mysterious person. Her search leads her to an antique shop where she meets Seiji, a boy with dreams of becoming a violin maker. As Shizuku spends more time with Seiji and his grandfather, she becomes inspired to pursue her own passion for writing. The story unfolds as Shizuku navigates her way through school, friendship, and her newfound aspirations, all while discovering the magic of creativity and determination.






Whisper of the Heart is a charming animated film that blends romance and coming-of-age themes, making it a delightful watch for kids. The movie is generally well-received by parents, who appreciate its gentle storytelling and positive messages. It offers a heartwarming narrative that encourages creativity and self-discovery, with most parents finding it a wholesome choice for young viewers.
Why Kids Should Watch Whisper of the Heart
The movie is praised for its uplifting and inspiring qualities.
- Encourages pursuing one's dreams and passions
- Features a strong, relatable protagonist who learns valuable life lessons
- Beautiful animation and a soothing soundtrack enhance the viewing experience
- Promotes themes of friendship and perseverance
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Whisper of the Heart
Some parents note minor concerns that may require guidance.
- Explores themes of self-doubt and pressure that might be challenging for younger kids
- Contains a few scenes that may be emotionally intense
- Some cultural references might be confusing without context
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive role models, beautiful animation, and a heartfelt story.
What Parents Should Know About Whisper of the Heart
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The protagonist shows determination and creativity in pursuing her writing dreams. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film explores themes of self-discovery and personal growth, which may require discussion. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Characters learn from their mistakes and grow, showing clear cause-and-effect. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Friendship and collaboration are highlighted through character interactions. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The movie emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and being true to oneself. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Whisper of the Heart is celebrated for its positive messages and beautiful animation, making it a favorite among families. While it touches on themes that might require parental guidance, its overall tone is uplifting and inspiring. Parents can enhance the experience by discussing the film's themes with their children, fostering a deeper understanding of its messages. For those who enjoy this film, other Studio Ghibli movies like "My Neighbor Totoro" or "Kiki's Delivery Service" are also recommended.
Official Whisper of the Heart Trailer
Whisper of the Heart is a charming animated film that blends romance and coming-of-age themes, making it a delightful watch for kids. The movie is generally well-received by parents, who appreciate its gentle storytelling and positive messages. It offers a heartwarming narrative that encourages creativity and self-discovery, with most parents finding it a wholesome choice for young viewers.
Why Kids Should Watch Whisper of the Heart
The movie is praised for its uplifting and inspiring qualities.
- Encourages pursuing one's dreams and passions
- Features a strong, relatable protagonist who learns valuable life lessons
- Beautiful animation and a soothing soundtrack enhance the viewing experience
- Promotes themes of friendship and perseverance
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Whisper of the Heart
Some parents note minor concerns that may require guidance.
- Explores themes of self-doubt and pressure that might be challenging for younger kids
- Contains a few scenes that may be emotionally intense
- Some cultural references might be confusing without context
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive role models, beautiful animation, and a heartfelt story.
What Parents Should Know About Whisper of the Heart
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The protagonist shows determination and creativity in pursuing her writing dreams. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film explores themes of self-discovery and personal growth, which may require discussion. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Characters learn from their mistakes and grow, showing clear cause-and-effect. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Friendship and collaboration are highlighted through character interactions. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The movie emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and being true to oneself. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Whisper of the Heart is celebrated for its positive messages and beautiful animation, making it a favorite among families. While it touches on themes that might require parental guidance, its overall tone is uplifting and inspiring. Parents can enhance the experience by discussing the film's themes with their children, fostering a deeper understanding of its messages. For those who enjoy this film, other Studio Ghibli movies like "My Neighbor Totoro" or "Kiki's Delivery Service" are also recommended.
Official Whisper of the Heart Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Whisper of the Heart
Whisper of the Heart's most common core values include Self-discovery, Determination, and Creativity. The movie beautifully showcases self-discovery as Shizuku embarks on a journey to understand her own passions and talents, encouraging kids to explore their interests. Determination is highlighted through Shizuku's commitment to her goals, even when faced with challenges, teaching children the importance of Perseverance.
Creativity is woven throughout the story as Shizuku finds inspiration in her surroundings and the people she meets, motivating kids to express themselves and think outside the box. An example of this is when Shizuku decides to write her own story, demonstrating how creativity and determination can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.
Other Core Values Explored: Curiosity | Emotional growth | Friendship | Independence | Perseverance | Self-expression | Setting goals | Trying new things
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Whisper of the Heart
Following Your Passion: Kids learn the importance of following their passions through Shizuku's journey. Her love for writing drives her to create her own story, showing children that pursuing what they love can lead to personal fulfillment and growth.
Believing in Yourself: Shizuku's story teaches children the value of self-belief. Despite initial doubts, she gains confidence in her writing abilities, demonstrating to kids that believing in themselves can help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Embracing the Learning Process: The movie highlights the importance of embracing the learning process. Shizuku's dedication to improving her writing skills shows children that learning is a journey that requires patience and perseverance.
Building Friendships: The friendship between Shizuku and Seiji illustrates the importance of supporting each other's dreams. Kids see how meaningful relationships can provide encouragement and motivation to pursue their aspirations.
Valuing Imagination: Shizuku's imaginative nature is a key element of the story, teaching children to value their creativity. Her ability to dream and create inspires kids to explore their own imaginative potential.
Other Lessons Learned: Choosing Your Path | Supporting Personal Growth | Practicing Patience | Encouraging Exploration | Growing Through Discomfort | Recognizing Your Potential
Why Kids Love Whisper of the Heart
Whisper of the Heart invites kids into a world where imagination and creativity take center stage. Shizuku's journey is filled with relatable moments as she navigates school and family life, all while discovering her own unique talents. The movie is a treasure trove of artistic inspiration, with scenes of drawing, writing, and playing music that spark excitement and creativity. Kids will enjoy the unexpected friendships that blossom, as Shizuku and Seiji bond over their shared dreams and adventures.
The story is peppered with moments of teamwork and problem-solving, as the characters work together to overcome challenges. The vibrant settings, from cozy libraries to enchanting antique shops, create a magical backdrop that captures the imagination. With its mix of humor, heart, and artistic flair, Whisper of the Heart is a delightful experience that keeps kids engaged and inspired, encouraging them to embrace their own creativity and individuality.