Watch Kids' Reviews of
SHIMAJIRO MOVIE, THE: SHIMAJIRO AND THE MOTHER TREE

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I really enjoyed watching the characters and although in Japanese, the English subtitles are done very well. I enjoyed the inclusion of the audience with the use of the Flower phones to help the characters in situations of danger. I enjoyed the learning that takes place with the use of riddles, puzzles and games such as "Rock, Paper, and Scissors".

Shimajiro and The Mother Tree is full of fun activities, songs and positive messages. It includes two languages - Japanese and English subtitles. The story of Shimajiro and his friends is familiar to children and adults. We all want attention from the people in our lives, our mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers. When we feel that we are not getting that attention and it causes us to be sad and react in a negative manner and then when we share and hear others tell their stories it makes us know that we are not the only one feeling that way. The character Nikki helps Shimajiro view his feelings about his sister and his responsibility of being a big brother in a different way.

The appeal to me is the color, animation and the great story. While the language is Japanese, the English subtitles were easy to follow. I feel a child will enjoy seeing this because of the activities. It is very inclusive. You sing along, clap and help the characters win in the struggles. A child will enjoy the participation and feel the unity and being a part of a team.

Reviewed by Juanita S., KIDS FIRST! reviewer

This is the third movie starring a tiger boy named Shimajiro, and it will be screened in movie theaters around Japan. Like its two predecessors, the movie has been conceived to be a child's first movie theater experience, and has been designed in a way that will hold the attention of a young audience throughout the film. Each child is given a cardboard megaphone that they are encouraged to use at various times by the story's characters to cheer them on or shout a particular phrase, and even use as a weapon to thwart the film's villain. The film itself features a wide variety of entertainment, from sing-alongs to dance-alongs, puppet animation, and regular animation. Japanese screenings of the movie come with a short break in the middle, while the lighting and sound in the theater are adjusted to give the children the most comfortable experience possible.