Engaging melodrama has heart, inclusion, heavy backstory.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Violence & Scariness
a lot
Little explicit violence or scares, but heavy plots/themes, like kids getting forcibly separated from parents. An adult uses a mobile phone while driving, leading to a fatal accident, but we don't see the crash, only a bright light, and the sound effects are subdued. A scene implies a character could physically harm a baby, but someone walks in before it happens. A character sets fire to a bookshop. Men handle large amounts of cash for bribery. Characters walk through the woods with a threatening blade knife. A child character is chased through woods on a couple of occasions.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.
Adults often act short-tempered towards kids and sound authoritative even if they don't use negative language. Grandpa character calls the baby a "cursed child" and their mom a "gold-digger". Kids call each other names like "stuck up," "brat," "slacker."
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.
No direct product placement, but some brands are noticeable in the wardrobe, like Adidas and Nike. The antagonists are consumerism-oriented, chasing money and success.
Positive Role Models
some
Lead characters act with kindness, strength, and bravery. Other characters at school can be judgmental of each other through mild mocking, provoking, and some pillow-throwing. The kids' mentors are caring and loving but, at times, make "bad choices" for "good reasons," like lying and deceiving to protect a friend. Antagonists are motivated by fame, fortune and revenge -- most have a change of heart.
Positive Messages
some
While not always clearly stated, the story inspires viewers to chase their dreams and face the world with bravery. There are messages on friendship and loyalty, appreciation of tradition, culture, and craft. "Everyone has to learn and teach." The show demonstrates there is more to the surface of people and states that fighting leads to nowhere, encouraging second chances.
Diverse Representations
some
Lead character is raised in an indigenous community called Kaingang and is very proud of her origins. There are glimpses of traditions like face and body painting and dancing. Actors in this community are mostly Indigenous themselves. Some native idioms are used, but not all are translated/explained. Most kids at school express respect and curiosity in learning about the Kaiangang culture. The school's PE teacher uses a wheelchair.
Parents need to know that Luz: The Light of the Heart is Netflix's first Brazilian telenovela for kids. It features core elements of melodrama in its two parallel storylines. One is darker, following Luz's family story and her forced separation from her family. Another, lighter, follows Luz making new friends at boarding school she attends after being raised by an Indigenous community. Kids show curiosity and respect to learn about Indigenous traditions. Story emphasize the importance of kindness and having a good heart with Luz positively touching the lives of those around her. While the background can feel threatening, there are few explicit violence or scary moments -- the series is mindful to mostly imply heavier subject matters. Lead characters Luz and Joca are positive role models even if they sometimes lie to achieve what they believe to be right. The show isn't religious but uses the analogy of guardian angels to explain Luz's connection to fireflies.
Although when they show the children and their friends and classrooms and school environment, it is good but unwanted scenes that children cannot watch are mixed. Adult content like a man and a woman's romantic relationship, unwed mother bearing a child, father kissing the woman's tummy and the mother flirting with two men after the dad died and kissing the men often are all not required in a show for children. It should have been separated if the director is planning to have a show for kids or mark it an adult movie. Labelling it for kids and showing all this is inappropriate. If your child is 16 or 18, then you can take a call and let them watch or better to skip. More for adults in my opinion.
What's the Story?
Luz is a nine-year-old girl who was raised by an Indigenous community and is searching for her roots. When she learns her caretakers have been hiding the truth about her parents, Luz runs away and is guided by a firefly to an elite boarding school teacher who takes her as a student. In this new world, Luz meets new friends and costumes, and she must balance between being her new self and holding on to her heritage. Meanwhile, she's determined to find the truth about her family. Little does she know, she may be a lot closer than she thinks.
Engaging and binge-worthy, this Brazilian telenovela is full of comedy and strong emotions. Though sometimes shallow and often melodramatic, Luz is a great representation of what Brazil does best. Despite the international backdrop, the scenarios and situations are relatable to most viewers. While some supporting characters lack depth, the mix of personalities makes it relatable and enjoyable to watch.
The portrayal of the Kaingang Indigenous community could be more detailed, but there are enough elements to encourage children to be curious and respectful of different cultures. Parents may also enjoy the mild social commentary in the portrayal of the boarding school staff, which could even make them question their own choices. Ultimately, Luz -- both the character and the show -- inspires viewers to continue learning and teaching, making it a worthy watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Indigenous community Luz grew up in in Luz: The Light of the Heart. Call attention to which ways it is similar to yours. How is it different? What are some advantages of living in closer contact with nature?
When she arrives at school, Luz finds it difficult to trust people. However, she is only able to get help when she confides in her new friends. How can we tell who we can trust? If you were in Luz's school, who you'd trust the most?
Early in the series, Sabina always provokes Joca and Luz. Have you met a bully in school or other environment? What are some ways we can stand up for ourselves and our friends?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Fernanda Camargo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
