Book-based tale has both violence and positive messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
graphic novel </a>that might receive renewed interest from the adaptation.</p>
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Any Positive Content?
Violence & Scariness
a lot
Cartoon violence includes death or presumed death of characters, loss of limbs, stabbings, explosions, fearsome monsters, threats, bullying, and teasing. Some depictions of monsters destroying cities could frighten sensitive viewers. The teen character of Nimona expresses glee at being a "villain" and wreaking havoc, even committing "murder." Violence is mostly punctuated by humor.
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Based on a graphic novel that might receive renewed interest from the adaptation.
Positive Messages
a lot
Treat others as you want to be treated, no matter the differences that divide you. Sometimes the worst in us emerges when we're not treated fairly. Face down your fears. Question what others tell you is "good" or "evil." Teenagers are still figuring out their identities; give them space to do that.
Positive Role Models
a lot
Bal believes in honor, duty, truth, and the goodness of other people. He listens to the advice of those he trusts. Goldenloin also listens to his own conscience to determine who is telling the truth, and both knights stand up for what -- and who -- they believe in. Nimona acts out from emotional pain and responds to love. All three demonstrate empathy, and each is willing to sacrifice for a misunderstood other.
Diverse Representations
a lot
Two male main characters are in love and kiss. The multiracial lead cast includes actors of British Pakistani, South Korean, and Salvadoran heritage. A main message is acceptance of and inclusivity for those who are different.
Parents need to know that Nimona, which is based on the best-selling graphic novel by ND Stevenson, includes messages of inclusivity and acceptance but also has pretty constant violence -- though less than the novel -- that could frighten sensitive viewers despite its being punctuated by humor. This includes deaths (or presumed deaths), loss of limbs, stabbings, explosions, fearsome monsters, threats, bullying, and teasing. The shape-shifting teen character of Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz) expresses glee at being a "villain" and wreaking havoc, even in committing "murder," but viewers discover that her behavior stems from being shunned and misunderstood because she's different. Mild language includes "butt," "dork," "stupid," "trash," "freak," and "dang." Two characters who are battling for the soul of their civilization -- and falling in love with each other -- are played by actors of British Pakistani (Riz Ahmed) and South Korean (Eugene Lee Yang) heritage. Characters learn and demonstrate empathy in this tale about treating others as you would want to be treated, no matter what differences divide you. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
Honestly I think it’s fine for younger ages. Anything inappropriate I feel like a small child wouldn’t understand and/or repeat it. Yes it is a little violent but it is also really wholesome and sweet. And there IS a gay couple but that’s not specifically inappropriate for most. Although if you read the graphic novel first, I will let you know it is pretty different from the movie. Same old characters, but different storyline entirely. Overall a very good movie, 5/5 stars, would watch again!
Good movie but some suggestive language that kids wouldn’t get and were confused why she said “little cold in here” and looked down in the beginning. Good storyline and great animations. Would not recommend to young children despite its PG rating.
What's the Story?
In NIMONA, Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed) is the sole knight not born into his position serving the institute director (Frances Conroy) and queen (Lorraine Toussaint) of his futuristic medieval world. When his sword kills the queen upon the celebration of his knighthood, he runs away and becomes a wanted fugitive. Teenager Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz) comes to his rescue. She's a shape-shifter called a "monster" by most, and Bal isn't sure at first whether she's actually evil, as others seem to think. He accepts her as his sidekick in his attempt to survive long enough to prove his innocence. Meanwhile, the director's knights, led by Bal's true love, Ambrosius Goldenloin (Eugene Lee Yang), are hot on their trail.
From its storybook opening credits to its graphic novel end credits set to an empowering punk anthem, this is a fast-paced animated film with important messages about inclusivity. Nimona is different, and her unique abilities make her an outcast. The film asks us to empathize with the outcasts and see their point of view. When we empathize and see others as friends, our world expands. This is shown literally through a glittery, sharp-shaped, and medieval walled kingdom where citizens live in constant fear of outsiders and what's beyond their walls, based on fear-driven rumor and lore. Sound familiar?
What's so effective about Nimona'smessage is that the animated characters, especially those voiced by Ahmed, Moretz, and Yang, are believable, and their battles feel vaguely relevant to our modern lives. When Nimona questions the whole system of a civilization built on fear, or when the director suggests that anyone in your life, including familiar members and neighbors, could be the enemy, it's disorienting. Cable news has nothing on these two fearmongers. The fact that the two men harbor a deep love and Nimona has faced rejection her whole life adds to the story's messages of acceptance. The sarcastic banter between upright Bal and rebel Nimona, and Todd's bro antics keep the film's heavier themes light. Its diverse cast and thematic layers make Nimona meaningful for a wide range of viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how each of the main characters learns and expresses empathy in Nimona. How does this represent an evolution for each, and how does it serve them and others well?
In what ways is Nimona a typical teenager? Could you see any of your own life experiences in hers? How do teens "shape-shift" in their own ways?
Do you see any parallels to our own modern-day society in Nimona's questioning of the "institute" rather than the "director," or in citizens being fearful of what lies "beyond the wall" of their own city?
The creators of Nimona call the futuristic world they've created "techno-medieval." Why? Did it remind you of settings you've seen in any other animated films?
How does the use of color complement the characters and tone of what's happening in different scenes in this movie?
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 Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
