Poster for Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond

Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond (2018) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Natsume has been busy, navigating between humans and Yokai when he coincidentally reunites with an old classmate, Yuki. It brings back painful memories of a certain Yokai. Meanwhile, Natsume also became acquainted with Yorie Tsumura, a woman in the memories of a Yokai whose name he had returned. Yorie knew much about Reiko, but now lived a peaceful life with her only son, Mukuo. Being with this family was comforting for Natsume, but apparently a mysterious Yokai has been lurking in their town. On the way back from investigating, a… Sign up for the full guide

Rated G • 2018 • 1h 44m

7.4
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
9+

This animated film continues the gentle, supernatural story of Natsume, a young man who can see spirits (yokai). Its unrated status reflects a tone similar to a soft PG rating, with content concerns being minimal and stemming from mature emotional themes rather than intense action. The film explores themes of friendship, loneliness, memory, and bittersweet loss, which may be complex for younger viewers. There are a few moments of very… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Hiroshi Kamiya
Hiroshi Kamiya
Kazuhiko Inoue
Kazuhiko Inoue
Kazuma Horie
Kazuma Horie
Ryohei Kimura
Ryohei Kimura
Hisayoshi Suganuma
Hisayoshi Suganuma
Rina Sato
Rina Sato
Akemi Okamura
Akemi Okamura
Akira Ishida
Akira Ishida
Sanae Kobayashi
Sanae Kobayashi
Miki Ito
Miki Ito
Eiji Itoh
Eiji Itoh
Miyuki Sawashiro
Miyuki Sawashiro
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Is Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond appropriate for kids?

This animated film continues the gentle, supernatural story of Natsume, a young man who can see spirits (yokai). Its unrated status reflects a tone similar to a soft PG rating, with content concerns being minimal and stemming from mature emotional themes rather than intense… Read more — free account

Content severity in Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond

Sex None 0/10
Violence Moderate 4/10
Language None 0/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond, moment by moment

  1. 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
  2. 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 2/10
  3. 0:28 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
Unlock all 9 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond

None. There is no sexual content, innuendo, or nudity.

Violence and gore in Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond

Very mild and infrequent. Conflict is brief, stylized, and non-graphic, typical of the franchise. Some yokai may have momentarily intimidating designs, but action consists of magical light and characters being pushed or held, without injury or blood. The animated, non-realistic nature of these encounters further lessens their impact.

Language in Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond

None. No profanity is used.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond

None. There is no depiction of smoking, drinking, or drug use.

Mature themes in Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond

The film's core content revolves around its emotional themes. It deals directly with loneliness stemming from Natsume's past, the pain of forgotten memories, and the bittersweet nature of friendships between humans and ephemeral spirits. Scenes depicting a character's grief over a lost connection and another's decision to leave forever are handled gently but may be sad for sensitive viewers.

Scary moments in Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond is best for ages 9+. It's rated G. This animated film continues the gentle, supernatural story of Natsume, a young man who can see spirits (yokai). Its unrated status reflects a tone similar to a soft PG rating, with content concerns being minimal and…

What age rating does Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond have?

Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond is officially rated G. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 9+.

What is Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond about?

This animated film continues the gentle, supernatural story of Natsume, a young man who can see spirits (yokai). Its unrated status reflects a tone similar to a soft PG rating, with content concerns being minimal and stemming from mature emotional themes rather than intense action. The film explores themes of…

Is there sex or nudity in Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond?

None. There is no sexual content, innuendo, or nudity.

How violent is Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond?

Very mild and infrequent. Conflict is brief, stylized, and non-graphic, typical of the franchise. Some yokai may have momentarily intimidating designs, but action consists of magical light and characters being pushed or held, without injury or blood. The…

Is the language in Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond appropriate for kids?

None. No profanity is used.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond?

None. There is no depiction of smoking, drinking, or drug use.

What mature themes appear in Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond?

The film's core content revolves around its emotional themes. It deals directly with loneliness stemming from Natsume's past, the pain of forgotten memories, and the bittersweet nature of friendships between humans and ephemeral spirits. Scenes depicting a…

How long is Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond?

Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond runs 104 minutes, directed by Takahiro Omori, Hideki Ito, released in 2018.

Where can I read the full Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond parent guide?

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