Animated films: Not all are suitable for children

The film Da Hu Fa received rave reviews following its premiere. Like Big Fish and Begonia and Monkey King: Hero Is Back, it aroused Chinese audience's attention and expectations on domestic animation films. However, this film is China's first self-rated PG-13 animated film, clearly pointing out it is not suitable for children under the age of 13.

People usually believe animation films are targeted at children, so parents take it for granted that all animation films are suitable for children to watch. In this sense, the self-rated film warns the audience this is not always the case.

While this film shapes many cute characters like common cartoons, it contains too many dark and violent elements. For example, violent scenes such as a bloody headshot and gun battle appear frequently in this film. The characters' blood is green or blue. Its dark style, teasing language, reflection of hidden social reality and philosophical allegories scare children and make it difficult for them to understand.

In fact, many animated films target adults instead of children. This kind of film is commonly called adult animation. They are designed for adults, trying to explore philosophical, political or social issues by using heavy themes, viewable violence, profane language, sexuality or dark humor.

However, in China, most of us don't pay much attention to this. Here are some adult animations that are common cartoons not suitable for children.

1. Grave of the Fireflies

This is a Japanese film released in 1988. It is a story about two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, and their desperate struggle to survive during the final months of World War II. It is commonly described as an anti-war film, reflecting the damage caused by the war through personal tragedies.

2. Corpse Bride

This British-American animated fantasy film from 2005 was directed by Mike Johnson and Tim Burton. It follows Burton's film style: weird, dark and humorous. The visuals of this film are typically gothic. The detailed gothic descriptions of the whole story set a dark tone. The concept of 'corpse' will also horrify young children.

3. The Suicide Shop (French: Le Magasin des suicides)

This film was adapted from a dark comedy novel by the French writer Jean Teulé. It is set in a nearly decrepit city where almost everyone is desperate and looking for ways to die. A couple owns a shop selling all kinds of tools to help people commit suicide. Its theme is too heavy and dark, embodying the profound philosophy of life and death.

4. The Simpsons Movie

This movie is based on the Fox television series The Simpsons and classified as an American animated comedy film. Like the series The Simpsons, it depicts the life of the working-class through the Simpsons. It is not simply a funny film but parodies American culture and society, addressing issues like religion and human conditions.

So how should we treat them?

It is a shared responsibility for society to protect children from potential problems of media products such as films and television shows. For those that are not suitable for children to watch, film producers and cinemas should remind the public of this fact. At the same time, parents should consciously guide children to see appropriate films that are good for their development.

Any other suggestions? Feel free to share your thoughts with us!