Over the Moon
Over the Moon is an animated musical fantasy that immerses audiences in a vibrant world rooted in Chinese mythology. The story follows Fei Fei, a brilliant and determined young girl grappling with the profound loss of her mother. Driven by a desire to preserve her mother's memory and belief in eternal love, Fei Fei embarks on an extraordinary quest, building a rocket to travel to the moon and meet the legendary Moon Goddess, Chang'e. The film beautifully blends a grounded depiction of a contemporary Chinese village with a dazzling, psychedelic lunar landscape. It explores universal themes of grief, change, the resilience of family bonds, and the challenging process of accepting new relationships. Aimed at a family audience, the movie delivers positive messages about navigating loss and understanding that the heart can expand to embrace new love and connections.
Concerns
Violence
MediumThe movie features mild, slapstick violence and tense situations rather than graphic depictions. Characters face peril but are generally saved or unharmed. The initial interactions with a key character are intimidating but not physically violent.
In one scene, Fei Fei and Chin's rocket ship plunges through space, and a character shouts, 'We are going to die!' before the rocket begins to shatter. They are then saved by giant flying dragons. Later, Chang'e, initially portrayed as cruel, takes Chin into an 'interrogation chamber,' which is depicted as more intimidating than physically harmful.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumRomantic elements are present and central to the plot, focusing on the legend of Chang'e and the budding relationship of Fei Fei's father. Depictions are mild, involving longing glances, embraces, and implied mutual attraction. There is minimal suggestive attire for a fantasy character.
The mythical romance between Chang'e and her lost love Houyi is central to the story, with scenes showing them embracing and looking longingly at each other when Houyi appears as a ghost-like figure. Additionally, Fei Fei's father and Mrs. Zhong are shown sharing 'meaningful glances' and touching hands, indicating their developing romantic relationship and intent to marry.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThe movie is heavily steeped in Chinese mythology and fantasy, featuring a moon goddess, magical abilities, and mystical creatures. This is a foundational element of the story, presenting a worldview where deities and magic are real and influential. While not dark occult practices, it involves polytheistic themes and supernatural elements.
The entire premise centers on the legend of Chang'e, a mythical moon goddess who consumed a 'magic immortality potion' and resides on the moon. The moon itself is depicted as a 'psychedelic cosmic universe' inhabited by 'thousands of cute, luminescent and psychedelic moon creatures,' some of which are created from Chang'e's magical tears by the Jade Rabbit.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe film contains several emotionally intense and suspenseful scenes that may be frightening or disturbing for younger children. These include moments of peril, the depiction of grief, and an initially intimidating character.
The implied death of Fei Fei's mother leads to 'very emotional moments and sad scenes' involving tears and revisiting memories, which can be intense for children. In a perilous sequence, Fei Fei's rocket plunges through space, and a character exclaims, 'We are going to die!' before the rocket breaks apart, creating significant tension.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumA core conflict in the film involves the protagonist's initial defiance and resistance to her father's new relationship. Her actions are driven by a desire to preserve her deceased mother's memory, leading to acts that challenge her father's choices.
Fei Fei expresses clear resentment towards her father's new girlfriend, Mrs. Zhong, and her son, Chin, even 'storming away from the Moon Festival meal' due to her inability to accept the new relationship. Her entire journey to the moon is a rebellious act, as she builds a rocket to 'prove' the existence of Chang'e and eternal love, hoping this will prevent her father from remarrying and moving on from her mother's memory.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumThe film's central narrative is rooted in polytheistic Chinese mythology, depicting a moon goddess and various magical elements as real and influential. While not directly anti-Christian, this presents a distinct spiritual worldview that may conflict with a monotheistic Christian perspective, requiring parental discussion for some families.
The movie's plot is entirely based on the legend of Chang'e, a 'goddess' who lives on the moon, consuming a 'magic immortality potion.' This foundational element of the story presents a polytheistic worldview where a deity other than the Christian God is central. Furthermore, sources like Plugged In suggest that the film's 'Eastern mythological structure' and portrayal of a 'goddess' may give Christian parents 'additional pause' and necessitate discussions about 'lowercase g' gods versus the Christian God.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowThe film contains a subtle, easily missed background detail that suggests LGBTQ representation. Specifically, decorative stone lions outside Fei Fei's house appear to be a same-sex couple, indicated by both possessing a paw on a ball, typically associated with male lions in Chinese statuary pairs, rather than the traditional male-female pairing where the female would have a cub. No explicit LGBTQ characters or overt themes are central to the main narrative.
At the end of the film, as Fei Fei carries Chin back home, two stone lions guarding the bridge are shown. Both lions have a single paw resting on a stone sphere, which, according to Encyclopedia Britannica's description of Shishi (guardian lions), traditionally indicates both are male.
Profanity
LowThe film contains only very mild coarse language and bathroom humor, typical for a PG-rated animated feature. There is no strong profanity or offensive language.
Instances of mild coarse language include terms like 'ding bat,' 'butt,' and 'poo.' The film also incorporates a 'dash of name-calling' and 'dollop of bathroom humor,' contributing to its PG rating.
Substance Use
LowNo instances of alcohol, drug use, smoking, or other substance use are depicted or mentioned in the film.
No references to alcohol, drugs, or other substances were noted in content reviews.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
7+ - The film is rated PG and generally suitable for children over 6. However, themes of parental death, intense emotional scenes related to grief, and moments of perceived danger or cruelty from the character Chang'e may be upsetting or too complex for younger children. The overall message is positive, but the emotional depth requires a degree of maturity.
Additional Notes
The film serves as a poignant exploration of grief and acceptance, particularly concerning the loss of a parent and the introduction of new family members. Parents sensitive to themes of death and processing sadness should be prepared to discuss these topics with their children. The vibrant animation and musical numbers make it engaging, but the underlying emotional weight is significant.
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