Soul

Soul

Movie • 2020

Everybody has a soul. Joe Gardner is about to find his.

Joe Gardner is a middle school teacher with a love for jazz music. After a successful audition at the Half Note Club, he suddenly gets into an accident that separates his soul from his body and is transported to the You Seminar, a center in which souls develop and gain passions before being transported to a newborn child. Joe must enlist help from the other souls-in-training, like 22, a soul who has spent eons in the You Seminar, in order to get back to Earth.

Animation
Family
Drama
Music
Fantasy
101 minutes
Released

Bara says...

Ages 7+, but every child is different

The film explores complex, abstract existential themes regarding life purpose and mortality that require a degree of emotional maturity to process. Younger children may find the concepts of the 'Great Beyond' and the soul-separation premise confusing or slightly unsettling.

Content Safety Breakdown

Detailed breakdown of potentially concerning content

Sex & Nudity

0/5

There is no sexual content or nudity in this film, as it focuses entirely on the themes of life, passion, and the afterlife.

Violence & Gore

1/5

The film contains very mild, non-graphic sequences, such as a character tripping into a manhole and some slapstick-style physical comedy.

Profanity

1/5

The language is very clean, featuring only infrequent and mild words like "h*ll" used in casual context.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

1/5

There are brief, background depictions of adults in a jazz club setting, but no focus on substance use.

Frightening Scenes

2/5

Some younger children might find the abstract visuals of the 'Great Beyond' or the presence of intense, shadowy figures slightly unsettling, though they are not intended to be scary.

Key Insights

Quick summary and important considerations

This story helps you think about what makes you special, showing that there is magic in the small, everyday moments of life, not just the big awards.

Content Warnings

Near-death experience
Discussions of mortality

Detailed Analysis

In-depth insights for parents and educators

What Parents Need to Know

The themes revolve around life after death and the purpose of existence, which can spark heavy questions. Visually, scenes in the 'Universe' are abstract, though there is no explicit violence.

What Kids Can Learn

Children develop emotional literacy by witnessing characters navigate failure, frustration, and the profound realization of what brings genuine satisfaction.

Key Topics Discussed

Life Purpose
Musical Expression
Existential Awareness

Why Parents Might Like It

The sophisticated jazz score and philosophical inquiry offer a reflective, visually stunning experience that respects the intellectual curiosity of both children and adults.

Positives & Learning

What makes this content valuable for children

Positive Messages

5/5

The narrative emphasizes the value of everyday experiences rather than strictly goal-oriented success. It encourages gratitude, mindfulness, and the belief that individual worth exists independent of one's career or productivity.

Positive Role Models

4/5

Joe and 22 demonstrate substantial growth, moving from rigid, cynical mindsets to accepting vulnerability and the beauty of human imperfection. They model empathy and the importance of supporting someone else's personal discovery.

Diverse Representations

5/5

The film centers on a Black protagonist and his community, authenticating his identity through his cultural background, professional life in jazz, and local relationships. It provides a nuanced, respectful portrayal of African American urban life.

Educational Value

4/5

It introduces children to jazz history and musical appreciation while providing a platform for deep conversations about identity, temperament, and defining one's own path.

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