Yoshiikawa Film Rated 'Protective Grade' in Taiwan, Adults Find it 'A Bit Heavy'

The highly anticipated film debut of the popular Japanese character 'Yoshiikawa,' titled 'Yoshiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island,' is set to premiere in Taiwan on July 31. However, the film has been classified as 'Protective Grade' by Taiwan's film review board, a decision that has sparked considerable discussion among fans and potential moviegoers. This rating mandates that children under six are not permitted to watch, and those between six and twelve require accompaniment by a parent or adult guardian.

The movie, adapted from the beloved manga, follows Yoshiikawa, his friend Little Eight Cat, and Rabbit as they embark on a new adventure on a mysterious mermaid island. While the characters retain their signature cute and healing art style, the narrative gradually shifts towards a tense atmosphere as the story progresses. The plot involves characters facing difficult choices and crises, leading to the 'Protective Grade' classification for its Taiwan release.

Many audience members who attended early preview screenings have voiced their agreement with the classification. Comments on social media reflect a shared sentiment that the story is significantly more somber than anticipated. "This story is indeed a bit heavy..." one viewer remarked, while another expressed, "We adults thought it was a horror movie by the end." Others noted that the atmosphere felt more oppressive than expected, cautioning that the cute art style might mislead viewers into thinking it's suitable for all children.

Despite the heavier themes, some viewers also pointed out that the film retains Yoshiikawa's characteristic warmth and humor. They described the overall emotional tone as more profound, suggesting that parents should familiarize themselves with the content before deciding to bring their children. The consensus among those who have seen it is that the 'Protective Grade' is well-justified, reflecting a narrative depth that may be too intense for very young children.