Why do so many anime movies always seem to have to deal with grief? I Want to Eat Your Pancreas, Ride Your Wave, Josee, the Tiger and the Fish, BELLE…Those are the ones just from the top of my head It’s something that’s bothered me a little - but it wasn’t until I watched Children… Continue reading Generic but cute, ‘Children of Kamiari Month’ is a trope-filled story about grief
I have been looking forward to seeing Mamoru Hosoda’s Belle ever since I’ve heard of its reception at the Cannes Film Festival. And I was not disappointed. I’ve heard the story, most often described as a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but that only gives a bare outline of the story. It’s much… Continue reading “Belle” is beautiful, heartbreaking and almost perfect.
Romance anime movies are growing on me. Usually, I’m not a huge romance person. I’m not even that into shipping drama but these little slice-of-life high school romances are pulling at my heartstrings. Ride Your Wave, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas, Josee, the Tiger and the Fish all had death be a major plot… Continue reading “Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop” is a sweet film but lacks some substance
What’s up with trains being a symbol of the journey to the afterlife? I’m not complaining. Just making an observation Seriously. Especially in Japanese culture and media, it seems that if a character is going to the afterlife, there will be a train to take them there: Over the Garden Wall, Spirited Away, The Twilight… Continue reading The Wonderful Journey in “Night on the Galactic Railroad.”
Thanks to HBOMax’s amazing selection of animation I was finally, finally, finally able to watch The Night is Short, Walk on Girl. And it was...an experience. I wish I had had a drink or two while I watched it. It’s one of those kinds of movies - very esoteric with little meaningful plot but interesting… Continue reading Masaaki Yuasa brings us another classic with “The Night is Short, Walk on Girl.”
It’s a very loose and fluid plot - and the entire third act feels like a drug trip and existential dread. And while the story may not be cohesive - the art is certainly beautiful.
