REEL DEAL: In This Corner of the World REVIEW

We love Japanese Animation Films, they really give good vibes or extreme feels to viewers from any country. And with so many great materials out there waiting to be immortalized by having their own film  is never easy, but when people see the potential and power of the material, indeed budget can can be sourced. From a popular manga, In This Corner of the World (この世界の片隅に Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni) has now come out into theaters to show a different kind of life during World War II in Japan.

Sunao Katabuchi (片渕須直) Directed the film who previously worked with movies like Mai Mai Miracle and Black Lagoon. Based on the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Fumiyo Kōno, the journey of production is also inspiring with a crowdfunding drives were made which raised ¥39 million and another ¥10 million for overseas promotion. The movie currently has a box office of ¥2.5 billion and yet to grow with more distribution and screenings on the way.

Set within the World War II period, it tells a story of Suzu Urano and the challenges she and her families has faced during the troubling times. Though it is not based on actual people, the events that happened during that time were real, the bombings, food shortages, death and destruction which is rarely seen gives the perspective of the ordinary Japanese living their live despite the war which is will grow far worse everyday.

Japanese war culture and procedures were shown as it has been done during those times gives an interesting look upon the things they have to endure and face as their town is also close where the scariest event in war history was made. Although it is a war movie, kids can still watch it as it suppress some of the morbid situations in artistic ways.

In This Corner of the World stars Non, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Natsuki Inaba, Minori Omi, Daisuke Ono, Megumi Han, Shigeru Ushiyama, Mayumi Shintani, Nanase Iwai, and Tengai Shibuya III. Now showing with the following cinemas and distributed by Rafaella Films International.

Deliberation time kids! 

Show summary in 3 lines: Kure! Kure! Kure!

Technical Effects: 4 out of 5 stars (A mix of simple animation plus detailed backgrounds create an amazing effect)

Plot: 3 out of 5 stars (History will never change, but there are quite a number of cliche on some scenes)

Acting and Actors: 4 out of 5 stars (Actors seems less intense than other Japanese Films, they still capture the essence of the story)

Pros:  War time recipes, Background art, simplicity 

Cons: Slow progression with the first minutes, artistic interpretation of paintings and live events

Music and Soundtracks:  4 out for 5 stars (It was an easy listening playlist, but also heartbreaking after you watch the film)

Overall: Rating 4.0 out of 5 stars (To see what ordinary Japanese live during those days were already an eye opener, the story of the family is indeed a mix of fun, history and emotions)