Mirai (2018)

As with a lot of animation from outside North America, Mirai is not the sort of story which one expects to find in an animated movie. It is the story of Kun, a young boy who is adjusting difficultly to becoming an older sibling upon the birth of his sister, Mirai. The film explores the emotions of each family member through a series of fantastic encounters Kun has with... well that is part of the story.

What is surprising about Mirai is how intense the emotions are captured by the film. It is quite an astute exploration of family dynamics. The film doesn't have an "adventure" to go on. It just about living life and making a family. But it is remarkable in this and completely engaging. For a film that doesn't take its characters on a journey with a definable end it remains quite engrossing.

Also Mirai is beautiful. The film makers animate Yokohama in such a lovely way that you just want to be there. It feels alive and real despite the film's 2D animation style. The character designs, despite mostly being rather realistic, are striking as well. All around Mirai is a beautiful film to watch.

And it all comes together making Mirai one of the strongest animated films in a while, and quite different from what one would expect.

Mirai
Starring: John Cho, Rebecca Hall, Daniel Dae Kim
Writer/Director: Mamoru Hosoda