The Frame

Every time I watch an anime film, I have to put myself in “anime mindset.” You know, where you accept the overblown facial expressions and exaggerated voice acting as stylistic choices and proceed to enjoy the movie as it is. Every time I want to really like one not just as an anime film, but just as a film. Finally, I found one that is not just a great anime, but is a great film, full stop. For once the animation is understated, as is the voice acting. The story is simple (two Japanese children are orphaned by air raids in WWII and make their own way in the unwelcoming world as best they can, for as long as they can), and truly moving. Swear to God, I cried for the last half. I completely forgot I was watching animation. Everything–animation, voices, music–works together to make this one of the most beautiful, most heartbreaking films I’ve ever seen. It really doesn’t take a stand on the war as such, but merely portrays the effect that war has on innocents, no matter what country they’re from or who the aggressors happen to be.
Superior