Anime Eiga Review: Perfect Blue (Countdown to Halloween Part 1 of 5)

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Perfect Blue. Reader discretion is advised.***

Film Synopsis

Mima Kirigoe (voiced by Junko Iwao) is a popular pop idol. Although not a runaway success, plenty of people look forward to whenever Mima releases a new single. Despite enjoying her time on stage, Mima believes her music career has gone as far as it will go.

To expand her horizons, Mima decides to give up the idol life and make her debut as an actress. Mima put a lot of thought into this choice and knows the move will disappoint many of her fans. However, she failed to realize how poorly some of her more devoted followers would take the news.

Almost immediately, strange and dangerous encounters start occurring around Mima.

There are threatening letters, ominous faxes, and a disturbingly accurate website written by another Mima. Except, this second Mima is still the beloved idol star Mima, and the first Mima is just some unknown actress. But this Mima is earning recognition. Yet, Mima never left the spotlight. Or was there ever a spotlight? Isn’t this Mima the real Mima? Is the other Mima, the true Mima? Is this Mima, in fact, the imposter?

Was there ever a Mima Kirigoe to begin with?

Anime Eiga Review: Mary and the Witch's Flower

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Mary and the Witch’s Flower. Reader discretion is advised.***

Film Synopsis

Mary Smith (voiced by Hana Sugisaki) has recently moved to her great-aunt’s house in the countryside. Although happy to be with her beloved aunt, Mary is finding it difficult to adjust to her new life. No matter what she does, she always seems to be in everyone’s way.

Then, Mary meets a pair of cats, Tib and Gib (voiced by Ikue Otani and Lynn), who lead her deep into the nearby forest. The two felines stop and hiss when they arrive at a mysterious blue flower. Being curious, Mary takes the plant and learns that it is called fly-by-night, or the witch’s flower.

The next day, one of the cats, Gib, goes missing. While searching, Mary discovers the true nature of the witch’s flower. The plant temporarily bestows onto Mary the power of a witch and resurrects a flying broomstick.

The broomstick takes Mary to the ancient school of magic known as Endor College. Although thinking the witch’s flower has given her the excitement she has been looking for, Mary soon realizes that many people wish to use its amazing power to complete their own nefarious goals.

Anime Eiga Review: Kimi no Na wa

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Kimi no Na wa. Reader discretion is advised.***

Film Synopsis

Imagine if one day you find yourself in a place you don’t recognize. Adding to that, imagine you’re not even in your own body. No one would blame for freaking out. Yet unbeknownst to you, this is just fate working in mysterious ways.

Such is the case for two teenagers.

Taki Tachibana (voiced by Ryunosuke Kamiki) is a big city boy from Tokyo. Mitsuha Miyamizu (voiced by Mone Kamishiraishi) is a small town girl from the Japanese countryside. One day, for no discernable reason, they begin waking up in each other’s bodies.

Thrown into worlds they're unfamiliar with, Taki and Mitsuha make the most of their situation. Frustrating as it may be. Yet in their attempts to not screw over the other’s life, they began to understand one another. With each switch, the two become closer and closer.

Too bad, as is the nature of fate, it’s never that simple. Whatever the reason may have been, Taki and Mitsuha were brought together. Discovering what that reason is may be the most important thing either will ever do.

Under these unimaginable circumstances, how far would you go to be with the person most special to you?

Anime Eiga Review: K - Missing Kings

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for K: Missing Kings. Reader discretion is advised.***

Film Synopsis

A year has passed since the Battle of Ashinaka High School and the death of the Red King. To this day, the whereabouts of the Silver King, Yashiro Isana (voiced by Daisuke Namikawa), remain a mystery.

In their effort to locate their leader, Kuroh Yatogami (voiced by Daisuke Ono) and Neko (voiced by Mikako Komatsu) have made little progress. Though disheartened, they believe they'll one day find Yashiro.

All the while, others have been preparing for battle.

Without warning, the Green Clan attacks. They hope to increase their power and influence. And to do so, they seek to eliminate their biggest threats. Which includes the missing Silver King.

To stop the Greens and hopefully find their friend, Kuroh and Shiro join forces with the now disbanded Red Clan, HOMRA. They also enlist the aid of the powerful Blue Clan, SCEPTER 4.

A major conflict now appears imminent. How things will play out is anyone's guess. Yet, a clan without their King is as good as lost.

Anime Eiga Review: Cowboy Bebop - Knockin' on Heaven's Door

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Cowboy Bebop: Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door. Reader discretion is advised.***

Film Synopsis

The bounty hunter ship Bebop is on the trail of its latest job. As always, the unlikely crew of Spike Spiegel (voiced by Koichi Yamadera), Jet Black (Unsho Ishizuka), Faye Valentine (voiced by Megumi Hayashibara), Ed Wong (voiced by Aoi Tada), and Ein will get the job done. One way or another.

Their next bounty appears simple enough. A quick cash in and everyone can eat a decent meal for once. Right as they planned to make contact, someone they didn’t expect showed up.

Rather than some two-bit criminal, a man in black appears. Before the crew has a chance to figure out what’s going on, a massive explosion erupts. Many people lose their lives and the mysterious man disappears.

Following the incident, the government issues an unprecedented bounty for the perpetrator. With their interest peaked, the Bebop jumps into action.

Little do they realize they have entered a crisis unlike any they have ever been in. The person at large isn't looking for money or power. Should they achieve their goal, it could result in the death of every single person on the planet.

Anime Eiga Review: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Rebellion (2 Year Anniversary Week Part 3 of 3)

***Warning, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Rebellion is the third entry in the Madoka Magica film series. The following may contain spoilers for Rebellion as well as Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Beginnings and Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Eternal. Reader discretion is advised.***

Film Synopsis

The life of a magical girl is not an easy one. There will be hardships. There will be difficulties. It can even get quite dangerous. For Madoka Kaname (voiced Aoi Yuki) this is how things are. That’s why she’s thankful to such close friend to rely on. Fellow magical girls Sayaka Miki (voiced by Eri Kitamura), Mami Tomoe (voiced by Kaori Mizuhasi), and Kyoko Sakura (voiced by Ai Nonaka). As well as recent transfer student Homura Akemi (voiced by Chiwa Saito).

Things will get tough. But together, these five can meet any challenge. When these five are together, everything is as it should be. Despair is nonexistent when you’re with the people you care about. So even in this world, happiness can be found.

And that’s the problem.

Things are perfect. Too perfect. Was it always like this? For Madoka and her friends, this answer should be obvious. Then why is there so much doubt? Why does everything not seem quite right?

It is true. The life of a magical girl is not an easy one. But how far that actually goes is a much dark reality than one would hope. The truth is so dark, perhaps a dream is better than the real world.

Anime Eiga Review: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Eternal (2 Year Anniversary Week Part 2 of 3)

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Beginnings and Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Eternal. Reader discretion is advised.***

Film Synopsis

Madoka Kaname’s (voiced by Aoi Yuki) world is turning dark. With every passing day, her once happy life is being replaced with immense suffering. This is not what she envisioned the life of a magical girl would be. But this is the price for all those who make a contract with the creature Kyubey (voiced by Emiri Kato).

And now, Madoka’s best friend Sayaka (voiced by Eri Kitamura) has met the sad fate of all magical girls. Overcome with overwhelming despair, Sayaka has transformed into a witch. The very entity she swore to defeat.

Madoka cannot bear to see her friend in such immense pain. Yet, seeing the true nature of a magical girl may have been necessary.

Since appearing, Homura Akemi (voiced by Chiwa Saito) has warned Madoka against making a contract. Yet, her reasons for doing so have been shrouded in mystery. Yet truth behind her actions reveals a much lonelier reality.

The fights will only become more dangerous. The purpose behind witches and the magical girls who hunt them will soon come to light. Madoka will have to make a decision. And whatever it is, it will determine the fate of everything.

Anime Eiga Review: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Beginnings (2 Year Anniversary Week Part 1 of 3)

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Beginnings. Reader discretions is advised.***

Film Synopsis

Madoka Kaname (voiced by Aoi Yuuki) sees herself as a pretty average girl. But that isn’t so bad. She has a family she loves. As well as a best friend she cares about, Sayaka Miki (voiced by Eri Kitamura). Such an ordinary life is alright.

Then one day, a transfer student arrives at Madoka’s school, Homura Akemi (voiced by Chiwa Saitou). Quiet and stoic, Homura comes off as a little cold. What's even more interesting, she seems to know Madoka.

Later, Madoka and Sayaka hear a mysterious voice calling for help. They find a strange cat-like creature being pursued by Homura. The two manage to save the animal’s life and it introduces itself as Kyubey (voiced by Emiri Katou).

Kyubey gives Madoka and Sayaka an offer. In exchange for one wish, they can become magical girls. As such, they will hunt dangerous entities known as witches who feed on despair.

This chance is enticing. But the details are a little more dangerous. The life of a magical girl doesn't exist in sunshine. It requires venturing into the deepest and darkest parts of the human heart. And it comes at the cost of one’s happiness.

Madoka and Sayaka must decide if there's a wish strong enough that's worth such a price for. But when the choice gets made, there's no turning back.

Anime Eiga Review: Love Live the School Idol Movie

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for both Love Live and Love Live the School Idol Project Movie. Reader discretion is advised.***

Film Synopsis

The national school idol competition known as Love Live is now over. Its current reigning champs are the girls of Otonokizaka Academy, µ (muse).

After months and months of hard work, these nine high schoolers achieved their dream. There is no way they could be any happier. Their love for one another is as strong as it’s ever been. And it only seems to be getting stronger.

That is why it hurts all the more when facing the inevitable. The older girls will be graduating. This means µ can no longer continue. With heavy hearts, they have all come to accept it. If only there was just a little more time.

Such an opportunity presents itself. Love Live is looking to grow bigger than it's ever been. Who better to promote the venue than the current champions?

For one last unforgettable show, µ appears poised to take on the world. These girls have been through so much. And they have stood shoulder to shoulder for every step of the way. Together, there is nothing that can stop them.

Anime Eiga Review: When Marine Was There

Film Synopsis

Anna Sasaki (voiced by Sara Takatsuki) has closed herself off from the world. Her sense of self-worth is at an all-time low and she believes there's no one she can rely on. Without a single living relative, she's lived with her foster parents for the majority of her life. 

One day, Anna is hit with a severe asthma attack. To ensure her recovery, Anna’s foster mother, Yoriko (voiced by Nanako Matsushima), sends her off to a small seaside town to live with Setsu and Kiyomasa Oiwa (voiced by Toshie Negishi and Susumu Terajima respectively).

While Anna does her best to recuperate, she doesn’t hide her distain for the situation; especially when people needless pry into her business. Not thrilled to be where she is, Anna wanders around the town looking for a place to draw in peace.

Out walking, Anna spots an old mansion across the marsh. The ageing home captivates her. Upon further inspection, Anna thinks she sees a young blonde hair girl in one of the windows. After asking about it, she's learns the house has been empty for many years and was once owned by a wealthy foreign family.

Anime Eiga Review: The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

Film Synopsis

While out harvesting, an old bamboo cutter (voiced by Takeo Chii) sees one particular stock glowing bright. Inside he finds a small girl; almost like a doll. The old man is captivated and he believes the heavens have bestowed upon him a princess.

The old man takes the girl to his home and shows her to his wife (voiced by Nobuko Miyamoto). Suddenly the girl transform into an actually baby. Overjoyed, the elderly couple gladly takes in the child and raises her as their own.

The girl quickly grows larger and larger, and within a short time she becomes a beautiful young woman (voiced by Aki Asakura).

In their hearts, the old couple knows their daughter is indeed a princess. Therefore they take her to the capital city where to learn how to be a proper lady of court. Although sad to leave her home, the girl tries to make the most out of her new surroundings. As talk of her beauty grows, she is given the name Kaguya as an official seal of her status.

Many suitors try to win Kaguya's heart, but she turns them all away. She knows all who call are only interested in her appearance, not her. As time goes on, Kaguya yearns for the simple, peaceful days of her old life.

Anime Eiga Review: The Wind Rises

Film Synopsis

Ever since he was a child, Jiro Horikoshi (voiced by Hideaki Anno) has loved planes. Due to his poor eyesight becoming a pilot was out of the question. So he turned his attention to building rather than flying.

Jiro is now considered a genius in the field of aeronautical engineering. In 1927, he's hired by the aircraft manufacturer Mitsubishi, which has been receiving large orders from the Imperial Military. Japan has been desperately trying to catch up with the Western powers, but the gap appears too great.

Jiro is sent all over the world to study the cutting edge of flight technology. He can't help feel a little disillusion knowing the machines he loves will ultimately be used as weapons of war. Making matters grimmer, the world sits on the cusps of a second horrific conflict.

Following a string of failures, Jiro decides to take a holiday to clear his head. While on retreat, he falls for the beautiful Naoko Satomi (voiced by Miori Takimoto) who he previously rescued during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Naoko has been suffering from the effects of tuberculosis. Though the disease is incurable, ensuring any relationship will end in heartbreak, the two marry.

Anime Eiga Review: From Up on Poppy Hill

Film Synopsis

The year is 1963, Tokyo is set to host the 1964 Olympic Games, and Japan is trying to move forward into the future. In a small boarding house overlooking the Port of Yokohama lives 16 year old Umi Matsuzaki (voiced by Masami Nagasawa). Every morning she wakes up extra early and raises a set of signal flags; a ritual she has done without fail for many years.

The life of this high school girl has always been a hectic one, but she takes it all in stride. Having to juggle house and academic work day in and day is exhausting, so a nice distraction is always welcomed. Such a opportunity comes in the form of a student protest over the fate of the old clubhouse building. One of the boys leading the fight is Shun Kazama (voiced by Junichi Okada).

Umi’s experience running her boarding house allows her to become a central figure in Shun’s cause and the two start to develop strong feelings for one another.

Then one day, as Umi shows off picture of her late father, Shun makes a devastating realization. One that wouldn't just put their relationship in jeopardy, it would make it impossible. Umi and Shun’s dad may be the same person.

If this turns out to be true, Umi and Shun must give up before they were ever given a chance.

Anime Eiga Review: The Secret World of Arrietty

Film Synopsis

Arriving at his mother’s childhood home, nestled away in a peaceful tree grove, a boy named Sho (voiced by Ryunsouke Kamiki) catches a glimpse of an unusual site. A cat seems to be looking at something hidden away in the bushes. It’s only for a second, but Sho thinks he sees a small girl running away in the leaves.

Unbeknownst to Sho, that's exactly what he saw. The young girl is a Borrower named Arrietty (voiced by Mirai Shida). Borrowers are tiny people who survive by...borrowing items no one would miss; a single sugar cube, a piece of tissue paper, a sewing needle that has been lost and forgotten. The life of a person so small is filled with dangers and the one thing a Borrower must never allow to happen is to be seen by a human.

Arrietty is brimming with excitement, for tonight is her first borrowing mission with her father Pod (voiced Tomokazu Miura). Her mother, Homily (voiced by Shinobu Otake) is naturally worried sick, but her daughter’s enthusiasm is too strong.

Arrietty can only imagine what she will see and her expectations are not disappointed. The mundane and typical items of the human world are large and imposing wonders to a Borrower. Slowly and carefully, Arrietty and her father make their way around the house. Unfortunately, one momentary lapse in attention is all it takes for everything to go wrong.

Anime Eiga Review: Ponyo

Film Synopsis

Far below the ocean waves, a small and curious fish-girl runs away from home and makes it to the shore of a rural port town. Her arrival doesn’t go smoothly as she gets caught in a passing fishing net and is trapped inside a glass bottle.

Down by the beach is a young boy named Sosuke (voiced by Hiroki Doi) who sees the tiny fish and frees her. While doing so, the boy cuts his finger on the glass, to which the girl jumps up and kisses the wound; instantly healing it.

Having never seen a fish like her before, Sosuke takes an immediate liking to the girl and calls her Ponyo. The two spend the entire day together, but all the while a mysterious man named Fujimoto (voiced by George Tokoro) is desperately trying to find the girl.

Sosuke admires how strange and amazing Ponyo is. To his surprise, Ponyo (voiced by Yuria Nara) responds and says she likes Sosuke in return. At this moment, Fujimoto finds the two and successful takes back Ponyo.

Under the sea, Fujimoto warns of how dangerous the human world is and how Ponyo should have nothing to do with it. However, Ponyo says she wants to return to Sosuke and become human. With that she begins to transform into an actual five year old girl and manages to get away.

Anime Eiga Review: Tales from Earthsea

Film Synopsis

The world is heading towards chaos. Famine, pestilence, and other hardships run ramped and magic is on the decline. Everything is out of balance.

Arriving on the outskirts of the desert, the wandering wizard known as Sparrowhawk (voiced by Bunta Sugawara) is on a quest to discover what is happening. In distance, he sees a boy being chased by a pack of wolves.

Panicking and frighten, the boy is ready to accept his fate. However, just as the wolves leap in for the kill, a furry of rage fills the young man's eyes; as though he were possessed. Sparrowhawk intervenes and the boy falls unconscious.

Upon awakening in a cold sweat, the boy frantically starts looking for something and is relieved when Sparrowhawk returns what appears to be an old rusted sword. After calming down, the boy introduces himself as Arren (voiced by Junichi Okada).

Sparrowhawk and Arren start traveling together and come across a large city where distain for magic users is high. Here Arren saves a girl by the name of Therru (voiced by Aoi Teshima) from a group of slave hunters.

Anime Eiga Review: Howl's Moving Castle

Film Synopsis

In a small, bustling town lives Sophie (voiced by Chieko Baisho), a kind, modest girl who's happy just filling her life with simple pleasures.

There's great excitement and worry in the air. The kingdom is on the brink of war and the nation is mobilizing for combat. While out one day, Sophie is stopped by a pair of soldiers who have nothing better to do then bother a young lady.

From out of nowhere, Sophie is rescued by a handsome, but mysterious man (voiced by Takuya Kimura) who has the ability to use magic.

Sophie isn’t quite sure how to process the encounter, especially when she realizes there was a good chance the man was the powerful wizard Howl who lives in strange moving house. In any case, Sophie can’t help but feel a tad smitten at the end of the day.

Unfortunately, this changes when a large, imposing woman walks into Sophie’s store after hours. The woman (voiced by Akihiro Miwa) is incredibly rude and seems to know of the run in with Howl. At her limit, Sophie sternly asks the customer to leave. The woman commends Sophie's bravery in the face of the infamous Witch of the Waste and spitefully casts a spell on her; transforming her into an old woman.

Anime Eiga Review: The Cat Returns

Film Synopsis

Haru (voiced by Chizuru Ikewaki) is like any high school girl. Her life isn't horrifically exciting and nothing unexpected ever happens. However, one simple act of kindness can have some pretty unimaginable consequences.

A strange cat with a small gift in its mouth passes Haru on the street. Suddenly the cat cross the street and mindlessly walks right into in the path of an oncoming truck.

Without thinking, Haru rushes in and manages to save the helpless feline. Relived to have made it in time, what happens next is beyond anything Haru could have imagined. The cat (voiced by Takayuki Yamada) gets up on two legs, brushes himself off, and vocally thanks his savior; with actual words and everything. Completely taken aback, Haru tries to rationalize what just happened as her imagination. But it was all too real.

The cat Haru saved is actually the crown prince of the Cat Kingdom and they couldn't be more grateful. Haru's quiet life is now filled with a bunch overly thankful cats. Though their intentions might be coming from a good place, these fur balls have a very poor understanding of boundaries.

Anime Eiga Review: Spirited Away

Film Positives

Chihiro Ogino (voiced by Rumi Hiiragi) and her parents are moving into a new home. On the way, her father takes a wrong turn and ends up in front of a strange, creepy tunnel. While mom and dad eagerly venture forward, Chihiro cannot help but feel a strong sense of dread and uneasiness.

On the other side is a wide open field which looks to be the remnants of an old amusement park. The place is deserted, but an alluring smell of hot food brings the family in closer. When they eventually find the stand, it too is void of people. This doesn’t stop Chihiro’s parents from digging in anyway, but Chihiro chooses not to partake and continues to explore the park.

As the sun begins to set, Chihiro comes across a massive bath house resort. Oddly enough there's smoke coming from the chimneys, indicating the place is operational. Before having a chance to look any further, Chihiro runs into a boy (voiced by Miyu Irino).

Looking frantic, the boy warns Chihiro to leave before the sun fully sets; otherwise she will be stuck here forever. The entire place becomes alive with a strange assortment of beast and spirits. Chihiro runs back to where she left her parents, but to her horror they both have been transformed into pigs.

Anime Eiga Review: My Neighbors the Yamadas

Film Synopsis

Meet the Yamadas, just your average suburban family.

Now to some average may be too strong of a word, but what is average anyway. Every family has its quirks and this one’s no different. These guys are simply a little bit louder about it.

Leading the lot are the husband and wife pair of Takashi (voiced by Touru Masuoka) and Matsuko (voiced by Yukiji Asaoka). Together for the past twenty years, these two have their hands full. Not only with the household, but with each other; in most loving of ways of course.

Ensuring their parents never get bored are Noboru (voiced by Hayato Isobata) and his little sister Nonoko (voiced by Naomi Uno). Noboru doesn't have any reservations about expressing his annoyance with the usual teenage problems one would face at his age and Nonoko is five so she pretty much does what she’s going to do.

Finally theirs Grandma Shige (voiced by Masako Araki) who’s always happy to share her words of wisdom; or her two cents depending on who you ask.