Hello Watchers and Youtube subscribers. Time for another review from yours truly. This movie was shown at our anime club meeting this Wednesday and despite the noise, I understood the film through the subtitles as this is a foreign film (big surprise). This is an older film, but that doesn't change my views on this film.
The Review
First, I would like to say that this is not your typical Japanese anime film with cute girls in school uniforms and magic animals. This is a slice of life film about "small coincidences" and how our lives have an effect on others around us. Tokyo Godfathers is a beautiful film with rich animation, almost akin to that of Hayao Miyazaki, and well developed cast of colorful characters. Director Satoshi Kon made a cohesive and believable story with the animation that doesn't get wild and cartoony, but remains expressive to match the feelings of the characters. The actors who play the main three characters (Tōru Emori as Gin the former cyclist, Yoshiaki Umegaki as Hana the transgendered woman, and Aya Okamoto as Miyuki the high school runaway) give the characters the personality they need and don't sound miscasted. First impression was really great with this movie.
But what is the plot? The trailer captures the main idea of the plot and it is simple, but grows complex through the actions of the characters. Gin, Hana and Miyuki are three friends who are homeless and help each other survive in Tokyo. On Christmas Eve, the three find a baby girl in the dumpster and decide to find the parents in hopes of a reward for the infants return. The chase carries out through the holidays to New Year's Eve and wild events occur as secrets are found out and the past of the three main characters are found out. It's a slice of life story that takes on the issues of homelessness, gambling, and grief and it is done incredibly well. It's reality at animation's best and doesn't stray from that setting.
Honestly, I didn't have high expectations for the voice acting. One it's in a foreign language so I cannot determine if the acting was well enough; however, I knew how a character felt whenever they spoke. The actors do show incredible emotion when needed and the dialogue is pretty funny at times, especially the banter between the three. You can tell the three characters are good friends and the voices bounce off each other with ease, no awkwardness here. Aya Okamoto (the voice of Miyuki) even speaks English at one point of the movie, which is impressive for voice actors in Japan. Unlike Sita Sings the Blues, you can really feel the story unfold, rather than being retold like a book.
As far as scenes go, I will repeat that the animation is beautiful. The artwork is dark and gritty at times, but the next is welcoming and dim, like walking in your home after a long day at work. The animation fits the moods. There is one scene where Gin comes across a dying old man and the scene is really touching; it really focuses in on morality and coming to terms with life's misfortunes. The art direction was also incredible with harsh contrasts between Gin and the old man. The music changes from softer traditional Japanese music to faster more rhythmic drums whenever there is a chase scene or another form of high action. I was impressed with the film's atmosphere as it could have easily been too dark or too "cutesy". I love films with a timeless feel attached to it; of course this is set in the modern world, but it could have been anywhere from 1980's to today in 2012.
I say to definitely add this film to your viewing list. Even if you don't like foreign films, you can still enjoy the artistry and plot of the story. This film has anything you want, except for an English dub. There are subtitles to this film, so please check it out on Youtube or Netflix. You will not regret it.
Ciao!
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