Mirai

Review: New anime film Mirai tells coming-of-age story while travelling through time

  • An enchanting child's-eye view of the world
  • One-of-a-kind family fantasy 
  • Film to be shown at the Printworks until Tuesday

Mirai is a Japanese animated film produced by Studio Chizu and directed by Mamoru Hosoda. Hosoda is known for such critically acclaimed animated films, such as The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Wolf Children and The Boy and The Beast. 

Mirai is a film that conveys the message of how we sometimes have to deal with change and adapt to the adjustment rather than push against it.

Even though the film is called Mirai the film follows Kun, a four-year-old boy, who has recently got a new baby sister, called Mirai. With the introduction of a new baby, the family structure undergoes change.

Still from Mirai (2018)
Mirai is in cinemas in Manchester until Tuesday the 13th

Kun has been a single child all his life and with the introduction of a baby sister he is left feeling forgotten. Kun undoubtedly has feelings of jealousy and neglect when his parent’s priorities have slightly shifted.

This leads him to a journey of self discovery where he has random displacements through time and space. It is unclear if these fantasy segments are part of Kun’s imagination or if they are actually mystical forces at work.

It is through these small journeys and encounters with different family members from diverse points in time is where Kun emotionally grows and leads to his triumph in the present. 

Still from Mirai (2018)
Mamoru Hosoda has a distinct animation style

With a film that is directed by Mamoru Hosoda, you can always be certain that the animation will be at the highest standard. The segments where Kun has the journeys through time are really where the film really shines in terms of a stunning spectacle with fluid and striking animation.

Furthermore, the film’s music is another highlight as it intertwines with the film and the story it tells. It invokes a sense of nostalgia whilst also providing an element of wonder to the fantastical side of the film.

Ultimately, Mirai is a film that manages keep the relationships between Kun and his family rooted in reality even with the fantasy aspects of the film. Mamoru Hosoda creates a vibrant world, filled with wonder and an amazing score, which all reinforces a young boy’s growth towards his new born sister.

Mirai is a great film that moves at a enjoyable pace with spectacular visuals and is definitely worth a watch. 

8/10

Mirai is showing at the Manchester Printworks Vue cinema until Tuesday.