Asylum Session

Asylum Session is a visually captivating animated film directed by Tact Aoki, featuring the voice talents of Masakatsu Nemoto, Aya Hirano, and Aiko Aihashi. This 2009 release, which forms part of the 'Project Hikari' series, brings together elements of science fiction, drama, and music to create a unique viewing experience. The film revolves around the journey and struggles of its lead character, Hiyoko, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she runs away from home.

The opening scene introduces us to Hiyoko, a young girl estranged from her own family due to their unyielding ambition for her to follow in her mother's footsteps as a painter. Forced into a world and profession not of her choosing, Hiyoko decides to flee from her home on her wedding day. While in search of freedom and her own identity, she stumbles upon an unlikely refuge - an abandoned church which serves as an eccentric asylum for societal outcasts.

This dreary yet fascinating sanctuary is referred to as 'The Asylum Session.' This makeshift community comprises of societal rejects - wild street kids, creators, music enthusiasts, street artists, and other individuals shunned by mainstream society. Initially overwhelmed and hesitant, Hiyoko soon realizes that she shares more in common with these individuals than what appears at first glance. Their shared experiences of alienation and the longing for freedom gradually build a sense of camaraderie and helps Hiyoko feel a sense of belonging that she never felt before.

However, the Asylum Session is not just a center of mutual understanding and solidarity. It also serves as a creative hub for the unconventional artists who express their feelings, dreams, and frustrations through art, music, and performances. The Asylum holds a yearly event – a music festival, where the occupants get to express their creativity and zeal for life. Hiyoko, too, finds her own artistic expression in this mecca of creativity, which is a stark contrast to the rigid expectations of the artistic world she left behind.

This newfound serenity doesn't last long. Soon, the residents must rally together to protect their haven when it's threatened by external forces. A corporate building project wants to demolish the Asylum and erect a new building in its place. This event marks a turning point, not only in the storyline but also in Hiyoko's personal evolution. She becomes an essential part of the resistance and eventually emerges as a beacon of hope and a symbol of defiance for her peers.

The character design in Asylum Session is both distinctive and dynamic, drawing viewers into the eccentric yet genuine world portrayed in the story. The artists opted for minimalistic yet poignant strokes, reflecting the raw nature of the narrative and the characters themselves.

In terms of voice acting, Masakatsu Nemoto shines with a performance that brings a sense of grounded reality to the narrative. As the voice of Hiyoko, Aya Hirano demonstrates an impressive range, capably portraying the character's vulnerability, courage, and determination. Aiko Aihashi's work adds texture to the ensemble, with an emotionally resonant performance that complements the film's pervasive themes of individuality, artistic expression, and resilience.

The film doesn't shy away from exploring the complexity of social hierarchies and depicts the societal pressure and stigma faced by those who dare to stray from established norms. It uses the medium of animation to present these subjects in a digestible and visually engaging way.

In a nutshell, Asylum Session is a film that appropriates the medium of animation to craft a narrative that’s as immersive as it is compelling. It challenges viewers to see past the superficial differences that divide society and delve into the shared human experience of pursuing acceptance and personal freedom. With an intriguing plot, compelling characters, and stunning artistic design, Asylum Session is a movie experience worth embarking upon for animation lovers and cinephiles alike.