Mirai

Mirai from 2018 is a heart-warming, enchanting animated film from Japan, masterfully directed by Mamoru Hosoda, a veteran in the anime industry. With its rich storytelling and deft animation technique, Mirai tactfully explores the universality of family relationships and time, delivering a visually stunning and thought-provoking narrative that caters to audiences of all ages.

Rebecca Hall, Daniel Dae Kim, and John Cho are among the talented roster of actors who lent their voices to bring the story and characters of Mirai to life in the English version. Their deliveries encapsulate and enhance the richness and depth of the characters they portray, enabling audiences to connect more closely to the intricate tapestry of life experiences and familial bonds depicted in the movie.

Mirai's plot centers on a young boy named Kun, voiced by Jaden Waldman. As the only child, Kun's peaceful life takes a turn when his parents, voiced by John Cho and Rebecca Hall, bring home his new baby sister, Mirai. Riddled with jealousy towards his sibling who is receiving most of the attention previously bestowed upon him, Kun feels neglected and battles feelings of resentment.

The story takes a magical twist as Kun stumbles upon a magical garden in his home. This garden serves as a sort of time portal, offering him an extraordinary opportunity to encounter his family members at different stages of their lives. These experiences offer him a unique perspective on the dynamics of his family and the importance and trials of relationships. Through this magical realism element, the movie seamlessly threads the narrative between the past, present, and future, delicately mapping out Kun's emotional growth journey.

One particularly heartwarming encounter is when Kun meets a teenager from the future who turns out to be his little sister, Mirai, voiced by Victoria Grace. Mirai, from a future filled with wisdom and maturity, provides Kun a peak into their future relationship as siblings.

Attention to detail is one prominent feature of this film that stands out, adding a strong captivating element to the story. The beautiful background art and fluid animation make up a detailed rendition of everyday life soaked in magical realism. From the bustling city of Japan to the warm, cluttered, homely interiors, the visuals paint a picture so immersive and relatable that it ties into the emotional fabric of the narrative.

Another highlight is the well-researched and accurately depicted trials and tribulations of parenting. By showing the exhaustion and frustration, along with the joy and love, the portrayal of parenting in Mirai makes the anime relatable to adult viewers while giving younger viewers a glimpse into the complexities of family relationships.

Add to this intricate narrative the exemplary musical score—composed by Masakatsu Takagi—which beautifully blends with the film's emotions. The music perfectly underscores the story's emotional weight and the high-energy childlike wonder, enhancing the viewing experience.

Beyond its stunning visuals and compelling narrative, Mirai is ultimately a film that celebrates change and growth. It unravels a story that shows how the foundation of a family is built not just by shared memories but also by mutual understanding, love, and acceptance of change.

In many ways, Mirai is a step forward in anime storytelling, bringing forth a fresh perspective on how animation can seamlessly blend universally relatable themes with imaginative elements. Despite its fantasy elements, the film remains rooted in humanity, grounded in real emotions and life experiences that resonate with everyone.

With its subtle mix of charm, wit, and heartfelt emotion, Mirai illustrates the intricacies of human relationships while taking audiences on a magical journey through time. It's a tale that will make you laugh, cry, reflect and ultimately, appreciate the beauty of family ties, evolving personal identities, sibling dynamics, and growing pains.