A boy (Lewis MacDougall) whose mother (Felicity Jones) is dying finds solace in an Ent-like tree monster (voiced by Liam Neeson). Lovely water-colored animated scenes illustrate the monster’s spiritual teachings, one of which is that not every tragedy that happens in life can be remedied or punished. Your attitude toward this film, of course, depends on your own life experiences. To some, this unabashedly emotional, three-hanky tearjerker will be a solid fantasy drama, a portrait of coping. Others may find it a tad melodramatic and obsessed with its own grandeur. Its artistry, though, is undeniable. Japanese title: Kaibutsu wa sasayaku (108 min)
Don Morton
Don Morton has viewed some 6,000 movies, frequently awake. A bachelor and avid cyclist, he currently divides his time between Tokyo and a high-tech 4WD super-camper somewhere in North America.You may also like
Based in Japan: Back to the World of XTRA
Growing stardom as a Tokyo content creator and artist
Discover the Art, Culture and Future of Tea at Tokyo’s Newest Museum
Museum of Tea Culture Creation and O~i Ocha Museum open May 1, 2024
48 Hours in Tono and Hanamaki: Folktales, Food, and Festivals in Rural Japan
Release your full imagination in the hometown of Japanese folklore
Tokyo Sumo Tournament 2025: See Hoshoryu Compete at Ryogoku Kokugikan
Sumo returns to Tokyo from May 11–25, 2025, with newly promoted yokozuna Hoshoryu headlining the tournament
Minobu Town
Revitalizing Japanese regional tourism
Edo’s Inked Heroes: Edo Firefighters
Legends, tattoos and the art of bravery
Summer Survival Products in Japan 2025
It’s time to upgrade your summer strategy for staying cool and hydrated