Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on June 2012

This animated featured based on a 2007 novel by Masayuki Kawaguchi has just been added to the biggest animated film fest in the world, Annecy, which takes place in France in June. It’s a good choice.

This classically styled, well-drawn work develops universal themes, managing to develop a dreamy feel while still seeming realistic. After the loss of his father, sixth-grader Yuta (Akashi Takei) decides to use his summer vacation visiting places where they spent time together. One such place is an tranquil dam deep in the mountains where they collected beetles. While there Yuta falls and hits his head, losing consciousness. When he awakes there is a village where the dam was and Yuta realizes he’s slipped back in time. It’s thirty years earlier and Yuta has a chance to get back what he’s lost.

Yes, it’s a time-slip movie and a fantasy, but it makes you believe. If you like anime, check it out. (English title: Rainbow-Colored Fireflies: The Eternal Summer Vacation; 105 min)