Update August 1, 2021: Updated this post after watching the movie for the second time.
Somehow, I have made it a habit to try and catch a new movie on the day it opens in theatres. This was no exception.
Those who have watched Summer Wars will recognise some of the similarities in how the online world is portrayed. Both movies started with an introduction of the online world. Speech bubbles are used in the same way. There is also the "traditional" whale which is a familiar object in Hosoda Mamoru's films. Also, the director himself said that this movie took reference from Disney's animated film Beauty and the Beast. I must admit, the similarities are there. The beast, the singing beauty, the castle, even a ballroom scene and roses.
It was as if Director Hosoda took Beauty and the Beast and brought it into the 21st century. Instead of magic, we have the Internet. And themes that resonate better with the people of this age. If Beauty and the Beast was a story to help young girls back then accept their fates of being married to unknown older men, then this new film, with its portrayal of the issues faced by teenagers of this age, is here to help the younger generation of our times cope better with their problems. As someone how loves the animated Beauty and the Beast, it is no wonder that I love this fresh new story about Belle and the Beast (aka Dragon, or Ryu 竜).
The movie also touched on real issues. Like the dilemma of social justice warriors. Or the problem of doxing. It didn't delve too deep into them, but just enough to set viewers thinking. The film isn't here to give an opinion. I think it wants us, the viewers, to form our own opinions by raising awareness on these issues. It is not here to tell us what to think, but here to tell us to think.
Another theme is that of a hero who sacrifices himself/herself to save someone else. It is not about dying to save someone; it is risking one's life to save someone. Is it worth it to risk a life to save another? What about the loved ones of the hero, who may get left behind because of the hero's decision? At the same time, can we stop our urge to want to help someone else? Knowing that there is no one else who can help but us?
My first impression of the movie is: Hosoda Mamoru has taken a Disney movie and came up with something that is better than any Disney movie so far. The age of the Mouse is over. "Move over; this is the age of Hosoda Mamoru." It is that good, in terms of the writing (screenplay and song lyrics), animation (use of traditional animation and 3D rendering), music (oh, the singing...😍) and the themes. It is Hosoda Mamoru's letter of challenge to the Mouse. "Do better, if you can." The
movie is like a musical, and really needs to be enjoyed in a theatre. I
really hope they come up with a Dolby Cinema version of the movie. But
even if not, I just might go watch it again for the songs.
The main character, Suzu (aka Bell), is voiced by singer Nakamura Kaho.
This means that the dialogues and songs flow into each other very
naturally, and Nakamura Kaho is a very good singer too. The song sang by
Suzu when she first entered the online world of U brought tears to my
eyes because of what it touched on and how it was performed. It was as
if the movie was written for the voice actor/singer.
Now to see if Shinkai Makoto comes up with something better... 😅
Update July 17, 2021: Saw this article today and thought I would share it.
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