MIRAI (2018)

Written & Directed By: Mamoru Hosoda 
Editor: Shigeru Nishiyama 

Cast: Voice Actors: Rebecca Hall, Daniel Dae Kim, John Cho, Crispin Freeman, Koji Yakusho, Jaden Waldman, Victoria Grace, Kumiko Aso, Masaharu Fukuyama 

The movie follows a 4-year old boy who is struggling to cope with the arrival of a little sister in the family, until things turn magical. A mysterious garden in the backyard of the boy's home becomes a gateway allowing the child to travel back in time and encounter his mother as a little girl and his great-grandfather as a young man. These fantasy-filled adventures allow the child to change his perspective and help him become the big brother he was meant to be.


The film is more centered around a situation the audience can identify with. Sibling rivalry and jealousy. Learning to be the older sibling of the family. Familiar Themes are presented and shown in a different way.

This is more a domestic fantasy that sidelines into fantasy showing the imaginations of children and actually liven up the film into more fun pursuits and side stories that feel like their own fairy tales. 

The film might be a little too slow for kids but it reminds one of foreign animated films watched as a kid that felt slow and different but somehow more important, serious and rare then the usual growing up.

The film has a great score amongst It’s many accolades. As well as visually arresting. Feeling like an immersive storybook and restrained rules.

The Fantasy feels like a game of imagination you would play as a child that seemed real and could be Infectious with your friends as you can all see it.

The film gives off a sense of organized play while also being intricate and offering the characters family history of sorts. Where we learn perspective life lessons meant for the youth.

It also deals with loneliness the longing of companionship how you can create and learn. Continuing and get lost in the fantasy that only you really see and appreciate any new problem leads to a new adventure and is soon beginning.

A sweet movie you marvel at more that hits the right notes and wants you to feel and pull at your heartstrings

Grade: B