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Inu-Oh
犬王
2022 98 min Japan, Hong Kong PG-13 12+
★7.5
Animation, Drama, Music, Fantasy, History
Director: Masaaki Yuasa
Trailers
EN
EN
Teaser
Description
A cursed dancer and a blind musician — both ostracized by society — become business partners and inseparable friends as their larger-than-life concerts propel them to stardom in 14th century Japan.
US Gross:
$351,558
Worldwide:
$484,127
Starring
Avu-chan
Actor
Mirai Moriyama
Actor
Tasuku Emoto
Actor
Awards
Golden Globe 2023
— Best Animated Feature
Venice Film Festival 2021
— Orizzonti – Best Film
Key opinion
Masaaki Yuasa's Inu-Oh is a bold, genre-bending musical that reimagines medieval Japanese folklore through the lens of modern rock-star aesthetics. While the unconventional blend of historical themes and psychedelic, concert-like performances may bewilder some, most audiences find its visual flair and creative spirit to be a unique, emotionally resonant experience.
| animation | The animation delivers a distinct, high-quality aesthetic that masterfully bridges the gap between traditional Japanese folklore and modern, psychedelic visual design. | |
| Score | The incorporation of rock, pop, and glam-rock influences—drawing parallels to icons like Queen and Michael Jackson—creates a powerful, electrifying musical atmosphere. | |
| Theme | The narrative effectively portrays the journey of two outcast protagonists who forge a deep, enduring bond through their shared creative struggle. | |
| Pacing | The film's opening is widely viewed as sluggish or boring, with the narrative quality only finding its momentum as the story progresses. | |
| Accessibility | The unconventional, experimental style polarized viewers, with some finding it a captivating artistic triumph while others struggle to connect with the intentionally jarring presentation. |