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The Boy and the Beast
バケモノの子
2015 119 min Japan PG-13 12+
★7.9
Action, Adventure, Animation, Drama, Family, Fantasy
Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Trailers
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Description
Kyuta, a boy living in Shibuya, and Kumatetsu, a lonesome beast from Jutengai, an imaginary world. One day, Kyuta forays into the imaginary world and, as he's looking for his way back, meets Kumatetsu who becomes his spirit guide. That encounter leads them to many adventures.
US Gross:
$526,464
Worldwide:
$49.71M
Starring
Kôji Yakusho
Actor
Aoi Miyazaki
Actor
Shôta Sometani
Actor
Awards
San Sebastián International Film Festival 2015
— Golden Shell
Key opinion
The Boy and the Beast is generally praised for its visual spectacle and heartfelt portrayal of the mentor-student dynamic, though it receives criticism for a cluttered plot and underdeveloped antagonists. Opinions divide on whether the narrative depth is sufficient or if the film prioritizes sentimentality over logical consistency.
| Production | The animation and character design are highly accomplished, providing a vibrant and immersive experience for the viewer. | |
| Emotion | The central relationship between Ren and Kumatetsu serves as a touching and effective exploration of mutual maturation and mentorship. | |
| Acting | The film features dynamic action sequences and creative fight choreography that successfully anchor the fantasy setting. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay suffers from an overly ambitious narrative that struggles to balance multiple themes, often leaving side plots and antagonists feeling thin or unresolved. | |
| Pacing | The film's pacing is divisive, with some finding the transition between character-driven drama and spectacle engaging, while others view the structure as awkward and disjointed. | |
| Theme | The film’s philosophical approach to internal darkness and growth is seen by some as profound and life-affirming, whereas others characterize it as pretentious or illogical. |