Change Your Image
darkfire-75435
Reviews
IF (2024)
Whimsical Emotional Journey
A cute, whimsical family film with some darker background themes. Not an over-the-top blockbuster, but a lovely movie that's worth seeing. Rekindle your childlike wonder with the protagonist who grew up too fast and a colorful cast of creatures, including the wonderful Ryan Reynolds. This movie might make you cry as it tugs on your heartstrings and reminds us of our shared vulnerabilities.
This movie's child protagonist must face her fears and cope with a family member's medical emergency, reminding her of another family member who didn't survive a different medical issue in the past. She tries to protect herself by dulling her emotions and desires, but realizes that true happiness requires emotional vulnerability and connecting with the people around us.
Language: English
Themes: Life, death, love, family, friendship, imagination, hope.
Jiisan Baasan Wakagaeru (2024)
Adorable and Quirky, Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again
This adorable show follows the daily life of an older couple who have been blessed with a gift of renewed youth. The protagonists' deep love for one another is inspiring and influences everything they do. With their family and friends, they navigate the twists that come with the strange blessing they have received.
While only four episodes have aired so far, this is a show I'll be following with much interest.
The premise might be a little weird, but this show is a fun and unique experience you won't regret. If you like rom-coms, you must give it a shot.
Channel: Crunchyroll
Language: Japanese, English subtitles.
Saijaku Tamer wa Gomi Hiroi no Tabi wo Hajimemashita. (2024)
The Weakest Tamer is a Charming & Intriguing Tale
This isekai-light story follows the young protagonist "Ivy" as they leave their tragedy-stricken town behind for the mysteries of the open road on a path to the country's capital. While the isekai element tends to be a subtle feature of the story, the unusual nature in which it's presented can take some getting used to.
The world around "Ivy" is rich with a bounty of supporting characters and cunning adversaries. It's fun to see how the protagonist will handle the challenges that face them and rewarding to see how they progress during their journey.
This is something I'll rewatch while waiting for the next season.
Spoilers:
I was surprised by some aspects of the story that were ignored or under-explored: the protagonist's expressed gender was only questioned once despite looking and sounding feminine; and the protagonist seemed to largely ignore Sora's healing abilities after Sora saved them from a fatal injury.
The 12th episode has a cutscene following the outro that reveals the moments before the protagonist met their first companion.
Channel: Crunchyroll
Language: English, dubbed.