In This Corner of the World (2016)

User Review

• 

  TheMovieDiorama

  7 / 10

  In This Corner Of The World frantically captures a young woman's struggle during Japan's darkest years. Japanese animation commonly use World War II as a backdrop for their characters enriched with traditionalisms and virtuous optimism, Ghibli are renowned for it with 'Grave of the Fireflies' and 'The Wind Rises'. Katabuchi manages to encapsulate a coming-of-age drama with historical significance resulting in a hauntingly resonating experience, albeit occasionally stumbling with its own sporadically structured narrative. A young woman is forced into marriage and moves from her rural family village to the bustling city of Kure where she must learn to overcome adulthood amidst the chaos of war. Admirably, what sets this apart from similar dramas is the nuanced undertone of diligence. Chronicling a large portion of one female's life, thrusted into an unadjusted foreign environment, we see this character develop from an innocent girl who loves drawing landscapes to a hardworking woman who tackles ordinary chores. Suzu becomes a commendable personality, a microcosm representing the civilians of Japan and their enduring communal spirit. The animation is gorgeous. Ranging from hand drawn characters expressively showing their emotions to water coloured landscapes depicting the natural beauty of Japan. Various animation changes are injected throughout, particularly during a pivotal scene involving the tragic loss of a child. It is moving in parts, especially the third act, where key events during the war take place such as the Hiroshima bomb explosion. The excess violence is substituted for a more gentle approach, however there are specific frames that illustrate the brutal effects of war. Unfortunately, Katabuchi's narrative structure seems haphazard, as if he is purposefully attempting to convey Suzu's absent mind. Many scenes do not naturally flow and the constant time shifts made the pacing incredibly inconsistent. It just felt unnecessarily frantic. In saying that though, the majestic art style and thematic story certainly negate these detriments.

  Like?

  0 member like this review.