The studio responsible for hit anime likeJujutsu Kaisenand the final season ofAttack on Titan,MAPPA, released in 2016 one of the most beautiful and heartfelt anime movies of all time, which competes with the quality of evenStudio Ghibli films. However, despite receiving positive reviews from both critics and viewers, getting a 97% Tomatometer, and becoming the9th-rated anime film on Rotten Tomatoes, it has sadly become a mostly forgotten film over time.
Having been overshadowed by other releases of the same year, such as fan-favorite films like Makoto Shinkai’sYour NameorA Silent Voice,In This Corner of the Worldis unquestionably MAPPA’s most underrated movieand a hidden gem that deserves more recognition for delivering an incredibly touching story in a way that hasn’t been done before.
In This Corner of the World Is One of the Most Emotional Anime Movies
The Powerful Message of In This Corner of the World Still Holds Up Today
An adaptation of Fumiyo Kono’s manga,In This Corner of the World,is a slice-of-life anime film set in the middle of the terrible period of World War II, featuring Suzu Urano, who must adjust to a new life after getting married and moving to a port town near Hiroshima. However, more than just delving into the atrocities of war,In This Corner of the Worldtransports viewers to the past, showcasing the inevitability of every dayas the conflict slowly permeates into the lives of the citizens.
The filmIn This Corner of the Worldis striking, melancholic, and nostalgic, but also heartwarming and fun, following the journey of the innocent Suzu from her childhood to her adult life. This is seen through Suzu’s point of view, showing how she experiences the world through the fantasy lenses of an artist, how she depicts her daily scenarios in her drawings and how she doesn’t let herself be down despite the adversities of the time.
As a result,In This Corner of the Worldconveys a powerful message about the consequences of warwhile being a lesson about the passage of time, the importance of love and family, and how to see the beauty of life, which makes it a film that will resonate with viewers of any age, even nine years after its premiere.
In This Corner of the World Is an Animation Masterpiece
The Movie by MAPPA Still Holds a Unique Record
In This Corner of the Worldis characterized by its creative direction and unique visual stylewith soft character design and watercolor hand-drawings that may remind some fans ofGhibli movies likeThe Tale of the Princess KaguyaandMy Neighbors the Yamadas.
Yet, not only doesIn This Corner of the Worldmake use of experimental animation to enhance the most fantastical scenes, but it also depicts with historical accuracy the different city backgrounds, scenery, and stunning landscapes of the Showa Era. Thisquality by studio MAPPA has madeIn This Corner of the Worldworthy of occupying a place in the history of Japanese animationas well as being recognized as a masterpiece of cinema in general.
Additionally,In This Corner of the Worldis a record-breaking film, having initially achieved the biggest crowdfunding in Japan for an independent movie and later becomingthe longest anime filmand longest animated film of all time in 2019after the release ofthe extended cutThis Corner (and Other Corners) of the World.This Corner (and Other Corners) of the World’s runtime of 168 minutes surpassed the movieFinal Yamatofrom 1983, which held the record of the longest animated film for 36 years.
In This Corner of the World Is Perfect for Fans of Ghibli Movies
In This Corner of the World Is One of the Greatest War Movies Ever
In This Corner of the Worldmixes a subtle love story with the dread ofGrave of the Firefliesand a reminiscence of the past similar toOnly Yesterdaybut without being as wholesome as the latter or as crude as Isao Takahata’s film. Furthermore, the film has brushes of magical realism, but while this is also seen inmany of Hayao Miyazaki’s movies,In This Corner of the Worlduses it to convey Suzu’s imagination and particular vision of the world.
This makes MAPPA’s movie a perfect fit for Ghibli movie fans while also providing it with a unique appeal, asIn This Corner of the Worldis capable of making viewers experience both the lives of ordinary people and the horrors of war in a way that is only possible through animation. Moreover, the moviewon’t leave any viewer indifferent, as it will surely surprise them and let them reflect on several themes. Nevertheless,In This Corner of the Worldis MAPPA’s most underrated film and a timeless masterpiece that more people should watch.
Source:Editorial website
In This Corner of the World
Cast
In This Corner of the World is a 2016 Japanese animated film directed by Sunao Katabuchi. Set during World War II, it follows the life of Suzu, a young woman living in Hiroshima and Kure, highlighting her struggles and resilience amidst wartime hardships. As Suzu adapts to her new life through marriage and the escalating conflict, the film offers a poignant portrayal of ordinary lives affected by extraordinary circumstances.
