Name: Child of Kamiari Month
Genre: Animation, Drama, Fantasy, Family
Released: 2021-10-08T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Aju Makita, Maaya Sakamoto, Miyu Irino, Riko Nagase, Chafurin

The opening scene of Child of Kamiari Month is unforgettable: a young girl, Kanna, sprinting through the streets of Tokyo, her legs moving with supernatural speed, the city blurring around her. It’s a stunning visual hook that immediately sets the tone for Takana Shirai’s 2021 animated film.

What we have here is a supernatural fantasy adventure about grief and healing. A year after losing her mother, Kanna discovers she is an Idaten, a descendant of the god of footraces. Tasked with delivering offerings to the annual gathering of gods in Izumo, she embarks on a journey across Japan, accompanied by a talking rabbit named Shiro and a mischievous demon boy called Yasha.

The film’s strengths lie in its visual storytelling and emotional core. The animation is breathtaking, with fluid, dynamic action sequences that capture the exhilaration of running. The contrast between the bustling urban landscapes and the serene rural shrines Kanna visits is beautifully rendered. Moreover, the film’s exploration of grief is nuanced and heartfelt. Kanna’s struggle to come to terms with her mother’s death is palpable, and her journey becomes a metaphor for healing and moving forward.

However, the narrative falters in its execution. The plot is straightforward to the point of simplicity, and some of the storytelling choices feel underdeveloped. The characters, while likable, lack depth, and their motivations are sometimes unclear. Yasha, in particular, feels underutilized; his role as an antagonist is never fully explored, and his interactions with Kanna often fall flat.

The pacing is another issue. The film rushes through its emotional beats, leaving little room for the audience to process Kanna’s journey. The climax, while visually impressive, lacks the emotional weight it should carry. Additionally, the film’s reliance on fantasy tropes can make it feel generic at times.

Still, Child of Kamiari Month has moments of genuine beauty and emotion. The soundtrack is a standout feature, blending traditional Japanese instruments with modern orchestral arrangements to create a hauntingly beautiful score that enhances the film’s emotional resonance. The voice performances, particularly Aju Makita as Kanna and Maaya Sakamoto as Shiro, are excellent, bringing depth and nuance to their characters.

In the end, Child of Kamiari Month is a flawed but charming film.

Tags: animation, Aju Makita, Child of Kamiari Month, Maaya Sakamoto, Miyu Irino, Takana Shirai