Hana, a hard-working college student, falls in love with a mysterious man who attends one of her classes though he is not an actual student. As it turns out, he is not truly human either. On a full moon night, he transforms, revealing that he is the last werewolf alive. Despite this, Hana's love remains strong, and the two ultimately decide to start a family.
Hana gives birth to two healthy children—Ame, born during rainfall, and Yuki, born during snowfall—both possessing the ability to turn into wolves, a trait inherited from their father. All too soon, however, the sudden death of her lover devastates Hana's life, leaving her to raise a peculiar family completely on her own. The stress of raising her wild-natured children in a densely populated city, all while keeping their identity a secret, culminates in a decision to move to the countryside, where she hopes Ame and Yuki can live a life free from the judgments of society. Wolf Children is the heartwarming story about the challenges of being a single mother in an unforgiving modern world.
Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki: A Howling Tale of Love and Loss
Before we dive into the heart of the review, let’s first unpack the world of Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki, also known as ‘Wolf Children.’ This is a blend of coming-of-age, fantasy, and drama directed by Mamoru Hosoda that fits into his impressive body of work like a piece to a puzzle.
Our tale begins with the uplifting yet heart-wrenching journey of Hana, a hardworking college student who falls in love with a lonesome man. What sets him apart from the rest? This man, who remains nameless, is a wolf man – the last of his unique kind in an age where such folklore creatures are extinct. Their love blooms into the birth of two adorable children, Ame, who took after the father with his love for nature, and Yuki, an energetic and curious little girl. After the sudden departure of the father, Hana is left to raise both children on her own. Their journey uproots them from their city life to a rural setting, where they navigate a life strung between their human and wolfish identities.
Story and Characters
If you’re looking for an anime that tugs at your heartstrings while simultaneously leaving you gasping for breath as it winds down a rollercoaster of emotions, then Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki might just be that ticket! The story oscillates between hauntingly beautiful and joyfully light-hearted moments with ease, navigating us through the challenging yet rewarding world of parenthood. Hana’s spirit and tenacity are both inspiring and heart-breaking, as she struggles to protect and nourish her unique brood in a world unaccustomed to their variety.
Art and Sound
Hosoda’s team at Studio Chizu leaves no stone unturned in delivering breathtaking visuals. The landscapes are beautifully detailed, immersing viewers into the verdant countryside and shifting seasons. The character designs are simple yet memorable, complementing the story without overpowering it.
The soundtrack, oh the soundtrack! It is a symphony of emotions that blend effortlessly with the narrative. The notes whispers in the corners of happy moments, wails in the depth of sad ones, and hums softly as life continues.
Final Verdict
In all its essence, Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki is a beautiful tale of love, familial bonds, and identity. It isn’t simply ‘another anime movie’ but a cinematic experience that leaves viewers contemplating long after the credits roll. There are few anime that evoke such a spectrum of emotions and fewer still that manage to translate complex human emotions as well as this one.
Considering all aspects, it’s safe to encourage adding this movie to your collection or streaming it right away! So grab a box of tissues, prepare a bowl of popcorn, and embark on this teary journey of Hana and her adorable wolf children!
Rating: 9/10
This has been The Anime Critic, and I’ll see you in the next review! Sayonara!
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