Two souls, living very different lives, wander alone and isolated in their respective worlds. For nine-year-old Ren, the last person who treated him with any form of kindness has been killed, and he is shunned by what is left of his family. With no parents, no real family, and no place to go, Ren escapes into the confusing streets and alleyways of Shibuya. Through the twists and turns of the alleys, Ren stumbles into the intimidating Kumatetsu, who leads him to the beast realm of Shibuten.
For Kumatetsu, the boy represents a chance for him to become a candidate to replace the lord of the realm once he retires. While nearly unmatched in combat, Kumatetsu's chilly persona leaves him with no disciples to teach and no way to prove he is worthy of becoming the lord's successor.
While the two share different goals, they agree to help each other in order to reach them. Kumatetsu searches for recognition; Ren, now known as Kyuuta, searches for the home he never had. As the years pass by, it starts to become apparent that the two are helping each other in more ways than they had originally thought. Perhaps there has always been less of a difference between them, a boy and a beast, than either of the two ever realized.
Bakemono no Ko (The Boy and The Beast) Synopsis
Bakemono no Ko (The Boy and the Beast) is a captivating tale of two worlds, and a progress through the myriad of emotions and experiences that shape a life. Our protagonist is Ren, a nine-year-old boy, who has recently lost his mother and has a reluctant connection to his estranged father. In the backdrop of gritty Shibuya streets, Ren stumbles upon Kumatetsu, a beast from a parallel world – the Beast Kingdom of Jutengai, who is in search of an apt apprentice.
The narrative unfolds as Kumatetsu offers Ren, now renamed as Kyuta, to be his disciple as he prepares for an impending duel to take the position of the lord upon the current one’s ascension into godhood. On this journey, we see the blossoming of an unconventional but deeply connected father-son bond between Kumatetsu and Kyuta. This story, filled with humor, despair, and friendship, blends together extremely heartfelt moments with authentic characters and their profound individual journeys.
Bakemono no Ko (The Boy and The Beast) Review
Bakemono no Ko (The Boy and The Beast) is an absolute visual treat, for starters. The animation is gorgeously fluid, with a nuanced attention to detail that easily immerses you into the vibrant worlds of Shibuya and Jutengai. The visual storytelling only amplifies the layered narrative that unfolds throughout the anime.
Director Mamoru Hosoda truly excels in capturing human emotions with an incredible depth in this particular work. The development of the extraordinary relationship between Kumatetsu and Kyuta forms the emotional heart of this anime. The periodical characters that are introduced within this narrative tie seamlessly into the main storyline, enhancing the viewer’s engagement.
Music and Characters
An honorable mention should be given to the music of this anime movie. The background scores perfectly capture the moods of every scene, amplifying the emotions portrayed in the narrative. Composer Masakatsu Takagi has done a phenomenal job of knitting the music intricately into the fabric of the emotion-laden storyline, making the viewer’s experience even more immersive.
The layered characters, each with a profound depth, make the narrative even more engaging. Kumatetsu with his roaring ferocity and heart of gold, Ren/Kyuta with his inner battles and emotional turmoil, and supporting characters with their unique arcs, add texture to the storyline offering a wholesome cinematic experience.
Verdict?
If you are a fan of profound storytelling, paired with stunning visuals and heartfelt music, there is no second thought; Bakemono no Ko (The Boy and The Beast) is certainly a must-watch. Its captivating storyline and engaging characters will leave you immersed in the emotive world so beautifully crafted.
All in all, you will find yourself very well satisfied if you decide to rent, buy, or stream this anime. This delightful tale packed with action, emotion, and growth offers not just entertainment, but also a deeper understanding of life and its worth. Bakemono no Ko (The Boy and The Beast) truly stands as a testament to the magic of anime that beautifully interweaves visual splendor, narrative depth, and profound emotions.
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