Equipped with his passion for diving and admiration for marine biology, university student Tsuneo Suzukawa tries his best to juggle several part-time jobs to earn enough money to study abroad. But one night, in a fateful accident, he meets a girl in a wheelchair, driving his current path into a detour.
The girl, Kumiko—who prefers to be called "Josee"—initially comes off as rude. Tsuneo, however, is then convinced by Josee's grandmother to take on the paid job to be Josee's caretaker. Despite being annoyed with her bossy demeanor, Tsuneo sees the opportunity to save more funds to support his academic dream. Nonetheless, after putting up with Josee's behavior for some time, Tsuneo tries to quit, only to discover Josee's dreams of traversing the outside world—to experience a life free from her crippling condition.
Changing his mind, Tsuneo decides to accompany Josee in exploring the wonders that the world has to offer. Through their time together, the two begin to realize that the traits that bind them may be vital toward fulfilling their respective aspirations.
Synopsis:
Welcome, all anime enthusiasts! Join me on a beautiful journey of dreamers and believers in the charming world of anime, “Josee to Tora to Sakana-tachi.” This is a breathtaking tale about a girl named Josee, who has lived her entire life in her grandmother’s home, due to her disability that confines her to a wheelchair. Josee has always found solace in reading and imagining different worlds beyond her real-life limitations. She deeply devours books, creating bold narratives and diving into a myriad of parallel universes.
One day, Josee’s life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Tsuneo Suzukawa, an university student who aspires to study marine biology overseas. After a fateful encounter, he ends up working as Josee’s caretaker. From here, the story unfolds, showcasing the beautiful dynamic between these two characters, their dreams, and how they influence each other’s journey of growth. Despite the challenges, they encounter a love that surpasses prejudice and societal norms blossoms between them, making this story exceptionally heartwarming.
Review:
Ohayo! It’s time for The Anime Critic’s review of the enchanting “Josee to Tora to Sakana-tachi.” This heartfelt anime film takes you on a roller coaster of emotions, and I am here to assure you it would be a fabulous addition to your Anime collection!
If I were to describe this anime in a single word, it’d be “surreal”. It beautifully captures the essence of ordinary human life in an extraordinary way. The character development throughout the movie is remarkable. While anime often uses exaggerated animation and fantasy-laden plots, “Josee to Tora to Sakana-tachi” shines light on the beauty of a normal life with ambitions and dreams, demonstrating that you can make a stunning film rooted in reality.
The animation quality is absolutely stunning – smooth, precise, and filled with rich, vibrant colors that make each scene a visual treat. If you’re an animation connoisseur, you would truly appreciate the careful attention to detail woven into every frame.
The heart and soul of the story, Josee, is voiced by Kaya Kiyohara who tactfully brings life to her character appealing to the audience on an emotional level. Taishi Nakagawa voicing Tsuneo also delivers an impressive performance that keeps you invested in their unique journey in life.
The anime’s captivating story combined with a distinctly orchestrated soundtrack makes it a must-watch. Each scene is supplemented with music that perfectly sets the mood, and transports you into the poignant world of Josee, and her conversations with Tsuneo.
The pacing of the narrative may seem slow by typical anime standards, but this deliberate pace allows the viewer to fully absorb and appreciate each character’s growth and progression. This patience will reward you with a fulfilling story that blossoms beautifully by the end and leaves a lasting impression.
In conclusion, “Josee to Tora to Sakana-tachi” is a beautifully crafted, emotionally charged film that offers a fresh perspective on self-growth, dreams, love, and overcoming obstacles. Any anime enthusiast who appreciates profound storytelling should definitely consider buying or streaming this one. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this amazing piece to your anime collection!
As The Anime Critic, I would highly recommend “Josee to Tora to Sakana-tachi” for a mesmerizing rollercoaster of dreams and reality!
Until next time, keep exploring the beautiful world of anime, minna-san!
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