Unity, Compassion and Resilience Takes Center Stage

Read Time:3 Minute, 57 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Lonely Castle in the Mirror
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Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 56m
Director(s): Keiichi Hara, Takakazu Nagatomo
Writer(s): Miho Maruo, Mizuki Tsujimura
Japanese Voice Cast: Ami Touma, Takumi Kitamura, Sakura Kiryu, Rihito Itagaki, Naho Yokomizo, Minami Takayama, Yuki Kaji, Mana Ashida
English Voice Cast: Micah Lin, Huxley Westemeier, Giselle Fernandez, Kieran Regan, Zoe Glick, Adrian Marrero, Riley Webb, Vivienne Rutherford
Language: Japanese/English with English subtitles
Where To Watch: theaters nationwide on June 21 & 22, 2023 only; check for a theater near you here www.fandango.com, on Blu-ray and On Demand September 26, blu-ray available here www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Welcome to the immersive world of animation! Today we get to visit the enigmatic realm of LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR, where youthful dreams and fears coalesce into a tale as captivating as it is profound. Prepare for a cinematic escapade as we journey with our young heroine, Kokoro, and her extraordinary mirror – a passage to an otherworldly castle.

The story sees Kokoro's world morphs into a fortress, home to an unconventional game of hidden keys and masked figures. Joined by six companions, Kokoro begins a quest to unearth a concealed key – the proverbial golden ticket to making their most profound wish a reality.

LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR explores the complex labyrinth of teenage angst, school bullying, and life's hurdles in general. We walk alongside Kokoro, voiced by Ami Touma/Micah Lin, who wrestles with her fears and the mounting pressures of adolescence—drawing inspiration from Mizuki Tsujimura's novel of the same name, the narrative plunges into the depths of anxieties that cloud the teenage psyche.

Within this castle's walls, the youngsters, weighed down by the stark realities of their school lives, find solace in their shared trials. A unique bond is forged, fueling Kokoro with the courage to confront the traumatic events plaguing her educational journey.

This magical passage in the shape of a mirror reveals its secrets, providing a gateway to a mystical castle where six other teens are wrestling with their demons. Each of them is drawn into a compelling quest to locate the key, a task that comes with a curious twist – their memory is wiped clean upon using the key, casting doubt on whether their desires were fulfilled. This leads to a heart-wrenching dilemma – should they pursue their deepest wishes or protect their newly formed friendships?

LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR also highlights the grim reality of pervasive bullying, a societal problem that led a staggering 245,000 Japanese students to leave school for over 30 days in 2021. The narrative skilfully depicts Kokoro and her fellow castle inhabitants not as victims but as resilient individuals who forge a sense of unity amidst their shared trauma. Each grapples with unique issues, from bullying to grief, the struggle to fit in, oppressive parental expectations, and the implications of abuse. Their stories make for an emotionally charged film experience.

The visual style leans heavily toward 2D animation, which shines against the castle's oddly placed CG-rendered castle exterior. This was the most jarring experience. I’m unsure what the intent was, but the exterior shots looked like a mid-90s Final Fantasy game. If that’s my biggest complaint, we’re on solid ground here.

Through the journey of Kokoro, the film highlights the power of unity, compassion, and resilience. It's a poignant reminder that we're often neglected in our status-quo-driven world. The film skillfully portrays the harsh realities of school life and its characters, making it a thought-provoking watch.

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[photo courtesy of GKIDS, A-1 PICTURES]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

#SAGAFTRA #WGA #SAGAFTRAStrong #WGAStrong