“A letter to Momo”, which was released back in 2011, is one of Hiroyuki Okiura’s many works, for audiences who may be familiar with the anime film “Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade”. Momo received Japan distribution in 2012 and the United States two years later, in 2014. Considering the film has received positive reviews mostly because of its moving storyline and the realistic hand-drawn animation.
Synopsis
Momo Miyaura, aged eleven, is the protagonist who narrates the story, while also dealing with the unfortunate event of her father’s passing. Following his death, Momo and her mother Momo, Ikuko return from the busy city of Tokyo to the calm isolation island of Shio, which is the home of Ikuko’s family. During this moment of sadness, Momo comes across an incomplete letter by her father with words only seconds which leaves nothing but its intended closure for her.
While she is settling into her new surroundings, Momo runs into Iwa, Kawa, and Mame, three feisty yokai (spirits) that Iwa, Kawa, and Mame. The troublemaking spirit is entirely visible to Momo only, and provides her life with a chaos and teasing. While their tricks do create a lot of order from disorder, they help Momo in processing her feelings and figuring out her father’s final letter. The film beautifully portrays the issues surrounding grief, love, and the process of healing while integrating Japanese culture and the picturesque scenery of the island.
Cast & Crew
A thoughtful and imaginative director and writer must be none other than Hiroyuki Okiura who is known for his flawless hand-drawn animations backed by a strong storyline.
Voice Cast:
- Momo Miyaura- Karen Miyama
- Ikuko Miyaura- Yuka
- Iwa- Toshiyuki Nishida
- Kawa- Kōichi Yamadera
- Mame- Chō
This ichin izyu, the animation was handled by Production IG – truly a world-class animation studio which certainly enhanced the film’s look.
Critical Reception A Letter to Momo has been reviewed positively by critics overall. It has an 81 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes; the consensus reads: “Sweet, sad, and visually striking, A letter to Momo is an animated film that everyone should take their time to appreciate.” There is a Metacritic score of 65 out of 100 and the site describes the reception as A Letter to Momo – ‘generally favorable.’ Critics have praised Momo’s emotional aspects and the visual aspect of the film. Jeannette Catsoulis of the New York Times stated that the film is organized in an aura “in a sweetness that dulls the emotional core,” and is able to delve into such profound subject matters through a refined manner. Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com stated that the heart of the film is Momo’s emotional quest and said that, “the last few scenes showing her escape from the depths of despair is very emotional.” Some critics have, nonetheless, identified problems with the film’s pacing. Wes Greene of Slant Magazine argued that although the movie does convey an authentic depiction of most of Momo’s moods, it does so, “Only at the cost of diving deeper into the characters and the rich supernatural world.” Themes and Analysis A Letter to Momo deals with the themes of loss, the act of letting go, grief when necessary, and the occult.
Momo corresponds with the yokai as though these spirits contain different pieces of her own internal struggles. The film explores the themes of grief and loss, documenting Momo’s progression from loneliness to reconciliation.
The island of Shio is integral to the story. The difference between the megacity of Tokyo more urban background and the mild hills of Shio expresses Momo’s development from chaos to quietude. Well-crafted animations of the landscapes enable the audience to appreciate the gorgeous sights of the isle and enrich the story.
Visual and Artistic Merit
The quality of the hand-drawn animation used in the movie is among its merits. With great attention to detail, the creators of the character designs were able to create more relatable characters. The island life is rich in detail as the market places and country sides would interact in exciting diverse activities which propelled the story forward. Even the supernatural features work for the story; the yokai as far as their designs got influenced by old Japanese culture have their certain cuteness.
Various shades and illuminations also do their work in setting moods in different scenes. During the scenes embodying warmth and intimacy, warm colors are used, while cool colors are used during sad and lonely scenes. It’s all done in a visual manner without intruding the plot, just helping to make the audience feel more.
Conclusion
The film “A Letter to Momo” is, above all, an engaging depiction of loss and recovery, which is also complemented by its stunning animation and captivating plot. Although a few critics have mentioned problems with pacing, one cannot fail to appreciate the film’s artistry and overall emotional impact. It will be appreciated by all fans of animated movies and people interested in the dramas of human experience intertwined with notions of the other world.
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