Wolf Children (Ōkami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki), which premiered in 2012, is an animated feature film that does not lack emotions and was directed by Mamoru Hosoda. The film addresses concerns of motherhood, struggles with identity, and determination filled with magic to the delight of the viewers.
The movie begins with an earnest and properly nourished Tokyo University student called Hana who turns out to be falling for one of her classmates who is quite the mystery. This man unveils to her that he is a wolfman, a descender of the Japanese wolf that was supposed to be extinct. Despite the bizarre secrets that he has, Hana is very supportive of him and the two begin a romantic relationship. Not long after, the couple has two kids, a feisty daughter named Yuki who is free-spirited and likes new adventures, as well as a son by the name Ame who is shy and contemplative.
The couples love story goes through a dark turn as the wolfman passes away leaving his half human half wolf children to be raised by their mother Hana. The society is critical and invasive towards Hana-centric families and hence she decides to relocate to the suburbs in search of peaceful and secluded areas where her kids can be able to grow without the fear that their opposite natures will be discovered.
With each passing season, the family settles more and more in their new, rural house and learns to live self-sustainably. Hana is busy day and night, taking care of her children, learning to grow food and fix the old house. The youngest daughter Yuki has a very hard time adapting as she was used to being free and now has to restrain herself as she takes on the role of a wolf. Ame on the other hand has a hard time connecting with his wolf superstitions due to being closer to his human side.
Now as the children age and become more independent, we start to notice the differences between them. We see that once a loud chaos maker, Yuki starts going with the flow of life rather than forcing herself as she joins school and clubs. She wishes for a regular routine filled with regular tasks although, she needs to hide her real self. What is clear is that Ame, inspired by Nature itself along with a clever fox who turns out to be his grandfather, starts embracing his wolf blood. He slowly drifts away from the family as he heads into the wilderness.
The film climaxes around the stormy night that calls into question the motherly instincts of Hana. Ame has grown and ventures into the wilderness all alone, ready to become a wolf. Hana, on the other hand, is worried about Ame’s safety and runs after him wanting to protect her son from his own desires. It is also touching to see Hana finally letting go of Ame and understanding that he must find his own way and that may not involved her.
There is a touch of sadness as the film ends with an epilogue that is rather bittersweet. Yuki has moved further and will be leading a human life whereas Hana is lonely in the countryside, waiting to see her kids again. Ame now a wolf watches his mother from the mountains while still aware of their bond with one another.
Cast & Crew
Director: Mamoru Hosoda
The director continues with the theme of ‘family’ and ‘identity’ within the film wolf children just like his other feature dubbed ‘Summer Wars’ or ‘The Girl Who Leapt Through Time’ He is also able to portray imagination along with realistic feelings without fail.
Main Voice Cast:
Hana: Aoi Miyazaki
As a result, Aoi Miyazaki puts in a very emotional effort as Hana which includes a lot of love, persistence and power as an individual who stands up for most of the times.
Wolfman: Takao Osawa
Takao Osawa has taken an important role in bringing to life the wolfman as he gives it both mystery and warmth in such a short time on screen.
Yuki (young): Momoka Ono; Yuki (older): Haru Kuroki
It is interesting to watch Yuki transform from a wild fun loving child to a more composed, reserved and mature teenager played by these two actresses.
Ame (young): Amon Kabe; Ame (older): Yukito Nishii
Amon Kabe and Yukito Nishii deserve praise for their portrayal of Ame, a complex character who appears shy but is confronted with deep anguish.
Production Studio: Studio Chizu
The animation was done by Studio Chizu, which is a company founded by Anime pioneer Mamoru Hosoda. The studio is known for its lush and organic details both in the winter suburbs and urban cities.
Music: Takagi Masakatsu
The film is strongest with the score provided by Takagi Masakatsu, who manages to connect quiet piano pieces and heavier orchestral ones into a strong emotional presence throughout the film.
IMDb Ratings
Eight hundred viewers have rated Wolf Children on IMDb out of which eight hundred rated it with a score of 8.1 out of 10 which is remarkable. Each of the mothers is depicted with depth and nuance, holding the film together which brings tremors of emotions in every viewer. Critics are loudfor praise for Hosoda for creating such differentiative deep and real story which is relatable.
The film is called a “work of art in modern times” and is placed on the same level as the Whisper of the Heart a Ghibli Punk. The story approvingly features Hana’s devotion and the imprint of her love which undoubtedly won many viewers over, making it one of the most beloved family dramas.
Second act pacing has been slow, but in some corners, such a storytelling approach is worse than faster paced character development. Owing to the movie’s focus on love, loss and acceptance, most viewers have claimed it to be a tear jerk.
Analysis
Wolf Children can be viewed more than just a fantasy movie rather it is a wave of emotion that relives the aspects of child-rearing and even the journey of self-discovery. Hosoda’s principles in portraying Hana’s pain of being a single parent, the pain of alienation, and finally the pain of the decision made by her children, will remain timeless.
The story of this woman seeking for love is also told through animation and the illustrations of the movie are groundbreaking. The color-rich countryside and what it means: life and potential and then the storm scene as its opposite, the end of something alive. Which is especially true for a low per-screen visual experience with Takagi Masakatsu playing in the background.
All in all, Wolf Children is a tribute of for love – the kind that is pure and evergreen. The movie also reaches out to its audiences at the level of the family which makes it a classic to admire at any point in time.
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