Shawn Watson
An unfinished Japanese children's story from 1927 in the "Metaphysical & Visionary" section of a bookstore is hardly going to be noticed no matter what the current trend is. We've plowed through magic, supernatural romance, and now dystopian YA fiction in the past decade but something so offbeat is only going to be known to those who look REALLY hard for it. Kenji Miyazawa's (who died of pneumonia at the age of 37) Night on the Galactic Railroad was adapted into this equally obscure and mind-boggling Anime movie that feels like a cross between David Lynch and Studio Ghibli. Trying to figure out what exactly is going on is an exercise in pointlessness as the film is mainly to be enjoyed for its enormously cryptic sense of wonder and quiet epicnness.On a planet populated by cats living in an almost-perfect early 20th century society a young kitten with a lonely and difficult life called Giovanni is whisked away across the Milky Way on a mysterious and completely empty locomotive. Along the way numerous enigmatic passengers materialize and disappear, including Giovanni's only friend Campanella, who he slowly realizes has died and is being taken to heaven. This is not My Neighbor Totoro, this is dark, brooding, depressing stuff. Not many children are going to be entertained by this.Directed by Anime icon Gisaburo Suuji this film is surrealist, psychedelic, dreamlike, disembodied, abandoned, existential, and overwhelmingly puzzling. It's a fusion of Christian, Buddhist, and Salvador Dali imagery on acid. It has a captivating and haunting vibe that I know for sure influenced both Chris Van Allsburg and Robert Zemeckis when they wrote and directed The Polar Express. The sudden appearance of the train, the unexpected magical journey, a downbeat hero who needs to overcome his sadness...there's no way that it's just a coincidence.A fun time it is not. An extremely singular viewing experience it most certainly is.
Michael Underwood
Possibly one of the most emotionally packed films to come from Japan. An equal to "Barefoot Gen", "Grave of the Fireflies", and "Sea Prince and the Fire Child". While made for children the depth and nuances of the film will strike deeply at the heart of any adult. The gravity of the film could easily be lost in the somber and almost boring mood of the movie. Those who are capable of sticking with this movie will rewarded with an experience so many movies lack. Empathy. The major theme for this film is the love and companionship between the two boys. The hero of the story Giovanni has little else positive in his life. His father is away and his mother is ill. The kids who are is classmates are the antagonists reminding us of how alone Giovanni feels. Giovanni wants nothing more than to spend time with his friend at the festival of light.Sadly it is not to be and is a bitter lesson for Giovanni.
Robotic_Castro
The first time I watched this movie I had to see it in two parts because my friend got sick of it after the first half. This movie is definitely not for everyone. The pacing is extremely slow and thoughtful. If your not the sort of person who spends time contemplating the mysteries of life, you will not enjoy this movie. If you watch this movie, don't watch it by yourself. Find a friend who you think might enjoy it, and set aside a quite relaxed evening to watch it. You will want someone to talk it over with afterwards.One thing that must be noted is the character design. You may be initially turned off by the extremely cute, childish-looking characters. It doesn't take long to realize that the film is much darker and deeper than it seems at first.Something to think about when viewing this film: It's interesting to see the strong use of Christian imagery in this film. I can't help but feel that as a westerner I'm getting a different reaction than the primarily Buddhist original audience and perhaps losing a bit of the mysticism.I would suggest this film to anyone who enjoys spending a quiet evening lost in thought.
jodawi
Beautiful at times, but sick at heart. Watch it for the graphics and sometimes-aura, not for the Christian death-cult sentiments and moralizing, unless you want to have a view into the psychology of some of the Japanese/Christians.
AD
