Before “Tuna Fish“, Mana Yasuda had shot a number of films, all of which exhibited a similar delightfulness and easygoing atmosphere. “Just a Drop of Magic”, a 53-minute movie that is addressed to children for the most part, is a distinct sample.
“Just a Drop of Magic” review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
Mew is a very beautiful young witch who has been taking lessons in magic from Cyla, although she is probably his worst student. Mew's magic allows her to tell who loves whom, but it is an ability that has led her to jealousy, since she has not yet found love herself. One day, a young boy named Kenta appears on the park, and is really sad since his parents are fighting again. Cyla tries to soothe the boy but it is at that moment that a frustrated Mew decides to unleash her full power to a number of couples, causing troubles for both herself and Kenta, while the time frame is also distorted.
Mana Yasuda directs a film whose evident purpose is to amuse its viewers, through a light approach to a story that unfolds like a classic fairy tale. That the story takes place in a theme park which is, by all standards, distinctly European, adds to this approach, which is also combined with an overall sense of cuteness that derives from both the characters and the lack of villains.
Furthermore, the movie also unfolds as a coming-of-age-story for Mew, who has to grow and learn how to use her powers for good, how to own her mistakes and learn from them and how to stop being self-centered. Her interactions with a number of people and particularly Kenta are the medium for this path, again through an approach that is more playful than serious.
Considering the low budget nature of the film and the fact it was shot almost 20 years ago for TV, the visuals and particularly the SFX are not exactly top-notch, but the overall sense of amusement the narrative emits does not allow this aspect to become a significant factor. The same applies to Chinami Ishizaka (who is also a gravure idol) whose impressive appearance becomes a crucial element of the visuals, stripped though, by any kind of sensuality. The presence of the man who is dressed as a dwarf fighter and frequently functions as a mentor, also works quite well, regarding both the humor it offers and the visuals.
“Just a Drop of Magic” is not high art, but is funny, amusing, easy to watch and a film that kids will definitely enjoy.
