By Aaron Hinojosa
Sumikko Gurashi began life as a brand of kawaii characters (think Hello Kitty and other Sanrio mascots). However, in 2019, the little guys made the jump from plush dolls to the silver screen in “Sumikko Gurashi The Movie – The Pop-up Book and the Secret Child”. With a third film on the way later this year, it is fair to say these creatures made a successful leap to the big screen. However, this review will examine the sequel “Sumikko Gurashi: The Little Wizard In The Blue Moonlight”, featuring Takahiro Omori directing and screenplay by Reiko Yoshida
“Sumikko Gurashi: The Little Wizard In The Blue Moonlight“ is screening at Nippon Connection
Set in a land of soft, round creatures known as sumikko, members of a friend group each aspire for a dream. Gathered around the campfire, the band of hopefuls discuss the legend of the Blue Supermoon. Supposedly on such a night lit by such a moon, wizards will descend from the sky to grant sumikko their deepest wish. Wonderstruck, the group waits until the blue moon shines brightest to find the tale is true. However, when the wizard named Five misses the return to his magical home, they must learn the importance of aspirations from his new friends.
The studio Fanworks Inc. of “Aggretsuko” fame animates the film. As one would expect, the production is home to a bevy of adorable imagery. The animation adopts 3D rendering for the characters in a way that almost seamlessly mimics 2-dimensional visuals. For that matter, the art style breathes charm. The line work bares granular detail that calls to mind childhood pencil drawings. Furthermore, the backgrounds emulate watercolor texture that make shots appear ripped right from a storybook.
Follow our coverage of anime by clicking on the image below
Further producing this effect is the auditory presentation. The characters lack voice, only given dialogue through on-screen text. The events of the movie are instead narrated by Yoshihiko Inohara and Manami Honjo who both guide the audience through the story with a friendly, comforting performance.
The pacing adheres to this light tone. Moreover, the viewing experience can be compared to a relaxing stroll, getting to know new friends that are the sumikko. These numerous characters present rather simple characteristics. Limited in personality as they may be, the cast's distinct desires play a key role in the movie's appeal. Some hopes result in comedy such as Tonkatu's longing to be eaten. Meanwhile, characters like Penguin who struggle to grasp a sense of identity may connect with viewers. Speaking of identity, that is one of the film's strongest aspects. The story follows a cast of misfits who lack satisfaction in their current condition. This unifying quality of the characters results in a homey mood for those who feel like outsiders. The message too encourages such an audience. Even if the characters face challenges in their effort to achieve their dreams, these goals define who they are. The narrative asserts that aspirations yet to be fulfilled imbue value in their beholder by means of motivation.
In “Sumikko Gurashi: The Little Wizard In The Blue Moonlight”, simplicity is the basis of charm. From the art to story, the movie resembles a picture book come to life. Just like the books we were read as children, this piece tells a valuable morale that uplifts as much as it teaches.
