The appeal and reviews of "Ni no Kuni": A thorough analysis of an adventure in a fantasy world

Ni no Kuni: The Movie - The ultimate choice and a magical world

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

game

■ Release date

August 23, 2019 - January 1, 0000

■Distribution company

Warner Bros. Pictures

■Frequencies

106 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Level-5

■ Director

Yoshiyuki Momose

■ Production

Animation Production: OLM

■Works

©2019 "Ni no Kuni" Movie Production Committee

■ Story

Yuu is a brilliant and kind-hearted genius. Haru is the ace of the basketball team. And Haru's girlfriend Kotona. The three childhood friends attend the same high school and are best friends. Until a sudden incident occurs.
One day, Yuu and Haru suddenly find themselves lost in a strange place, a magical world beyond their imagination, "Ni no Kuni."
In this beautiful and mysterious world that exists side by side with reality (First Country), the two meet Princess Asha, who looks just like Kotona. It seems that in Second Country, there is an "other self" whose life is connected to First Country.
When a death curse is placed on Princess Asha, Yuu and Haru discover a cruel rule between the two worlds: if they save a life that would otherwise end in the second world, the people of the first world will have to pay the price.
Meanwhile, Princess Asha in the second country and Kotona in the first country were cursed with death.
Of the two girls, only one life can be saved - a cruel rule is imposed on Yuu, who wants to protect the bright and brave Princess Asha, and Haru, who wants to save Kotona. What is the ultimate choice that the two will make?

■Explanation

This animated film is based on Level-5's RPG "Ni no Kuni." Set in the real world and the magical world, it depicts the ultimate decision faced by boys who travel between the two worlds. Yamazaki Kento, making his voice acting debut, will voice the protagonist, and the cast also includes Miyano Mamoru, Tsuda Kenjiro, Sakamoto Maaya, Yamadera Kouichi, and Kaji Yuki. Level-5's Hino Akihiro is the executive producer, original creator, and scriptwriter, while Momose Yoshiyuki, who worked on "Pom Poko," will direct, and Hisaishi Joe will continue to be in charge of the music for the game.

■Cast

Yuu/Kento Yamazaki Haru/Mackenyu Arata Kotona/Mei Nagano Princess Asha/Mei Nagano

■ Main staff

Original story and script by Akihiro Hino, director Yoshiyuki Momose, original work by Level-5, music by Joe Hisaishi, Hiroyoshi Koiwai, executive producer

■ Main Characters

Yu:
A kind-hearted genius, he meets Princess Asha in Ni no Kuni and falls in love with her.
Haru:
Yuu's best friend. An active and competitive basketball team ace.
Kotona:
Childhood friend of Yuu and Haru. She is dating Haru.
Princess Asha: Princess of the Kingdom of Espanya. Her life is connected to Kotona's.

■ Related works

Ni no Kuni

■ Theme songs and music

Suda Keina "MOIL"

Appeal and evaluation of the movie "Ni no Kuni"

Depth and emotion of the story

The movie "Ni no Kuni" is an animated film based on the popular RPG game by Level-5, and tells the story of two boys who travel between the real world and the magical world. The main characters, Yuu and Haru, were living an ordinary high school life with their childhood friend Kotona, but one day they suddenly get lost in the magical world "Ni no Kuni". In Ni no Kuni, there exists an "other self" whose life is connected to the real world (Ichi no Kuni), and they are forced to make the ultimate choice between the two worlds.

At the heart of the story is the "ultimate choice" that Yu and Haru face. Princess Asha and Kotona's lives are linked, and there is a cruel rule that if Princess Asha is saved in Ni no Kuni, Kotona's life will be lost in Ichi no Kuni. Upon learning this rule, Yu and Haru are forced to make a difficult decision about who to save. This choice delves deeply into themes of friendship, love, and self-sacrifice, and leaves the audience with a strong emotional response.

Character Appeal

The appeal of the film lies above all in the depth and growth of the characters. Yu is a kind-hearted, brilliant young man who meets Princess Ayesha in Ni no Kuni and falls in love with her. Meanwhile, Haru is an active, competitive basketball team ace who has a strong desire to help Kotona. Kotona is Yuu and Haru's childhood friend and is in a romantic relationship with her. Princess Ayesha is the princess of the Kingdom of Espania, and the fact that her life is connected to Kotona's adds tension to the story.

These characters face various challenges as they travel between the two worlds, and grow as they do so. The friendship and conflict between Yu and Haru in particular resonates deeply with the audience. Additionally, Princess Asha and Kotona symbolize the theme of the story, and the audience will be drawn into the breathtaking developments until the very end, wondering how their fates will be resolved.

Visuals and Music

The film "Ni no Kuni" features beautiful visuals and moving music. OLM, the animation studio, has created a realistic and fantastical portrayal of the magical world of "Ni no Kuni." The beautiful images, with their attention to detail, such as the colorful landscapes and the characters' expressions and movements, have the power to draw the audience into the world of the story.

The music is handled by Joe Hisaishi, who has been involved since the game version. Joe Hisaishi's music plays a role in further deepening the emotion of the story, and the music in the climax scene in particular strongly moves the audience's hearts. In addition, the singing voice of Keina Suda, who sings the theme song "MOIL", is also an important element that brings out the theme of the story.

Credit to the director and staff

Director Yoshiyuki Momose has used his experience in many animation masterpieces such as "Pom Poko" to lead the movie "Ni no Kuni" to success. Momose's directing skills are reflected beautifully in the development of the story and the portrayal of the characters, deeply moving the audience. In addition, Akihiro Hino, who was in charge of the original story and screenplay, succeeded in constructing an original story for the movie while faithfully recreating the worldview of the game version.

The efforts of the staff, including executive producer Hiroyoshi Koiwai, also contributed greatly to the success of the film. In particular, the selection of voice actors and their acting direction were successful in bringing out the best in the characters, with Kento Yamazaki, Mackenyu Arata, Mei Nagano and others delivering superb performances.

Ratings and Recommendations

The movie "Ni no Kuni" has been highly praised for its moving story, attractive characters, beautiful visuals and music, and the outstanding achievements of the director and staff. In particular, the story, which delves deeply into themes of friendship, love, and self-sacrifice, leaves a strong impression on the audience. In addition, the setting that travels between two worlds will appeal to fantasy fans, who will be drawn into the story's development.

This film is perfect for watching with family and friends, and is especially recommended for teenagers. It teaches the importance of friendship and love, and enriches the soul through a touching story. It is also a must-see for fans of fantasy animation, who will be able to experience the beauty and emotion of the magical world of Ni no Kuni.

Related works and their appeal

The movie "Ni no Kuni" is based on Level-5's RPG game "Ni no Kuni" and inherits the world view and characters from the game. The game version of "Ni no Kuni" has been highly praised for its beautiful graphics and moving story, and the movie version also inherits its charm. For those who have played the game version, you will be able to experience the world of "Ni no Kuni" again in the movie version. You can also enjoy the unique story and character growth of the movie version.

In addition, the movie "Ni no Kuni" is sometimes compared to other fantasy animation works. For example, by exploring the similarities and differences with works depicting fantasy worlds, such as Studio Ghibli works and Disney animations, you can gain a deeper understanding of the appeal of the movie "Ni no Kuni". By watching these related works, you will be able to deepen your appreciation for the movie "Ni no Kuni".

Conclusion

The movie "Ni no Kuni" is a work that deeply moves the audience with its moving story, attractive characters, beautiful visuals and music, and the achievements of the excellent director and staff. The story, which delves deeply into the themes of friendship, love, and self-sacrifice, resonates strongly with the audience, and the setting of traveling between two worlds is attractive to fantasy lovers. This movie is perfect to watch with family and friends, and is especially recommended for teenagers. By watching related works, you will be able to understand the charm of the movie "Ni no Kuni" even more deeply. Please watch the movie "Ni no Kuni" and experience the excitement.