Tokyo Godfathers

After watching the trailer for this animated feature a few weeks back, I knew that Tokyo Godfather was next on my list. After watching Ghost in the Shell (Canada, USA, Europe), I needed something different, something not necessarily SFF in style and scope. And Tokyo Godfathers seemed to fit the bill perfectly. Like Makoto Shinkai's 5 cm per Second (Canada, USA, Europe), this one is a drama which could have been produced using real actors for a mainstream crowd. And as such, it's a very interesting movie.

Here's the blurb:

The story takes place in Shinjuku, Tokyo, on Christmas Eve. Middle-aged has-been Gin, aging transvestite Hana, and teenage runaway Miyuki are three homeless friends who have formed a kind of makeshift family structure. Their bond is tested when they find an abandoned baby while searching for food in a garbage dump. They have no choice but to care for the infant themselves. The group travels throughout the city, searching for the baby's parents and coping with their personal reactions to the situation.

Tokyo Godfathers was directed by Satoshi Kon, known for his work on the animated films Perfect Blue, Millennium Actress, and Paprika. Keiko Nobumoto, head scriptwriter for Cowboy Bebop, was involved in the production of this one.

Visually, the picture quality is excellent. The imagery is gorgeous, and they really managed to make Tokyo come alive. But it's the story, at times sad, funny, and touching, which truly carries the movie forward. Unfortunately for those who can't stand them, Tokyo Godfathers has not been dubbed and one must rely on subtitles. But they are well-done, and I had no problem following the action.

The characterization is the very best aspect of this movie. The interaction between Gin, Hana, and Miyuki is equally hilarious and heart-warming. How the creators managed to create such a balance between three disparate characters -- a grumpy, alcoholic hobo, an ex-drag queen, and a runaway teenager -- makes for a thoroughly memorable experience.

Tokyo Godfathers benefited from a wide release, so it should be easy to find at your local video store (You can also get it at 80% off on amazon.co.uk!). And considering how moving the story can be, I wouldn't be surprised to see it again on the silver screen with flesh-and-blood actors at some point.

Indeed, Tokyo Godfathers shows that anime can appeal to the mainstream public when done right. Give this one a shot. You won't look at homeless people quite the same way afterward. . .

Here's the trailer:



For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe