tameiiki

Giovanni no shima is a beautiful film about dreams, hope and love. Taking place at an island called Shikotan in Northern Japan during the end of the 2nd World War, Giovanni no shima displays a unique milieu even for the most studious anime-watcher. Siblings Junpei and Kanta are very young when the Red Army comes and takes control of their dear home island. But even on the hard times, when food is scarce and scary armed men watch every move they take, the two have something they can always rely on: their imagination. ‘The Galactic Railroad’ is their way to escape difficult situations, taking them faraway where ever they dream to, even if it's only for a moment. Soon they come to think that everything’s not that helpless after all. The culture the Russians brought with them is interesting, so different. As time passes the language sounds less and less strange in their ears. The fair-skinned kids they go to school with have become their friends. Maybe it’s possible to live along like that, in peace. Or is that only naivety of the youth? There are far bigger things happening and waiting to happen, things invisible, yet incomprehensible for Junpei and Kanta. Giovanni no shima relies on simple character design but interesting enough for everyone to look clearly different and recognizable. The colours and views of the island are beautiful, but a little plain. However, the ‘Galactic Railroad’ colours up not only Junpei and Kanta’s life, but the film’s looks too. Like the film overall, those dreams of Junpei and Kanta are beautifully animated. The voice acting is great. The children are really played by children, and the Russian characters by native speakers. We also hear some Korean in the film. All nationalities are shown to have both good sides and bad sides. The soundtrack is also beautiful, especially those few songs we hear sung by the children. The story told in Giovanni no shima is heartwarming, but also tragic. It’s an epic story of survival and loss, but also love, family and friends. Even though the story is fictional, it teaches you a lot about history you might not have heard about before, and makes you think. This interesting piece is definitely worth watching.

tsubagakure

1945, Japan was defeated in WWII. We find ourselves in the beautiful greenery island of Shikotan, and the Russian army has taken the land as their own. Junpei and Kanta are two little brothers who find themselves in the spoils of war and have to face this cruel reality. When two countries collide, we happen to discover different cultures, distinct features, language barriers and ruffling history. “Giovanni no Shima” takes us onto the railroads of a train, and stopping at every station, it shows us how to break those obstacles and teaches us about longing and loss, but also bravery and determination to achieve one’sgoal, in a destroyed and homeless Japan. Miyazawa Kenji’s words and reveries play a major role in the story, thus Junpei and Kanta are named Giovanni and Campanella, two main characters of Miyazawa’s “Night on the Galactic Railroad” book. Some quotes are often taking part in the narrative with Junpei’s soliloquies. A tangible imagination guides us in yet, another lovely Production I.G; the art is well conceived, although one might refer to it as a bit kiddy and dull, but remember, this is a movie for the whole family, therefore, you will find its funny moments with chibi expressions and scribbled backgrounds. Nonetheless, i believe it to be of a very delicate caliber. One fascinating aspect is the voice actors, and i have to say that is extremely well exerted. Not only we hear new exquisite Japanese talent, but, as well, Russians voicing the Russian characters, like Tanya. You may also enjoy the coalescence of Russian songs with the Japanese ones, it gives a profound and unique ambience, i think. Overall, “Giovanni no Shima” is a beautiful and powerful movie that should’ve earn the appreciation of everybody, and such will makes realize that the errors we committed in the past, cannot be repeated now, as well as in the future.