Bakemono no Ko
Rated: PG-13 - Teens 13 or older
Status: Finished Airing
Source: Original
Score: 8.23
Rank: 355
Popularity: 558
Two souls, living very different lives, wander alone and isolated in their respective worlds. For nine-year-old Ren, the last person who treated him with any form of kindness has been killed, and he is shunned by what is left of his family. With no parents, no real family, and no place to go, Ren escapes into the confusing streets and alleyways of Shibuya. Through the twists and turns of the alleys, Ren stumbles into the intimidating Kumatetsu, who leads him to the beast realm of Shibuten. For Kumatetsu, the boy represents a chance for him to become a candidate to replace the lord of the realm once he retires. While nearly unmatched in combat, Kumatetsu's chilly persona leaves him with no disciples to teach and no way to prove he is worthy of becoming the lord's successor. While the two share different goals, they agree to help each other in order to reach them. Kumatetsu searches for recognition; Ren, now known as Kyuuta, searches for the home he never had. As the years pass by, it starts to become apparent that the two are helping each other in more ways than they had originally thought. Perhaps there has always been less of a difference between them, a boy and a beast, than either of the two ever realized. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Character dan Voice actor
Kaede
Main
Hirose, Suzu
Kumatetsu
Main
Yakusho, Kouji
Ren
Main
Miyazaki, Aoi
Sometani, Shouta
Chiko
Supporting
Morohoshi, Sumire
Hyakushuubou
Supporting
Franky, Lily
Review
nineup
So, I have never cried from anime or any movie. I did however, cry when watching Bakemono no Ko (about 4 times). (Update: Idk why I teared up so much tbh, could just be a sign of my maturity) Story: 8 I really didn't think the story was that great, but it was good enough to be a successful movie. The growth of the characters was probably the best I have seen in an animated movie; you feel happy when the characters are happy. One main thing I didn't like, however, was the fact that when Kyuuta goes to the human realm, the bakemono realm is totallyneglected. In addition, the final conflict/climax was really predictable, making it a bit dull. Nevertheless, I was touched by the actions of the characters towards the end. Overall, it wasn't an outstanding story but definitely a good one. Art: 9 Besides the people, the background art was really realistic like it was in Wolf Children. Overall solid art. Sound: 10 I don't know of an anime with "bad sound" so I always give a 10 in this section. When I was in the theatre while watching this, the explosions and stuff were kind of loud, but that just intensified the experience. I also liked the theme song by Mr. Children, which fit quite well with the story. Character: 10 I have never ever cried from a character's actions. But even when Kyuuta cheers for Kumatetsu in the beginning I teared up. The student-teacher relationship between Kyuuta and Kumatetsu (always arguing) seems a bit stereotypical, but somehow it was unique as they were able to compete with one another to benefit from each other. Both Kyuuta and Kumatetsu gave up their lonely lives to accommodate each other. Enjoyment: 9 If you liked Wolf Children, you will probably like this as well. Since it was directed by the same person; the stories are completely different, but have similar feelings attached to them. I can't explain why, but I feel really excited after watching it and it was probably my favorite anime movie. Maybe it is just because I haven't seen any good anime movies since I was like 10, but this movie is really going to stay with me. Overall: 9 Go watch this movie, I watched it the 4th day it came out and I don't regret it. If an English dub comes out I really suggest watching the Japanese version (subbed) because I have a feeling that the English version will not be able to convey the same emotions that the original did.
Jax
Saw this at the BFI film festival yesterday. Was quite disappointed actually, for reasons I've already read above. The plot felt rushed, the characters one dimensional and the overall world lacked depth. The main antagonist appeared out of nowhere towards the end for no other reason than the plot needed him to. It's a shame, as I thought the film was really strong when it was about a boy looking for strength and being trained by the beast while the two of them developed a father / son relationship. Then the film became really messy and unfocused with a sudden shift in direction during the secondhalf of the film. The film is beautiful though, which single handily took it from a 6 to a 7 in my ratings. It's definitely the directors weakest work though.
