Naturally, mystical and otherworldly characteristics are expected in animation. However, Japanese animation produced a large number of naturalistic plays that precisely reflected the country’s social reality. All these anime were primarily made for adults and had mature, complicated subjects frequently absent from live-action movies.
Something about a nice purgative cry is so soothing. Some anime films may be escapist, but others will probably make you cry. Some may have fantasy-themed themes, while others may be set in a sombre, realistic setting.
The Dog of Flanders
The extraordinarily depressing story of a young kid named Nello and his dog Patrasche is told in Yoshio Kuroda’s Dog of Flanders. The classic children’s book Ouida, written in 1872 by a British-French author under that pen name, serves as the inspiration for the anime. Although the story is set in an Antwerp, Belgium, village in the nineteenth century, it became quite well-known in Japan in the early 20th century. Nello and Patrasche were the subjects of a 1975 Japanese animated television series.
I want to eat your Pancreas
The film I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is based on Yoru Sumino’s 2015 book of the same name. Later, a manga series with two parts was created from it. The plot centres on an unpopular high school student who, by chance, discovers a diary entry written by Sakura, a popular classmate. He finds out that Sakura, who is always upbeat, has pancreatic cancer that is deadly. She hasn’t told anyone at school about it. As expected, our protagonist and Sakura progressively become close.
Giovanni’s Island
The Russian occupation of the Japanese island of Shikotan is the central theme of Giovanni’s Island. Junpei and Kanta, two lively young brothers, make an effort to live their lives despite the depressing surroundings. The guys quickly become friends with Tanya, a lovely Russian girl who lives next door. However, adult disagreements pose a threat to intercultural relationships. The tone of the story is masterfully established by the animation. It begins with a dazzling display of colour and then gradually transitions to gloomy greys and whites as the situation worsens.
The Anthem of the Heart
Young Jun Naruse is the focal point of the narrative. She once witnesses her father leaving a motel with a lady. She tells her mum without comprehending what it means. The father holds Jun and her parents’ divorce responsible. Infuriated by this, Jun strikes a deal to never speak to the egg-shaped prince again. Jun keeps her apart from her friends. Years later, in high school, she becomes friends with an attractive classmate and discovers a means of self-expression. The compelling coming-of-age tale Anthem of the Heart places emphasis on the necessity of overcoming our past pain.