Eleven-year-old Momo leaves Tokyo after her father’s death to live with her mother on a small island where time seems to stand still. Yet, surprising things begin to happen… To help Momo overcome her grief, three yōkais – the supernatural spirits found in Japanese animist culture – are sent down from heaven. Yet, these mischievous creatures bear no similarity to the cuddly Totoro, and play impish tricks on Momo! In this story, told from a child’s viewpoint but with a universal dimension, come the echoes of Japanese animation film that we find so endearing… a redemptive nature in pastel colours. And all this is not a digital creation but hand-drawn, with real craftsmanship! A luminous film with a reinvigorating force.
M.F.M.
