G

I'm a male teenager writing ts. AND i'm straight, though you might doubt it because im spending the time to write a review, but the point is that this film is absolutely NOT catered toward my demographic but it was great. Sure, there are some criticisms I can put forward about how it was rushed. For example, we're never left with a resolution between Rumi and Celine, or given a backstory for Rumi's demon father---how many of these demons were actually empathetic, like Jinu? It felt like the ending kinda threw me off just a little bit because she literally still decided to get rid of every single demon with the sealing of the honmoon, when I thought she was beginning to understand that Gwi Ma, not the demons, were the problem. Now you might think that this is a massive gaping plot hole that means it deserves a 1 star. i completely disagree: this is just such a fun movie, I love the animation, the character designs are fun and the music is reallly catchy for no reason. I'm not sure why people were expecting elite tier writing for the songs; i don't think they used AI of any sort to write them, and you could just tell they had fun with the whole process. Or maybe im just make shit up atp but idc, i'd suggest watching this even if you dont think it's for you simply because of how short and fun it is. (bonus points w friends ofc)

(No spoilers) This movie was emotionally devastating. The animation was beautiful, the soundtrack was beautiful, but all of those things are almost expected of all of Miyazaki's movies. This one hit harder than any of the other one's I've ever seen.... and although I understand that some may not find it as profound or as interesting, I cried after viewing the movie. I think it can be hit or miss for the audience, as it follows a lot of dream world logic without going too deeply into all the worldbuilding aspects that one may have expected, and the story may not have been as compelling or understandable as other movies like Spirited Away, but the themes were interesting, were open to interpretation, and the message about grief were extremely sad. I loved the characters, the setting, everything-- This is my favorite movie from Studio Ghibli (and it may be my favorite movie, period) and I feel so blessed to have been able to see it in theaters.