Anime movies last year is a big eye opener to everyone that anime industry is still getting bigger. Demon Slayer, Violet Evergarden, Evangelion, Fate/Stay Night and many more. There are great movies in the past too, and I'm sure you've seen them several times or atleast heard of them once. For example the aesthetic movies of Makoto Shinkai or the magical and colorful world of Studio Ghibli. But there is a movie of 2020 that I really love. If you like "Your Name", "Weathering With You" or "A Silent Voice" then You will surely love "Josee, The Tiger and the Fish".
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is the anime adaptation of the short story with the same title written by Seiko Tanabe. It has a film on 2003 and on 2020 they also make a remake together with this anime movie. It is a very beautiful movie about person with disability. She found love that changed her views about the world. With different twist and turn of the story, Josee, the Tiger and the Fish proven that it can be one of the best anime movies you can find.
Synopsis
Josee is a girl who lived her entire life unable to walk. But one day, a faithful encounter with a college student named Tsuneo who dreams to study abroad for his love on diving and marine life, change her views on the world. Tsuneo was offered to work for Josee and because he need money for his dream, he accept the offer. With the bad attitude of Josee, Tsuneo have a hard time getting along with her at first. But as they grow closer the hopeless world of Josee started to have hope thanks to the presence of Tsuneo. How can this 2 face their problems later on especially that Tsuneo will leave soon and an unfortunate event happened on her life. Can she stand on her own despite of her disabilities?
This anime is so wholesome and beautiful at the same time. No wonder I consider this as one of my Favorite Movies. And to give my thoughts on how awesome this anime is, I will be making a review about this.
Animation
The animation of this anime is on the whole next level. Yes Makoto Shinkai and Studio Ghibli has a distinct animation style that makes them their identity. But studio Bones really did a great job on this movie. This anime looks similar to A Silent Voice, which is made by Kyoto Animation. So I'm really surprised how high quality this anime is. If you like anime with beautiful animation, then this movie is a perfect choice for you.
Story
The story is super good. I don't have any Idea about this because it was written more than 20 year ago. It's just surprising that it's not annoying but instead it was perfect. No cringe moment, just pure wholesome until the end. The feels are really there. It can make you laugh, cry, heartbroken or in love. It's just crazy how realistic its story is. So yeah, thumbs up to Tanabe Sensei for this awesome masterpiece.
Characters
The characters are all well made. You can't hate anyone because all of them are perfectly balanced. Josee has a tsundere attitude but her soft side is just adorable. Tsuneo is a hardworking man willing to do everything for his dream. But when it comes to Josee he is willing to give his life just to help her. Hayato and Mai is a good supporting characters and super reliable friends of Tsuneo. Mai likes Tsuneo too and she's willing to compete against Josee. While Hayato is a good wingman. Always ready to help Tsuneo when it comes to love or personal life. And finally there is Kana. She is a librarian and the first female friend of Josee. She's very kind and she like books too. No wonder she and Josee easily becomes friend. The characters in this movie are all awesome and their growth and development is perfect. So I'm happy that there's no annoying persons in this anime.
Soundtrack
I love the soundtrack of this movie. I already know that Eve will sing the ending song but I'm surprised that it compliments the mood very well. The title of the song is "Ao No Walts" by the way. You can check it on YouTube. Aside from the ending song, the opening song is good too. And there are the background music that adds so much emotion to the story. I'm just happy that Eve sung the soundtrack of this movie.
Final Thoughts
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is officially my Top 3 anime movie. It would be a waste if you would not know about this movie. Just try to watch it even once and you'll see what I mean. It was amazing and I'm proud that I didn't overlooked this awesome masterpiece. Everything is perfect and you'll love every second of this film.
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I will definitely watch this. I am watching the live action of this. It is a Korean movie but I haven't finished it yet. Maybe I'll watch this anime movie first and then compare the two. Thanks for the recommendation!