Mamoru Hosoda’s The Boy and the Beast (Bakemono no Ko) is a beautiful mix of adventure, fantasy, and emotion. This 2015 anime movie captures viewers with its amazing animation, interesting characters, and a story that combines the human world with a magical beast world.
To be honest, The Boy and the Beast, I found it to be charming and touching. The movie balances action, humor, and heartfelt moments very well.
Kyūta and Kumatetsu’s journey is not just about training and battles but also about growing as individuals and forming strong bonds. The movie’s ability to discuss deep themes in a simple way is a big strength.
Plot Summary
The story begins with nine-year-old Ren, who is left alone after his mother dies. Not wanting to live with his guardians and with no news of his father, Ren runs away to the streets of Shibuya. He survives by stealing food until he meets Kumatetsu, a strong but lazy beast from the Beast Kingdom. Kumatetsu, who needs a student to become the next lord, asks Ren to be his apprentice. Although Ren is hesitant, he follows Kumatetsu out of curiosity and gets stuck in the Beast Kingdom.
Ren, now called Kyūta, starts training with Kumatetsu. At first, it’s hard, but Kyūta learns by copying Kumatetsu’s movements. Over eight years, they both grow stronger and closer. Kyūta eventually finds a way back to the human world, meets his father again, and makes a new friend named Kaede. This creates a struggle for Kyūta, as he tries to balance his life in both worlds.
The movie reaches its peak during the duel for the Beast Kingdom’s leadership. Kumatetsu wins with Kyūta’s help, but then it’s revealed that Iōzen’s son, Ichirōhiko, is actually a human. Ichirōhiko, filled with darkness, fights Kyūta, who finds a way to defeat him without giving in to his own dark side.
Why I love This Movie
I like The Boy and the Beast for several reasons. The movie boasts beautiful animation, with smooth and detailed visuals that are simply amazing to watch. The story is engaging, with the heartwarming friendship between Kyūta and Kumatetsu keeping viewers interested throughout. The voice acting is great, as the actors bring their characters to life with strong performances.
Both Kyūta and Kumatetsu experience significant character growth, changing and developing a lot over the course of the movie. The characters are uniquely designed, making them memorable and distinctive. The story is simple yet deep, tackling big themes like identity and belonging in a way that is easy for everyone to understand.
The wonderful music fits the movie perfectly and enhances the overall experience. The movie also delivers meaningful messages, with Kumatetsu’s initial attitude reflecting Kyūta’s own struggles, adding depth to their relationship. Finally, the use of CGI is good, blending seamlessly with traditional animation to create a cohesive visual experience.
