Earlier this week I was definitely bombarded with a lot of school obligations. Well, it's not really new since my hands have been full with them since this month started. I could barely have any free time this week, especially on Monday. Thankfully, our teaching demonstration happened without a hitch—minimal ones perhaps—nevertheless, it ended well for our group. So after that, I immediately looked for the last anime that I'm going to share as my entry for this month's quest and fortunately, I found a good one.
The supernatural tag really got me intrigued so even without reading any reviews about it, I watched it. So before I share with you my review, let's first take a peek at what is this movie all about.
About the Anime
Okko's Inn is an anime movie that aired last 2018, September 21. This hour and 34-minute movie was animated by Madhouse and DLE. It's a comedy and slice-of-life anime that has a little (or more, perhaps) comedy and also it's an award-winning movie that features supernatural beings. This one was an adaptation of the novel, Wakaokami wa Shogakusei! that's written by Hiroko Reijo.
It was festival time when Oriko "Okko" Seki went to her hometown. At that time everything seemed perfect not until a tragedy happened. While on the road, a sudden accident killed both of her parents and it's only her who survived. After recovering from that accident, Okko was forced to face the harsh reality that her parents were gone. Since she was already alone, she left their house and went to her grandmother. Her grandmother runs a traditional inn. Initially she didn't like it because it's riddled with insects and animals which she finds strange.
However, they aren't only the ones that Okko found in their inn because there she met a strange boy and it turned out he's a ghost! She was terrified, but as they got to know each other she learned things she didn't knew before. Little by little, Okko met people and also creatures that helped her process the death of her parents, but it seemed that the trauma that clung to her was so strong. Both the happy and painful remnants of her past kept on reoccurring and they are constantly gnawing the present memories she's making. Can she overcome those painful memories that kept on haunting her or will she let those take over her?
Like I said, I haven't read any reviews about it so I got no particular expectations while watching this one. And most of the time, expecting less is really effective in finding satisfying anime because this one is definitely one of the hidden gems. I haven't heard of it before, so I think it isn't that well known. I had doubts about it, but they somehow vanished the moment I watched this movie. The way they portrayed her story was so straightforward, but it didn't feel rushed.
It didn't dwell on dragging aspects rather it focused on the progress of Okko's recovery and healing. Also, despite that it's supposed to be friendly for all viewers, it still was able to convey heavy topics such as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) so well in a way that it didn't make the mood so grim. They're able to maintain a lighthearted tone throughout the whole movie and that for me is noteworthy because it isn't easy to do that especially if the MC is dealing with grief and loss.
Further, I also liked how they're able to show the character development—especially the improvement in Okko's end. It's inspiring to see her grow and improve throughout the movie and of 'course that wouldn't be possible if there weren't other characters who supported her. Despite my dislike of Uribo (because he's often portrayed to be picking his nose which was kinda gross), he's really one of the important characters in Okko's growth and it's good that they're able to maximize the roles of other characters, giving them depth that made them interesting and relatable. Not all anime can portray side characters like that, so I'm pleased they didn't limit them to just single-faceted characters.
As for its visuals, I know it isn't a Ghibli movie, but it somehow felt like it. Some of the character designs really resemble Ghibli characters. Also, the way it had nice scenery made me reminisce about some Ghibli movies that I watched before. But despite the similarities in their art styles, it still has its uniqueness and it was shown on how they utilized colors. They used vibrant and vivid colors and also, they're somehow shiny looking compared to the usual neutral and pastel-colored Ghibli visuals.
Their animation really delivered—save for some minor choppy moments—it was certainly enthralling and nice to watch. The soundtrack as well was nicely utilized—especially the use of traditional Japanese instrumental music. It enhances the feeling of familiarity it emanates. It's undeniably well-composed and because of that, it made the movie more engaging. The outro song also matched the mood of the anime, so it definitely a fitting end to conclude the movie.
Overall, this anime is an 8/10! Perhaps the only part that somehow disappointed me is that the supernatural part wasn't that focused much. I find supernatural anime interesting, so I thought it would have some mysteries involving them. Ohhh, there's that one part tho it's too short-lived. But anyway, this movie is heartwarming and emotionally engaging. The end wasn't grand rather it's simple but it's the end that would really make you smile. It was a bittersweet one, yet it's quite satisfying. So if you're looking for an anime that portrays grief and loss in a lighthearted manner, then you need to try Okko's Inn.
Before I end this review, I'll share with you its trailer, so—
Have you watched this anime movie before? Or is this your first time seeing it? If you have something to share about this movie, then feel free to share it. Well, that's all for now, minna-san~ I hope you enjoyed reading my review!
Arigatou and tanoshinde ne~
The pictures that didn't have source were screenshots from the movie while the last picture was edited in Canva.