In This Corner of the World 2016

In this Corner of the World is an artistic triumph, with creative animation style that improves upon Studio Ghibli's The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.

The story is based on a manga series of the same name, following the account of an 18-year old girl Suzu, whose home is a seaside village only few miles from would-be first atomic bomb ground zero in Hiroshima. She is a simple kindhearted girl (although often absent minded) with great artistic talents.

By sheer luck, she catches the fancy of a shy Shusaku from a nearby town. Their marriage starts awkwardly, but it's clear that both deeply respect each other.

Roughly half of the film is a study of life and marriage in the 40s, using episodic slice-of-life approach. As Suzu adapts into the role of a Japanese village housewife, supporting disabled mother-in-law, there are many memorable ups and downs (but mostly ups as she is surrounded by well meaning folks). There are no real villains to speak of.

The film is not without faults. The chief among them is uneven pacing and clumsy editing. Many transitions are abrupt and most episodes lack satisfying coda. Many conversations refer to character or event that was not properly introduced, if at all. Some characters seem very significant, such as Rin the courtesan, but the film never explains why. (Perhaps the upcoming extended version will flesh out some of the shortcomings.)

Despite my complaints, the film isn't difficult to follow. Wonderful animation and voice acting carry the film forward to the second half.

Throughout the film, a timeline title card appears in increasing frequency as the unfaithful day approaches (August 6, 1945). Unlike Grave of the Fireflies, the second half of this film isn't really about the devastations of the war. While there are several deaths, most happen off-screen without dramatic flourishes. Only two deaths have very significant emotional impact: Suzu's niece Harumi and mother of would-be-adopted orphan. Instead, the film uses the war as a coming-of-age turning point.

While Suzu loses many things -- her innocence (despite her childhood friend urging her to "never change"), many family members, and her right hand, she does not become a war victim per say. Suzu grows, becoming more self aware and discovering passion from unlikeliest of sources.

I am not sure if I loved the film. But it's one of those films that will stay with me for years to come. There are so many things to admire, and Suzu is such a wonderful character.