Mirai (2018)

[未来のミライ]

Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Starring: Moka Kamishiraishi, Haru Kuroki, Gen Hoshino

Synopsis:
A young boy struggles to adjust to the introduction of his new baby sister to the family.

Impressions:
I'd considered watching this when it was in theaters, but I didn't end up doing so. It was high on my list when I saw it on the airplane movie list, though. This is a good film and worth watching, but there is one major provision. You have to have a fairly high measure of tolerance for a kid being bratty. Kun-chan is pretty realistic as a four-year-old acting out and any parents in the audience should know what that means. This would be a fairly low-key slice of life story if it weren't for the element of magical realism every time Kun-chan goes into the yard after his latest tantrum. This is what really makes the film stand out. There are a number of imaginative and poignant sequences that tie into the larger theme of family history. I do like how the parents are flawed without being rendered unsympathetic. It's a nice little film that's worth a watch (provided you can put up with Kun-chan).

Rating:
Watch It