Review of The Boy and the Beast (2015) by Michael R — 18 Dec 2016

Whilst it is a fairly formulaic anime film, 'The Boy and the Beast' is a heart-warming tale of what it really means to be human. Kyuta is an orphaned child, who happens to stumble upon the beast world, where he is considered a dangerous outsider to their way of life. However, that doesn't stop the brash Kumatetsu from taking Kyuta under his wing to train him as his "apprentice," which is something that Kumatetsu needs in order to challenge for the position of lord in his city.

The first half of the film is where it should garner most of its plaudits, with absorbing fight scenes, stunning visuals and sharp dialogue. However, there is a bit of a lull at the halfway point of the film, which unfortunately affects the overall enjoyment of the film. It does, however, pick up again, rewarding the audience with some fantastic fight scenes and a sense of closure that will appeal to people's emotions.

During the film, two main characters undergo some major growth, which ensures that the viewer will become emotionally invested in the outcome for the both of them. Hosoda should be commended for this, because whilst characters often go through a sense of growth or transformation, the characters that he has constructed feel extremely relatable, yet wholly original.

'The Boy and the Beast' is a thoroughly enjoyable anime, which acts as a cautionary tale to never let go of our true selves. It already looks like it is destined to become a classic and reaffirms that Mamoru Hosoda's films are essential viewing.