Review of Tokyo Godfathers (2003) by Lara G — 30 Nov 2008

Tokyo Godfathers, though very, very different, kind of reminded me of Three Men and a Baby (and its sequel). There were a lot of Asian films (including Filipino Films) who had this plot too, but I must say that there is something about Satoshi Kon's (and Keiko Nobumoto's) style that enthralls me. Twists and turns are exciting (the scenes were unpredictable).

The movie starts with a Christmas service where the Pastor gives them a homily. After-which, the homeless people are fed. The three main characters call each other's name, but little did they know that they will have a strong bond later on.

Gin, the alcoholic hobo who longs for his family, Hana the transvestite who claims that God made a mistake when He made him because he's meant to be mother, and the problematic runaway Miyuki find little Kiyoko ("pure child" ...Hana thought of this name because they found her on Christmas eve, the purest night of the year) while they were rummaging through the trash to look for Christmas treasures for themselves.(especially the teenage Miyuki). Miyuki and Gin were harassing each other when the baby cried.

Little Kiyoko became the glue of the three homeless people. She became Hana's miracle, Gin's family and Miyuki's hope.

At first, Miyuki and Gin were apprehensive to take Kiyoko along with them, but Hana insisted that by bringing her, they would be doing God's will.

Hmmmm, I might be tempted to tell the whole story so let me just say these:

1. I love the dialogue/humor.

(i.e., "What do your desire? My magic or an ambulance?" "An ambulance" "Well! Aren't you rude?" ).

2. I love the depiction and shifting of emotions.

3. I love the lighting.

4. I love the artistry.

5. I love the story.

6. I love the screenplay/treatment.

7. I love the direction.

(hmmm, too much loving might make me want to marry this movie) ;p.

At any rate I must say that I highly recommend this film.

(Thanks again, Kristen).

(for me, it's important to know these).

Written and Directed by: Satoshi Kon.

Collaborated by (screenplay): Keiko Nobumoto.

Other Genres: comedy, drama, psychological.

Music: Keiichi Suzuki.

Character Design:Kenichi Konishi.

Satoshi Kon.

Art director: Nobutaka Ike.

Animation director Kenichi Konishi.

Key Animation:

Hideki Hamasu.

Hiroko Kazui.

Kumiko Kawana.

Masashi Ando.

Michiyo Suzuki.

Shigeru Fujita.

Shinji Otsuka.

Toshiyuki Inoue.

Co-Producer: Satoki Toyada.

Color design: Kazunori Hashimoto.

Editing: Takeshi Seyama.

Sound director: Masafumi Mima.

Co-director: Shougo Furuya.

Director of Photography: Katsutoshi Sugai.