Summer Wars
November 25th 2011 09:02
Summer Wars - Anime Review
Information:
Studio: Madhouse Studios
Length: 1 Movie
Genre: Adventure, Science-Fiction, Romance
Synopsis:
While he tries desperately to go along with Natsuki's acting, he discovers an odd math problem on his cell phone, which he quickly solves. Little does Kenji know that this math problem causes the entire online social networking structure to collapse, leaving him and his 'new family' to fix things.
Review:
The true test of the 'summer blockbuster' is always the entertainment value. Did you enjoy yourself while watching the movie? Did you lose yourself while watching the movie, only to be saddened and surprised as the ending credits started to roll? In this way, as well as many others, the aptly named Summer Wars is a triumph.
This isn't to say that the movie is pure blockbuster fluff. Many relevant social concerns are addressed in Summer Wars, most of them revolving around our dependence on technology as well as themes around the importance of family, what constitutes a 'family' and, most interestingly, the purpose and use of online social networking. A few answers are provided, but to decode them and interpret them is completely up to the viewer, who is able to draw whatever conclusion they want from the themes presented in this movie. The most impressive thing about the plot of Summer Wars is that it never once falters under its own ambition, or pushes too hard to force the viewer to think. If you want to watch it solely for a fun, summer blockbuster style movie you can without having to think too deeply and be entertained from start to finish. It's also one of those rare movies where the entire plot can be explained to you beforehand, and you still can get immense enjoyment from watching the movie because the storytelling and presentation is just that good. This gives it a rewatchability factor, and a potential to be considered a 'classic.'
It's obvious from the get-go, that director Mamoru Hosada (Tokikake, several Digimon movies)has only honed his craft and animation. Character designs are bold and simple, reminiscent of Tokikake but improved in their detail and expression. Madhouse does a fantastic job combining the colorful computer animated world of OZ with the bright summer setting of the Jinnouchi family estate. None of the computer animation ever feels forced or out of place, and the transitions, timing, and character movements are all seamless. The sheer artistry of this film surpasses nearly all other anime films to date.
Grade - B (plus) - Recommended - Simply amazing. I urge everyone to go out and see this movie at the first possible opportunity.
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