FILM & REVIEW Hosada’s wonderful understated Animi tells the story from the point of view of Yuki the daughter of Hana who while at college falls in love with an enigmatic stranger. He is revealed to be the last surviving werewolf although there is no howling at the moon and tearing peoples throats out. They have 2 children together (Ami is the younger brother) but the father as a wolf drowns leaving Hana to bring up the kids alone. Social services soon come calling so to keep her secret she moves to a remote rundown cabin but soon the neighbours rally round to help out. The kids grow up and soon school beckons with Yuki made to promise not to reveal her true nature and settles down but Ami is more in touch with his wolf nature spending more time in the forest with a real ageing wolf. Hana realises her children are set on very different paths… The Animation is just beautiful with a superb score by Tagaki and although it would have been so easy to slide into mawkish sentimentality it manages to keep the right side of this with a really engaging story. I watched in the original Japanese so no idea how the English version works but you can really feel something in your eye by the end …4/5
I liked this movie. The story is quite simple but the way it has been told is really interesting. Lovely animation. If you like Studio Ghibi movies you might like this one too.
I loved it - beautiful animation, interesting characters, and a jolly nice story. It kept my attention throughout, and I really can't understand the reviews that said it was dull. Mother falls in love, has children, father dies, mother moves to the country, children develop their own potential. What's not to appreciate? I suggest those who don't like USA voices dubbed, then watch with Japanese soundtrack and English subtitles - I find that fare more rewarding.