Der Imaginäre

Giving this an 8/10 rating

New film from Studio Ponic, which is and adaptation of an english fantasy novel. This film covers ground that has been stepped on by 'Imaginary Friends', which is still out in the cinema, so you can do this as a double bill if you want, both films are very good and quite dream like, but this more so as it's animated, giggling it a very different feel, the story is different, but the themes is both films are the same.

In this film, the power of the mind is very well explored into dark territory, as the evil in this, is evil, and is quite scary, and you will go-'what the hell is this',, and the film has these comments in it, and some quite joyful scenes, and the characters, real or not, a very well defined and worth sicking with.

I managed to see this in the cinema, and as always, this is the best way for an very well crafted animation, you will get the most out of it.

I was really looking forward to watching this with my kids after I saw the trailer but the end result was very disappointing for me. It had the surface charm of a Studio Ghibli flick, which we are huge fans of. What could have been a work of art sadly falls short for one very distracting reason. The story, art design, characters, world, etc. Are all fantastic and it would be a visual treat were it not for the jarring camera movements, jittering, and blurriness that are prevalent throughout the movie, especially during high action sequences. Made it very difficult for me to stay focused through the whole thing and nearly caused motion sickness in parts.

Studio Ponic ain't no Studio Ghibli for sure but it's visual atmosphere and interesting concept does wave away a mighty blast and engagement for children and families. Filled with amazing animation, character designs, and colorful structures, the concept about children's imagination and the allegory surrounding them is interesting and while it's writing is convoluted, it's ambitious direction holds up and carries away with magic and some spark.

The characters and settings are interesting but I found myself being more invested with the supporting characters rather than the main lead and I wish the movie had a bit more focus on the supporting characters instead. Alongside with some great voice performances, dialogue, and pacing.

All in all, this isn't going to be the same as Ghibli but I am looking forward to see what Ponic offers next.

Studio Ponoc is a studio that have some of the staff from Ghibli studio. The films that they made prior to "The Imaginary" have the essence of the magic that encapsulate the spirit of Ghibli. It's like a love child of Ghibli, growing up and make their own steps. The Imaginary is a testament of that fact. The ratings doesn't do justice to the quality this film exudes: Top tier animation, beautiful sceneries, touching story, and magical sentiment throughout. I watched from start to finish and I cannot think of one thing to complain about this film. Granted, i wasn't expecting anything to top the masterpiece Ghibli delivers over the years prior to watching this, but trust me, just turn off your judgmental brain, let the imagination runs wild, and have fun watching this beautiful film.

The Imaginary is proof that animation is by far the best medium to tell a story like this. Everything runs on imagination and childlike wonder here and the film has more than enough visual beauty, inventive character designs and wonderful adventures to be worthy of its title. It's colourful, emotional and briefly disturbing in ways that all greatest animated films achieve, even if it's not at their level.

Rio Suzuki and Kokoro Terada have all the required energy and childlike innocence, mixed with determination and affecting sadness to lead this with ease. Issey Ogata is surprisingly creepy with an uncomfortable presence that easily matches his character's most disturbing actions and on the other end of the spectrum, everyone else does a great job of being as adorable as the imaginary friends they voice.

Yoshiyuki Momose's direction is endlessly inventive from the very beginning and can handle the bigger tonal shifts in a way that prevents them from feeling jarring. The animation in general is absolutely breathtaking, relishing the opportunity to deliver so much exciting, colourful spectacle. Kenji Tamai's score has the sweeping emotion required to really tug at the heartstrings when necessary.