Amicinemici - Le avventure di Gav & Mei

This movie is something of a real rarity at the time of this review being made. There really hasn't been a movie like this that can capture the hearts of those who watch it so easily and yet almost 5 years after release it still hasn't been seen by most of the world officially outside of Asia.

But when the time comes where the movie will be officially available worldwide, I'm certain this will be a new children's classic for generation to generation. You may think I'm over-exaggerating these words to get more people to see it, but I couldn't be more honest even if I tried.

"Arashi No Yuru Ni", or "One Stormy Night", is by far and beyond the best non-franchise, non-Ghibli anime movie you could possibly see. Released in 2005 and based on the phenomenally successful Japanese children's book of the same name, the story is about a goat and a wolf who accidentally met each other in a barn during a heavy thunderstorm. It was too dark for them to see each other at the time and they couldn't even smell each other to know what creature they are because they started suffering pretty bad colds. The next day, they decide to meet each other and from then on, after knowing what they are and accepting who they are, they end up having to make unbelievable sacrifices in order to remain friends.

There is way, way more to this story but the story is so well weaved- together and so intelligently-written that it would be cruel to say anything more about it to those who haven't seen it. Nothing of the story feels lacking in anything but at the same time nothing seems like it's going for too much. The entire plot evolves naturally, but is such an incredible story that you very easily emote to the main characters as if they are living, breathing creatures and that whatever happens, you'll be on the edge of your seat hoping for the best for both Gabu (the wolf) and Mei (the goat).

The animation is beautiful, it's similar to that of "The Snowman" in that it captures storybook art so well but coupled with such a great story it really immerses you into the world of the movie quite well. At the same time, it's an art style that'll appeal to everybody. Nothing is absolute cliché-anime but it's also not terrifyingly-realistic neither. Music is beautiful as well, definitely mirrors the beauty of the movie really well but also compliments the most emotional of scenes without being too over-the-top.

Some of the lines are overly-simplistic and repetitive in some certain scenes, but it really doesn't get in the way of the enjoyment of this movie too much and it's only a very minor complaint.

This really is the perfect animated movie for families to watch. And it's one of the very rare movies I've seen recently that legitimately almost made me cry and I can safely say that if no one who sees this movie and emotes with the characters so much cries in the last few scenes, I pity them.

Any opportunity you can, please check this out. You really won't regret it!

• Eric.

9/10

This film is very good and makes our hearts calm. This film is a very rare film and people rarely make this series of films. This film is very good to watch with your family.

This movie can be considered a piece of art, not thanks to the outstanding background renderings or the beautiful voice acting, but for all the different messages that you may get from it. I really believe this movie will at least touch you with something.

I think kids might enjoy this one but I sincerely believe they won't be able to get as much as an adult would be able to; so yes, this is an animated movie but that doesn't mean it's only meant to be watched by kids.

It's a definite "must watch" for those who like movies that contain deep messages rather than those which are only shown in the shallow area of the images. Really one of the best and very worthy animated films I have watched.

It's one of those films that must be watched without having any idea of what the main theme is, just let the things unfold before your eyes and let the environment and atmosphere of the scenes get to you. Otherwise you won't enjoy it as much as the whole team who participated on the creation wants you to enjoy it, for your mind would be already expecting things, resulting in a lack of suspense.

This movie melt down my heart, I think it was a pure movie about true friendship.

I actually didn't feel it as a romance, but I've read some people did, and I can see why. I think this is just my interpretation of the movie, but still, the relationship between Gabu and Mei was sweet and beautiful.

The animation was surprisingly good, being a 2005 movie. I was very satisfied and the backgrounds were just incredible! The designs of the goats and wolves were also fantastic.

The story is simple, but very entertaining, with a final act that is very different from what I expected.

Overall, a very cute movie, I'd definetly watch it again and recommend.

"One Stormy Night" is one of my favorite anime movies. At first, this could look as a rip-off of "The Fox and the Hound" (Also a good movie) being a story of how two natural enemies became friends, but this movie manages not only to be different, but also to be good as well, telling a beautiful and heartwarming story, with very likable characters. The animation is beautiful, all the movements are very fluid, and the backgrounds have the level of detail of one movie from Studio Ghibli. I know that friendship is one of the main themes of many Japanese animations, but not many are so tender as this movie. "One Stormy Night" have many emotional and dramatic parts, but combines this with humor and optimism, something that made this movie very enjoyable. I recommend this movie to all the animation fans, not only the anime fans. It is a funny and well made animated tale that deserves more appreciation.