Alice to Therese no Maboroshi Kôjô

This movie has nice animation, interesting characters (if somewhat two-dimensional) and an interesting story all the way through until the very end, where we find yet another film that leaves the audience trying to guess what actually happened and what point the director was trying to get across.

There are several good aspects to this film. The story is decent most of the way through. The animation is fine. But the plot and story line are flawed, presenting bits and pieces but never succeeding in telling the entire story. The steel factory is central to the story but never explained. Why the town decided to follow a guy who was without doubt a loon is beyond understanding. And justifying locking a little girl inside a factory for years is simply insane. So much of the film makes no sense.

Some may feel they understand what happened, but in reality they'd be adding their own 'truth' to an incomplete plot. And while two or three different "theories" are presented throughout, it's difficult to understand the reasoning behind much of what goes on.

All in all it was an interesting but unsatisfying film. The writers and directors leave it to the audience to figure out what story they're trying to get across; that's a stunt that very seldom works. The overall low rating here (as of this posting) would indicate the majority of the viewers feel similarly.

ADDENDUM: When I first posted this review I found many other reviewers agreeing with these observations (in their own reviews). Shortly after this review suddenly-- within a very few days-- we see several negative ratings on any critical post. So one might suspect significant crew and family response rather than legitimate viewers. If a film requires such manipulation-- it really doesn't stand on its own merit.

I never write reviews usually, but I was compelled to this time.

I decided to watch Maboroshi because the poster intrigued me. I have no idea how this film only currently has a 6.3 rating. I found it unique, interesting and quite profound. Usually films/television shows that have a central theme of time travel/passage of time, suffer from convoluted explanatins of how the situation occurred. Whilst Maboroshi, does fall into this trap, the characters do a decent job of making us understand how the incident happend. The film also has great artwork, score and voice acting as well. Definitely worth a watch.

I don't like symbolism, metaphores and allegories. The movie was confusing but it is very simple in a way. Growing up, changing, love, sexuality. Japan loves making such movies. Anyway it is not what I wanted to watch, I am not a teen, I thought this was some fantasy.

Synonyms: Alice and Therese's Illusion Factory, The Illusion Factory of Alice and Therese

Alice like Alice's Adventures in Wonderland I should have paid more attention to the title, no wonder the movie doesn't make sense!

I watched Suzume no Tojimari a few days ago. I liked it. I heard Suzume was nominated for the Annie Awards (Animation Awards)

Pretty good movie as expected from mari okada. The visual were great and the drama and writing was really good too. The character design were clean and very well animated as aspected from Mappa and the music was very heartfelting . Overall 8.25/10. Would've gave this show higher if they explained things better. It felt like there too many things left unsaid. I also felt like they should've made the movie longer, because for me personally it felt kinda rushed. They had so many cool idea but explain only 75% of it.

The end, I hope you enjoy this review, this first time writing a movie review.

Add ons.... I also might try rewatch this movie again to try to understand it better.

Additionally, If like this movie then check out Maquia: When the Promised Flower Bloom(Mari okada best work in opinion)if you haven't already watch it.

Masume is a third year students. He plays cards with his friends one day when suddenly their world changes. The local steel factory explodes and traps their town in an unending freeze. They cannot leave and are forced to live a new reality. There are sky wolves that seal the now broken sky and it keeps them safe. Masume falls for a girl in his class though she is bitter towards him and another young girl that lives in the abandoned factory becomes clear why she looks familiar. As he and friends try to make truth out of the situation they must overcome burdens and differences. In order to save those they love. This was a nice film. Lovely animation and voice cast and it's a story about growing up but has good heart.