La Vallée d'émeraude

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

An enchanting tale of two characters, enemies by nature, but friends in heart. Shows that even the most impossible of friendships can work out if you only believe it can.This movie will show you how true friendship never gives up, is self sacrificing, and never ever is forgotten. One Stormy night is 100X better than anything animated Disney has been chucking out the past few years. The very revival of Classic animation with a fresh story and two characters that will stay with you long after the movie ends. Leaves you with a satisfying ending but you'll wish for more. In my opinion the best animated film since "The Lion King" A MUST SEE!

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, now, is by far, my favourite movie.

I originally found it on TvTropes looking for a gay romance, hopefully in the Anime category. This seemed to fit, although whether it is a romance or a friendship is somewhat ambiguous. However, considering that "The moon is beautiful, isn't it?" signifies love in Japanese literature, combines with the amount Mei and Gabu talk about the moon, and all of the giggling and blushing when they meet, I do not think considering it a romance is far fetched at all. Anyway, I decided to watch it, expecting it to be good. Surprisingly, it was on YouTube, which was a nice benefit itself!

This movie was not just good though, but probably my favourite movie of all time! I usually don't cry during movies, but this one caused me to cry approximately four times. The emotional cycle is crazy! This film is amazing, and heart breaking, and heart warming, and just plain beautiful! The animation is beautiful too; character design is great, the landscapes are beautiful, and especially when the lightening scares Mei and Gabu, it is very expressive.

This was such a good movie, that I just had to write a long review on it, as I just couldn't get the sheer quality out of my head! That's how good this movie was in my opinion! If you haven't watched it, please do! I have not seen a better film in my entire life, and have barely even seen any comparable ones! This film, quite simply, is amazing!

Arashi no Yoru Ni is a wonderful tale. It's well written, beautiful animation that I haven't seen since Akira, great voice talents, a nice ending, and it was kid friendly without being cheesy.

Admitedly the odds of a wolf and a goat being friends are practically zero, but after seeing a lioness take care of a gazelle there's really nothing to far-fetched about it. The friendship between Gabu and Mei was a strong bond that was able to get them through even life threatening situations throughout the film. I will grant, many anime tend to show a bond of friendship being close to that of guy love, and Arashi no Yoru Ni isn't an exception, but it's easy to look past that. I actually got a tear in my eye when I though Gabu had died.

What stunned me most was the animation. The colors in the film were vibrant, the shadows and highlights were smooth and easy moving without seeming like paint, and the backgrounds looked as if they had been drawn by Da Vinci himself.

If you want a good story that is fairly kid friendly without being cheesy, wonderful animation and some lovable characters, Arashi no Yoru Ni is right for you.