In This Corner Of The World Review

Okay, Let's Talk About In This Corner of the World

Look, I'm going to say it. I know this is practically anime blasphemy, but here we go.

In This Corner of the World is… good. Not "mind-blowingly amazing, changed-my-life forever" good. Just… good. Don't @ me!

A Beautiful Film, Yes, But...

Visually? Stunning. The watercolor aesthetic is gorgeous. It perfectly captures a sense of nostalgia and everyday life.

Suzu is endearing. A bit ditzy, sure, but her resilience is admirable. You root for her.

But did I cry? No. Did I feel utterly devastated? Nope. Slightly sad? Sure. Washed my face with soap in the shower after to hide the fact I did not shed a single tear? I mean...no, of course not.

The Pacing, Though...

This is where I think the film stumbles a bit. It's slow. Like, glacially slow. You really need to settle in for the long haul.

Lots of slice-of-life moments. Which is fine. But sometimes felt like they dragged on unnecessarily.

We get it. Suzu is clumsy and paints a lot. We get it.

Emotional Impact: Hit or Miss?

I get that the film aims for subtle emotional resonance. Showing the impact of war through daily life.

And it does that well! But I just didn't connect with it on a deeply personal level. I think the pacing kind of dampened the emotional punch.

Maybe I'm heartless. Maybe I need to re-watch it with a box of tissues and a darkened room. But right now? I stand by my slightly lukewarm take.

Unpopular Opinion Alert!

Here’s the deal. I appreciate the historical accuracy. I applaud the animation. I respect the film’s intent.

But I think it's slightly overrated. There, I said it.

Before you light your torches and sharpen your pitchforks, hear me out! Think of it as a beautifully painted, historically accurate, but ultimately slightly boring documentary on the daily life of a woman in wartime Japan. (Okay, that's a bit harsh. Sorry.)

Other Anime Films Do It Better?

Am I saying other anime films explore similar themes with more emotional impact? Possibly! Films like Grave of the Fireflies? Now that one wrecked me.

Different strokes for different folks, right? Maybe you sobbed uncontrollably during In This Corner of the World. I respect that.

I just think some of the hype is a little… much. It's good! Just not... life-altering for me.

Final Verdict (Kind Of)

So, should you watch In This Corner of the World? Absolutely! It's a beautiful and important film.

Just go in with realistic expectations. Don't expect to be blown away if you're looking for a fast-paced, emotionally charged rollercoaster.

Enjoy the art, appreciate the history, and maybe, just maybe, you'll disagree with my slightly heretical opinion.

And if you do, that's totally fine. But please, be gentle. I'm just a humble anime fan with a slightly controversial take.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go hide from the internet's wrath. Wish me luck!

P.S. Seriously though, the animation is gorgeous. Watch it for that alone.