The House of the Lost on the Cape 2022 Movie Review Trailer Cast Crew

The profound cultural impact of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami cannot be underestimated. There are countless examples of how Japanese cinema has been influenced by national disasters over the years, with Shinya Kawatsura's "The House of the Lost on the Cape" being one of the latest films to fit into this category. Based on the award-winning novel of the same name by Sachiko Kashiwaba, the film tells a sweet and calming story focused on grief and family.

After the Tohoku disaster sweeps through the city of Kitsunezaki, teenage Yui (Mana Ashida) takes advantage of the ensuing shock to flee her troubled home life. Shortly after befriending orphan Hiyori (Sari Awano) at a help center, the two girls are taken in by Kiwa-san (Shinobu Otake), a mysterious but kind old woman who poses as her grandmother. Moving into an old house on a cape, the three team up with mystical allies to confront an ancient threat.

Director: Shin'ya Kawatsura
Writers: Sachiko Kashiwaba, Reiko Yoshida

Stars: Mana Ashida, Sari Awano, Risa Mei

For a movie centered around such a painful event, The House of the Lost on the Cape is very sweet and endearing. The slowly building dynamic between Yui and her adoptive family is poignant to watch unfold, especially as we learn more about her torrid past. The idea of ​​an old stranger adopting two girls who aren't related may surprise some, but the film pokes fun at this with early nods to Hansel & Gretel and Yui's suspicion that Kiwa is a serial killer. In fact, the old lady is no less a misfit than the girls, as she gives the impression that she is just as glad to have found a family of her own.

Using the backdrop of the Tohoku disaster, the film explores how challenging it can be to put aside despair and move on. Both Yui and Hiyori struggle with personal loss and conflict, while those living in Kitsunezaki collectively deal with the aftermath of the earthquake. This pain is contagious and manifests as a giant snake-like creature that threatens the town after being released by the earthquake. While this literal threat is a bit out of left field, it emphasizes the overwhelming feeling of sadness that comes from disaster. Fighting this threat, both physically and mentally, is the main challenge for Yui and it is only possible to overcome it thanks to the support of her new family.

Fortunately, the ancient sea serpent that feeds on despair is far from the only supernatural element in the film. In a sequence reminiscent of the opening of Hayao Miyazaki's "My Neighbor Totoro," Yui and Hiyori explore their new home in the countryside, only to discover that they are living in Mayoiga, a living home that provides for those in need who stumble. through him. Additionally, Kiwa has mysterious ties to a host of yokai, most notably a merry band of kappas who accompany him to help combat the impending threat. The addition of these mythical Japanese creatures, along with the family resorting to a more traditional country existence, suggests the need to revive traditional roots to overcome the effects of a modern disaster.

The film marks only the third feature film project produced by the animation team at David Production, but you'd never guess from the gorgeous visuals. The countryside surrounding Mayoiga is lush and vibrant, with little environmental touches that bring the makeshift family home to life. The same level of attention is paid to the devastated city of Kitsunezaki, with collapsed houses and an overcrowded relief center that evokes images all too close to that of the actual Tohoku disaster. Most impressive is the combination of animation styles used, with Kiwa's ancient stories accompanied by a simple yet vivid art style that flows like a dream.

Watch The House of the Lost on the Cape 2022 Trailer