Wolf Children - 9/10

I'm so glad I took the time to watch this. What a beautiful, marvelous film. From the moment it began I knew I was in for an emotional ride, and admittedly I thought I'd be a wreck by the end, but I wasn't. I don't think this is a sad movie, nor do I think that was the intent. Yes, like any life, there are sad times, unforeseen occurrences, but this is a story of a single mother who gives up everything she has and is thrown into incredible situations to raise her two children up the only way she knows how. But it's also about growing up and letting go, and however sad that is, it's the way of life for both wolf cubs and children eventually.

The story is truly a masterpiece in every way you look at it. It's hard for a cartoon based upon little more than fiction and legend to astound in such a fashion that never once did I question how realistic or unrealistic it was. Everything was extremely well thought out, and the film took on a strict realism throughout its length. If ever anyone were to stumble upon half wolf children and need to raise them in secret, I advise them to watch this, because this is as close to reality as that furry fantasy can get. The only real plot hole I can conjure is what about the mother's family? Did she have family? Did they ever meet the kids? Etc.

The music throughout was superb and tomorrow I definitely plan to look around to go find the soundtrack online. Very ethereal and earthy which was the perfect atmosphere for something this artsy. And speaking of artsy, those that are into animation will be happy to note that there wasn't a frame I found disappointing throughout. It was about 20 minutes too long in my opinion, but as other users have mentioned, it did span 12-13 years. To put this into perspective, if this film were translated into... 5 or 6 episodes of broadcast anime, those few episodes would easily take the anime of the season award. Easy. Everyone should watch this, whether a fan of anime or not.