Kun’s rebellion and resentment manifest in an ethereal time-travelling hallucinogenic adventure where he meets various members of his family at different points in their life
Available in either subbed or dubbed format (English speaking voice actors include Rebecca Hall, John Cho and Daniel Dae Kim) this beautiful Ghibli-inspired anime tells us about Kun, a 4 year old boy who’s life is turned upside down when his parents arrive home with a new baby sister — Mirai (trans: Future).
The role-reversal with his parents (his father decides to work from home and manage the household) causes chaos for everyone - guilt on each parent, a difficulty to bond with either kids - you know, the usual stresses that befall parents of a baby.
Kun’s rebellion and resentment manifest in an ethereal time-travelling hallucinogenic adventure where he meets various members of his family at different points in their life.
It’s beautifully crafted (a shoe-in for a best Animated Feature nomination at the Oscars) by Japanese animation legend Mamoru Hosoda and success in the hardest task for animated tales - empathy and believability.
Not that this is a departure from the style, but it’ the little touches - the brand of handsoap, the strains of life we all recognise only too well - even the frustration of being a four year old felt within grasp.
As with all films, you can’t put lipstick on a pig - its heart has to be whole for the rest to work - and Mirai achieves this with aplomb.
It reflects our worries and love of family directly back at us, in vivid, trippy and beautiful form.
