Cast
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Inori Minase
as Jun Naruse (voice)
Koki Uchiyama
as Takumi Sakagami (voice)
Sora Amamiya
as Natsuki Nito (voice)
Yoshimasa Hosoya
as Daiki Tazaki (voice)
Taishi Murata
as Itsuki Mishima (voice)
Rie Takahashi
as Yōko Uno (voice)
Shizuka Ishigami
as Asuka Eda (voice)
Takanori Ooyama
as Motoki Aizawa (voice)
Makoto Furukawa
as Toshinori Iwaki (voice)
Keiji Fujiwara
as Kazuki Joushima (voice)
Yoh Yoshida
as Izumi Naruse (voice)
Eizo Tsuda
as Yasohachi Sakagami (voice)
Kiyoko Miyazawa
as Shin Sakagami (voice)
Hirofumi Nojima
as Jun's father (voice)
Kengo Kawanishi
as Kazuharu Yamaji (voice)
Crew
Director
- Tatsuyuki Nagai
Producer
- Shunsuke Saitou
- Hiroyuki Shimizu
- Mikihiro Iwata
Reviews
Reno
> A quadrangular high school love story!
The first mistake we all make is to expect it to match with the type of films what Isao Takahata, Hayao Miyazaki, Mamoru Hosada and few others direct. I meant thematically; either sci-fi, fantasy or the drama with the teen or the tween characters in the lead. Because technically this was a wonderful animation, but I was not impressed with the story, otherwise as usual, my writing would have been very long with the film quotes and other discussions.
For the beautifully sketched characters like this, the film totally wasted an opportunity. Should have been a beautiful love story or a pure fantasy, but it was a bit of uninspiring school drama that I kind frequently lost interest while watching.
I remind who wanted to watch it that it was a simple story which was like some kind of a television episode. The fantasy parts were too small to notice and the love story was very boring to emotionally feel it. It might suit for those who're seeking matured contents in an anime fantasy-romance than a cute and quirky narration. My point is it is for adults than children.
Overall, it failed to reach my expectations, but the online film rating says many has liked it. So don't mind me if you're considering it, but my review causing confusion. Because you should not have to feel what I felt, everything I said in the review is from my personal viewpoint. So I believe your opinion might differ from mine.
5/10
May 23, 2016
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Anthem of the Heart examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Tatsuyuki Nagai brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Anthem of the Heart took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 119 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 177 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Anthem of the Heart shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, which focuses more on action than character development, The Anthem of the Heart offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Ponyo and Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! explore similar territory, The Anthem of the Heart stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 19, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 59m
- Revenue: $8,852,989
