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Howl from Beyond the Fog

Howl from Beyond the Fog (2019)

Jul 13, 2019 35m Fantasy Animation

Set during the Meiji reformation era in a small village in Kyushu, Japan. The story revolves around a young boy named Izana and a blind woman named Takiri, the two encounter the large monster Nebula who since ancient times was feared as the god of lake Amenosagiri. Theme of the film focuses on the Japanese concept of light and darkness, as told by puppetry and model miniaturization of the films’ world with practical special effects by Keizo Murase.

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Directed by Daisuke Sato

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Daisuke Sato

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Thematic Analysis

Howl from Beyond the Fog represents a fascinating example of Fantasy/Animation cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Daisuke Sato 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Howl from Beyond the Fog took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 35 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 72 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2019, when this film is released:
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Howl from Beyond the Fog shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike In The Tall Grass, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Howl from Beyond the Fog subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Happy and The dream of the absurd man explore similar territory, Howl from Beyond the Fog 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: July 13, 2019
  • Runtime: 35m

Where to Watch

Amazon Prime Video
Night Flight Plus
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Midnight Pulp Amazon Channel