Cast
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Katsuyuki Konishi
as Bem (voice)
Mao Ichimichi
as Bela (voice)
Kensho Ono
as Belo (voice)
Maaya Uchida
as Sonia Summers (voice)
Kenji Nomura
as Joel Woods (voice)
Junichi Suwabe
as Dr. Recycle (voice)
Taiten Kusunoki
as 18th Section Chief (voice)
Akira Sekine
as Amelia Eisberg (voice)
Hana Sato
as Matthew Eisberg (voice)
Mayumi Yamaguchi
as Dana Olsen (voice)
Takuro Nakakuni
as Pete (voice)
Takahiro Mizushima
as Charlie (voice)
Mariya Ise
as Frieda (voice)
Noriko Sakura
as Jane (voice)
Kouji Takeda
as Doug (voice)
Crew
Director
- Hiroshi Ikehata
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, BEM: BECOME HUMAN 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 Hiroshi Ikehata 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 2020, 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 BEM: BECOME HUMAN took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 150 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 298 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While BEM: BECOME HUMAN shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, BEM: BECOME HUMAN offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Aliens and Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade explore similar territory, BEM: BECOME HUMAN stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: October 2, 2020
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch
