Jellyfish Eyes (2013)

Brought to life by the limitless imagination of renowned artist Takashi Murakami, Jellyfish Eyes is a mesmerizing tale of family bonds, enchanting friendships, and unwavering loyalty. In an extraordinary fusion of reality and fantasy, this directorial debut takes us on a heartwarming journey that resonates with every viewer. Our young protagonist, Masashi (Takuto Sueoka), finds himself in an unfamiliar countryside with his mother, grappling with the loss of his father. Amidst this sorrowful backdrop, Masashi encounters an enigmatic friend from a parallel world - a levitating, jellyfish-like sprite he affectionately names Kurage-bo. As this unlikely friendship blossoms, Masashi introduces Kurage-bo to his classroom, unveiling a secret: his classmates, too, are bonded with similar mystical companions. However, beneath this veneer of enchantment lurks a darker reality. The seemingly innocuous town, its youthful inhabitants, and their imaginative creators harbor a clandestine scheme. These fantastical creatures are pawns in an insidious plan to harness the negative energy of children, transforming a magical privilege into a sinister weapon. In a poignant response to a post-Fukushima world, Jellyfish Eyes echoes a resonating message of unity and optimism. Murakami's cinematic masterpiece, a decade in the making, features unforgettable creature designs and handcrafted special effects. This cinematic marvel, with its extraordinary narrative and touching portrayal of resilience, serves as a beacon of hope and is an absolute must-watch for film aficionados across generations.

Jellyfish Eyes is an anime movie featuring Himeka Asami.

Jellyfish Eyes is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Jellyfish Eyes on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.