Ni no Kuni

NiNoKuni

Characters

Haru

MAIN

Yuu

MAIN

Barton Rosch

SUPPORTING

Nanako Hayashi

SUPPORTING

Asha

SUPPORTING

Ojiisan

SUPPORTING

Danba

SUPPORTING

Gnauss Wisden

SUPPORTING

Kotona

SUPPORTING

Thomas

SUPPORTING

Bauer Linden

SUPPORTING

Gabaras Felgrimm

SUPPORTING

Versa

SUPPORTING

Flander

SUPPORTING

Exploring the Magical World of Ni no Kuni: A Cinematic Journey

The Ni no Kuni animated film, released in Japan on August 23, 2019, and globally on Netflix on January 16, 2020, brings the enchanting universe of the beloved video game series to the big screen. Directed by Yoshiyuki Momose, a veteran animator with ties to Studio Ghibli, and written by Akihiro Hino, the creator of the Ni no Kuni game series, this 106-minute fantasy adventure offers a fresh story set within the franchise’s magical world. While it captures the whimsical charm and visual splendor associated with the games, the film struggles to fully escape the shadow of its Studio Ghibli-inspired roots, resulting in a mixed but enjoyable experience.

A New Tale in a Familiar World

Unlike the Ni no Kuni video games, which follow characters like Oliver and Evan through sprawling role-playing adventures, the movie presents an original narrative. It centers on three high school friends—Yuu, Haru, and Kotona—who are thrust into the fantastical realm of Ni no Kuni after a tragic incident. Yuu, a wheelchair-bound teenager secretly in love with Kotona, and Haru, a basketball star and Kotona’s boyfriend, find themselves navigating a parallel world to save their friend, whose life is threatened by a mysterious assailant. In Ni no Kuni, they encounter Princess Astrid, Kotona’s otherworldly counterpart, and uncover a mystical connection between the two worlds.

The story explores themes of love, friendship, and sacrifice, with the dual worlds of reality and Ni no Kuni linked by a karmic entanglement where actions in one realm affect the other. This concept, a hallmark of the Ni no Kuni series, is handled with care, though the film’s pacing and narrative clarity have drawn criticism for feeling rushed and incomplete.

A Visual and Musical Feast

One of the film’s undeniable strengths is its audiovisual presentation. The animation, produced by OLM, Inc., evokes the Studio Ghibli aesthetic, with lush fantasy landscapes, vibrant creature designs, and fluid action sequences. While the 2D animation shines, some 3D elements, particularly in large-scale battles, feel jarring and less polished. Director Yoshiyuki Momose, who contributed to Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away and served as an animator for the Ni no Kuni games, brings a familiar elegance to the visuals, though the film falls short of Ghibli’s signature polish.

The soundtrack, composed by Joe Hisaishi, a longtime Ghibli collaborator, is a highlight. His sweeping, emotional score, including recycled tracks from the games and new compositions, elevates the film’s atmosphere, making even its weaker moments feel magical. The theme song, performed by Keina Suda, adds a heartfelt touch to the experience.

Strengths and Shortcomings

The Ni no Kuni movie excels in its character dynamics, particularly with Yuu, whose disability is portrayed thoughtfully, highlighting his courage and intelligence. His ability to walk in Ni no Kuni adds an emotional layer to his journey, though some critics noted the film sidelines this aspect toward the end. The dynamic between Yuu, Haru, and Kotona, complicated by a love triangle, provides emotional depth, but the female characters, particularly Kotona and Astrid, lack agency, serving primarily as plot devices.

The film’s plot, while engaging, struggles with pacing and coherence. The rapid shifts between the real world and Ni no Kuni, combined with a heavy expository dump in the final act, can leave viewers confused. The villain, Galeroth, revealed as the mastermind behind the story’s conflicts, feels underdeveloped, with his motivations explained through a rushed monologue. Critics have also pointed out that the film feels like a condensed version of a larger story, lacking the world-building depth of the games.

A Ghibli-Inspired Adventure

The Ni no Kuni franchise has always been tied to Studio Ghibli, with the first game featuring Ghibli’s animation and Hisaishi’s music. The film, however, is not a Ghibli production, despite its stylistic similarities, leading to some viewer confusion. While it captures the whimsical and emotional tone of the games, it doesn’t reach the narrative or visual heights of Ghibli’s best works, such as Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke. Instead, it feels like a solid, if flawed, isekai adventure, appealing to fans of the genre and the Ni no Kuni series.

Reception and Legacy

The film received mixed reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it was praised for capturing the spirit of the series, with some calling it a “whimsical and emotional story,” while others criticized its predictable plot and lackluster animation in parts. On MyAnimeList, it holds a decent 6.38/10 rating, reflecting its appeal to casual viewers but disappointment among some fans expecting a deeper connection to the games. Reddit discussions highlight a divide, with some enjoying its standalone story and others feeling it fell short of the franchise’s potential.

The movie’s box office performance in Japan was modest, and its Netflix release helped it reach a broader audience. While not a critical darling, it’s a worthwhile watch for fans of the Ni no Kuni games, fantasy anime, or Studio Ghibli-inspired stories.

Should You Watch It?

Ni no Kuni is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging film that doesn’t fully live up to its ambitious goals. It’s a fun, accessible entry point to the Ni no Kuni universe, requiring no prior knowledge of the games, but it may leave fans wanting more depth. If you enjoy isekai stories, heartfelt character moments, and Hisaishi’s music, it’s worth streaming on Netflix. However, those expecting a Ghibli-level masterpiece or a direct adaptation of the games may find it lacking.

In the end, Ni no Kuni is a charming, if imperfect, addition to the franchise, offering a glimpse into its magical world while leaving room for future stories to explore. For a cozy fantasy adventure with a touch of nostalgia, it’s a journey worth taking.