Director: Satoshi Kon
Year: 2002
Genre: Comedy/Adventure
This time of year is the time to spend time with loved ones and friends. Films such as Home Alone, The Polar Express, etc are some films that would be associated with Christmas.
Another Satoshi Kon film, which focuses on a Christmas theme follows a homeless family who are going through a tough time during Christmas, and ponder upon this baby. Hana, a middle-aged lady, Miyuki, a young girl who is an adopted child, and Gin, an alcoholic man who drinks and is part of this family.
The Narrative is something simple and effective and it is delivered due to how people can relate to it. They are trying to take care of this baby and guess what? It makes the entire family unite with each other. Through the baby alone, they can bond with each other and they have a good time with each other. Despite the family being homeless, they don't let the Christmas spirit ruin their mood.
They go through a journey together and they meet all these unique characters on the way for them to try to make it through the day. In a film, it's nice to have some side characters having roles to play in the film and make them memorable for a certain reason. A good example would be when the family saves a person and manages to get invited to a party, followed by Hana being reunited with her sister - this shows the unexpectedness of the film and what unique journey they are going through. Despite them not being the main characters, the film uses the side characters to help balance out the story and make a memorable impression for some of the characters.
Christmas is known for the time of spending time with family and focusing on giving presents to loved ones; however, one of the elements of Tokyo Godfathers showcases the things sometimes we take for granted. Some people live on the streets and have to rely on the kindness of strangers to give them food and try to get it day by day. The challenges of having to suffer through the weather and the cold climates make it impossible to stay outside for so long. But one thing which this film excels in is the sense of togetherness. No matter how bad a family relationship can be, this film shows how family can unite everyone together no matter what has happened in the past.
This is certainly one of Kon's films which incorporates elements of comedy in his films - a thing which you don't see in his other three films. Elements of humour are shown in the film which makes it an enjoyable watch.
Overall, It's not the type of film which would come to mind when watching a film during any time of the year other than Christmas; however, when it's Christmas time, this for me is one of the best films out there to watch.
Rating: 8/10
Comments