Lonely Castle in the Mirror - Reviews

Kagami no Kojou aka The Solitary Castle in the Mirror is an anime adaptation of a novel by Mizuki Tsujimura sharing the same name. Since I haven't yet read the novel so this review based on the movie only. 

The anime starts with a middle school girl named Kokoro who has been avoiding school due to facing some problems there. So one day she magically enters her bedroom-mirror and meets a girl with a wolf mask on, claiming herself a wolf princess. The girl forces Kokoro to get inside a castle in a strange island by saying that if she finds a key in the castle and her deepest wish will be granted. Then, she agrees and finds another 6 kids like her inside the castle  who had faced the same situation. However, the task's not so easy as there are some conditions. They must find the key within a year long time in a day period of 9 to 5. Otherwise, they die a tragic death. Can they find the wish granting key to fulfil their dreams? That's the story is about...

Animation:

I thinik the animation is its biggest point. The visual are stunning! Here are some photos collected from google.

 

 

 

 

Sound:

The sound was also pretty decent and cool but nothing memorable.

Characters:

The characters were one dimentional and less expressive compared to the manga(I only read the first few chapters).We didn't get a deep view of them. But I can't say they were not that bad either.

Personal Opinion:

I think it was a pretty good fantasy movie but it barely had any significant points in the plot other than the animation. Pretty similar to The Tunnel to Summer, the exit of goodbye, where the main character also suddenly discovers a mysterious place that grants your wishes. Now that I think of it Rion is a lot similar to the main character of The tunnel to summer, the exit of goodbye. Overall, it was a mediocre light fantasy anime that you might enjoy at the moment but it probably won't leave a permenant impact on you. As for me, I didn't really find it much interesting. It barely left any impact. But I'm really trying to keep this review objective.

Spoilers:

I think the characters could have just finished their business quickly if they had not been lazy or had been serious from the beginning. But, I really can't complain since they are just kids. I kinda related with Fuuka. You know when you thought that you might have a lot of potential and talent as kid but when you grow older you just lose the motive and find it pointless. Spoiler ends

Content Warning!!!:

• A man tries to sexually and physically assualt his daughter.
• A middle schooler dates an adult woman.
• Some kids are seen getting bullied.

But none of these are explicit so I'd say PG-13

Overall:

If you enjoy light fantasy with cool visuals then please go ahead, I think you'll love it. I suggest you to watch it in a theatre if it's available locally. You will have a beauitful time. But if you want something more serious or impactful to watch then it may not not a good choice. But then again it depends on you entirely.

Each character is unique, bringing certain aspects to the group. It felt as though the final twists were unexpected and the charcter stories were incredible, to the point were it made me cry. Definately watch this!

I am always happy to find anime with meaning and purpose behind them.  This anime covers topics that are relevent to anyone growing up in a public or private school system that has to deal with bullying as well as giving hope to those in such bad situations to look past them and into the future.  It helps one see there are possibilities for a happier future and to be honest with family and friends who will support you and that you can lean on when in need.  I am glad that they showed the supportive efforts of Mom's and Dad's and Grandparent's as well as those of friends to help people get past dark places in their lives.  This covers sensative subjects and is similar to that of A Silent Voice just with fantasy mixed in as well.... I would say more but it would be a spoiler.  This is a good movie to watch with the family or if you have kids or grandkids and you want them to be aware of the effects bullying can have and to hopefully inspire them aid those in need if you see someone being bullied.  This movie takes one on an mature roller coaster ride of emotions which has you rooting for the kids to get through the problems they are experiencing while they are young so they can build a future for themselves.  This was very well done and I highly recommend it.  Enjoy!   

This is a very watchable anime. The personality and past of each character are built very well. However, the problem is that many of the main details are quite predictable. Especially the ending is a bit unexpected but easy to predict. Some details seem to be added for free, as well as the ending that still does not answer some of the questions of the viewers. (google translate)