The plot was fantastic on this one, starts out as just a boy and his extremely over complicated ultra smart thoughts and then WHEEE!!! fun plot. =-D
Animation was spectacular! Everything was clean cut and bold, wonderful backgrounds as well.
Sound was great, you could tell what was going on. Sound was crisp and clear, wonderful music throughout and a wonderful end credits song.
Character development and interaction was good to see. Didn't need any background on any of the characters really, since it was kind of a mystery for one of them and the rest were all kids. Interaction between them all went smoothly and fluid as you watched each one “grow” in their own way.
Overall this is a great movie to watch and I recommend this one to everyone! It's one that has some feels in it and in a way seems like a slice of life anime. Either way, a great watch!
PENGUINS!!! This movie is absolutely adorable and surprisingly the plot was pretty intricate. I expected a fairly simple "There are cute penguins in town and we will watch them be cute" but it was actually somewhat philosphical and deep. It's a really good "feel good movie" that will make you feel relaxed and whimsical and if that's what you're looking for than snuggle up in some warm blankets, get some hot cocoa and enjoy some fluffy penguins in amazing animation (really everything is so sparkly).
No spoilers- This movie felt like a true fantasy. Each element of the story, characters, score, and visuals reflected the piece's whimsical outlook. The story felt like it was created, shaped, and told by the children starring in it, allowing the plot creative freedom to play with their fantasies. This is best demonstrated in the sequence where the kids come every day during their summer holidays to make observations about the bubble. It was such a simple concept, yet it was realized perfectly. It captured the kid's thoughts and feelings about their work, each other, and their discovery. Additionally, the final conflict felt like something only a child could dream up, yet it was grounded in reality, having real world consequences to the world and its characters within. I would have loved to learn more about the penguin girl, but I think her ambiguous details again contributed to the idea that the children shaped the story. Sometimes you don't know or have access to all the information you want, left to your own devices to piece together your version of the solution.
This movie was a whimsical ride and I hope you take the time to enjoy it like I did.
This one came out of left field for me. The animation is stunning. I had to google if it was a Miyazaki film, which it isn't. It's just that good. It's nice to see another studio rising to the level of the greatest anime quality ever.
Ok, so the plot: The story starts off very interesting with a clearly autistic kid, but he's got the love and support he needs to thrive in his genius. That in itself is heartwarming. You are slowly introduced to characters and things from the kid's perspective, which again is weird, but also very interesting. I appreciate the incredible attention to detail, from his inner thoughts to the way he moves and fidgets. He clearly doesn't think like a normal child and the kids in his class don't make fun of him (which is a bit surreal, but I really appreciate the take that everyone isn't automatically trying to hurt the weird kids. Man real life sucks).
Anyway, some plot happens and you quickly learn that there is some supernatural aspect to the story, which was a sudden and awesome addition. The way the story is crafted is just genius. Truly well done. I'm gonna stop talking about the story for now, cus anything else will detract from the movie. I cannot possibly recommend seeing this move enough. It's a masterpiece.
Overall, there are some dark tones that reveal themselves, but those do not overshadow the creativity of the children and their desire to learn in the face of adversity. The way the characters interact with each other felt both surreal and realistic in a really good way. This story will make you muse on it's ideas and lessons for days to come.
10/10, just incredible. Instant classic with penguins :) SO FREAKING CUTE!
"Penguin Highway" is an imaginative and whimsical journey into the curious world of a young boy, Aoyama, who decides to investigate the mysterious appearance of penguins in his suburban town. Blending elements of fantasy, science fiction, and coming-of-age themes, the film invites viewers into a story that is as much about the wonders of childhood curiosity as it is about the mysteries that lie just beyond our understanding. Through its unique premise and engaging narrative, "Penguin Highway" captures the essence of adventure and the unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
A Waddle into Wonder
Icebergs Ahead
Unfolding the Map
Conclusion
"Penguin Highway" is a visually stunning and conceptually intriguing film that captures the essence of childhood wonder and the drive for discovery. Its unique premise and engaging narrative offer a fresh and imaginative take on the adventure genre. While the film navigates through some pacing issues and missed opportunities for deeper thematic exploration, it remains a heartfelt and enchanting journey into the unknown. "Penguin Highway" serves as a reminder of the magic that lies in curiosity and the endless possibilities that the world holds, making it a worthwhile watch for those who cherish the spirit of adventure and the joy of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.