A Japanese Boy Who Draws
Synopsis
Ever since he was old enough to hold a crayon, Shinji has loved drawing and has dreamed of becoming a manga artist. When he starts attending school, the only other student who shares his passion is Masaru, who draws people he cares about as luchador wrestlers. As the two grow up, Shinji struggles to hone his skills but Masaru never moves away from his childish style. When Shinji finally moves to Tokyo to chase his dreams, he finds that the road ahead is incredibly difficult and struggles to make a mark on the industry. As Shinji grows increasingly jaded, his childhood friend might just be able to show him that there is more to art than financial success. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
The audience generally appreciates the film's unique animation style and personal, relatable story of artistic pursuit. Some find the production quality inconsistent, but overall, it's considered a sweet and passionate portrayal of the struggles artists face. The film is viewed as a hidden gem, particularly resonating with those in creative fields.
Strengths
- Unique and experimental animation style that evolves with the protagonist's age.
- Authentic and personal feel, incorporating the artist's actual childhood drawings.
- Relatable plot about the struggles and passions of creative individuals.
Weaknesses
- Production quality inconsistencies between animated and unanimated scenes due to low budget.
- Lacking depth in exploring themes of reconnecting with childhood inspiration.