As a devoted anime enthusiast with a penchant for weeping at the most unexpected moments, I wholeheartedly endorse both “Ride Your Wave” and “Wolf Children”. These heart-wrenching masterpieces, crafted by the brilliant minds of Masaaki Yuasa and Mamoru Hosoda respectively, truly resonate with me on a profound level.
Anime is exceptionally skilled at tugging at the heartstrings, as evidenced by the decades-long mastery of Japanese animators and storytellers in this field. They’ve honed their skills to a tee, knowing precisely what moves viewers and how to strike them right where it counts – straight in the emotions. Here, we’ve curated a list of 11 outstanding Japanese animated films that will leave you emotionally drained. The genres span from intense war narratives, complicated love stories, to poignant movies exploring themes of time and change.
Instead of featuring popular and universally recognized anime movies like “Grave of the Fireflies” by Isao Takahata or “Your Name” by Makoto Shinkai (both known for their emotional impact), we’ve chosen a different approach in this collection. While these films are indeed tear-jerkers, you won’t find them here. Instead, you will discover alternative works by these esteemed artists and contributions from other animation masters who have mastered the craft of evoking deep emotions.
If you’re searching for an emotional release that only top-notch anime can deliver, these films are sure to hit the spot. But remember, a few of them might linger in your thoughts and evoke strong feelings for several days.
Barefoot Gen (1983)
The devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were so terrifying and gruesome that they are often portrayed indirectly in Western media. Even in Japan, it took filmmakers some time to directly depict these events on screen. The films that did, such as Mori Masaki’s “Barefoot Gen,” are among the most emotionally impactful ever made, with “Barefoot Gen” being particularly hard-hitting.
Barefoot Gen,” an animated adaptation from Keiji Nakazawa’s manga and produced by Madhouse (renowned for creating some of the finest anime movies), doesn’t shy away from its narrative. The story revolves around a young boy named Gen Nakaoka (Issei Miyazaki) who experiences the devastating Hiroshima bombing, miraculously survives, witnesses most of his family perish in flames, and then bravely navigates the harsh aftermath, carrying his pregnant mother (Yoshie Shimamura) and later his newborn sister through the relentless fallout.
The narrative unfolds using vivid, almost whimsical animation, underscoring the stark contrast between Gen’s perspective and the grim realities he experiences growing up. This is one of the darkest, most emotionally taxing films ever produced, made even more impactful by its raw authenticity. Notable director Nakazawa (who passed away in 2012) was a survivor of Hiroshima, and he drew heavily on his personal experiences to create this story. Despite its challenging content, “Barefoot Gen” stands as an indispensable masterpiece that offers a brutally honest portrayal of devastation.
5 Centimeters per Second (2007)
In simpler terms, “5 Centimeters per Second,” directed by renowned anime creator Makoto Shinkai, is another one of his films that revolves around romance. Similar to many of his other works, it carries a poignant undertone of melancholy, longing, and remorse. The narrative unfolds in three parts, each chronicling the life of Takaki Tōno (Kenji Mizuhashi) at various stages of his growth, as he navigates through the joys and sorrows of love, while also dealing with the challenges that come with growing up and entering adulthood.
In every one of Shinkai’s films, the animation, provided by CoMix Wave this time, is simply stunning, with richly detailed environments, landscapes, and lighting that make even the most beautiful animated movies seem ordinary. What truly distinguishes “5 Centimeters per Second” as an emotionally potent film is its delicate handling of feelings. Unlike some of Shinkai’s other films, which can sometimes sacrifice visual beauty for melodramatic storytelling, this movie maintains a subtle balance between emotions and narrative, creating a tale that feels genuine and convincing in its poignancy.
This movie primarily portrays the harshness of modern society towards love and those who yearn for it, evoking tears not from major catastrophes or plot twists but rather from the relatability of Shinkai’s portrayal of loneliness and everyday heartbreak. Moreover, some shots are powerful on their own, filled with visual artistry that communicates deeply to the soul without the aid of words. It stands out among romantic anime films and is certain to leave you with moistened eyes.
A Silent Voice (2016)
A Silent Voice,” a movie directed by Naoko Yamada and based on the manga of the same name by Yoshitoki Ōima, stands out as one of the exceptional anime films solely penned and helmed by women. However, its significance goes beyond representation. This film, produced by Kyoto Animation, gained immense popularity and critical acclaim in the 2010s for reasons beyond its artistic imagery; it boasts a narrative depth and emotional resonance that few films, whether animated or live-action, can rival.
This lesser-known, captivating anime drama primarily focuses on two well-developed teenage characters: Shōya Ishida (Miyu Irino) and Shōko Nishimiya (Saori Hayami). In his high school days, Shōya was once a popular student, but his cruel treatment of Shōko, a new deaf student, led the other children to turn against him. Feeling isolated and miserable, Shōya decides to reconcile with Shōko and seek redemption, unsure if it’s even feasible anymore.
This intricate, prickly scenario is delved into thoroughly, revealing a multitude of understandings about remorse, embarrassment, culpability, absolution, and the essence of human connections in every subsequent scene. While it doesn’t present itself as an overly somber or sentimental film, be prepared for your emotions to twist and turn. We strongly recommend having some tissues nearby, as you may find yourself moved beyond words.
Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (2018)
“Not many contemporary films manage to encompass such a grand temporal expanse like ‘Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms,’ which is Mari Okada’s first directorial effort. This unique high fantasy drama, both written and created by Okada, was brought to life by P.A. Works. The movie skillfully employs the theme of immortality to confront the harsh truth of mortality. It powerfully tackles feelings such as loneliness and sorrow through the tale of Maquia (voiced by Manaka Iwami) and her adopted child, Ariel (Miyu Irino).
In the movie, there’s a species of human-like beings called Iorph, who cease aging at 14 years old and can live for hundreds of years naturally. The Iorph reside in a remote settlement, untouched by humankind. Interestingly, our protagonist Maquia coexists with long lifespans and near-immortality, yet she experienced the sorrow of losing her parents at a young age. Her unique insight into death among the Iorph becomes even more poignant when the neighboring kingdom of Mezarte, armed with fearsome dragons called Renato, invades the settlement, causing mass casualties among the population.
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The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
Isao Takahata, a legendary figure in the anime world who co-founded Studio Ghibli alongside Hayao Miyazaki, may not be as widely recognized, but he was instrumental in creating some of Ghibli’s most outstanding films. For those who appreciate grand narratives and raw emotional depth, Takahata’s works often held a profound impact. His film “Grave of the Fireflies” is renowned for its intense emotional resonance – it’s frequently cited as one of the saddest movies ever made, regardless of animation – but Takahata didn’t cease to create such poignant masterpieces throughout his career. His final work, and arguably his most significant, was “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya,” a towering testament to his artistic brilliance.
For Studio Ghibli, “The Tale of Princess Kaguya” marks a distinctive shift in style, featuring exquisite artistry with graceful linework and watercolor landscapes that vividly convey the folklore narrative. Adapted from the 10th-century tale “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,” it’s an emotionally intense, dramatic saga spanning multiple decades. The story revolves around a girl (Aki Asakura) discovered within a bamboo stalk by a bamboo cutter (Takeo Chii) and his wife (Nobuko Miyamoto), who raise her as a cherished princess amidst numerous unwanted suitors. Over the years, Kaguya uncovers the secrets of her birth and destiny, leading to a poignant conclusion that will leave you breathless.
Liz and the Blue Bird (2018)
Apart from “A Silent Voice”, Naoko Yamada has also utilized high school as the setting for another deeply moving film. Two years subsequent to this, she collaborated again with writer Reiko Yoshida and the artists at Kyoto Animation to produce “Liz and the Blue Bird”, a spin-off from the anime series “Sound! Euphonium”. Even though it’s connected to “Sound! Euphonium”, “Liz and the Blue Bird” can be entirely appreciated by those unacquainted with the original content – provided, of course, that you don’t mind shedding a few tears.
Liz and the Blue Bird” revolves around Mizore Yoroizuka (Atsumi Tanezaki) and Nozomi Kasaki (Nao Tōyama), two close-knit high school friends, exploring the intense bond that can characterize adolescence. While they practice a challenging composition for their school’s wind band – with Mizore playing the oboe and Nozomi the flute – they start to perceive parallels between this piece, which is based on a (fictional) German fairy tale, and their own relationship as they come to terms with the impending separation in their lives.
The movie “Liz and the Blue Bird” can be seen as a tale of friendship or romance by different viewers (Anime Feminist described it as a coming-of-age lesbian indie film worthy of accolades at Sundance). Regardless, this captivating film will undoubtedly stir emotions within you, potentially causing a lump to form in your throat. Yamada skillfully combines music and repetitive visuals in a finely tuned manner to highlight every subtlety, delight, and undercurrent of tension in Mizore and Nozomi’s bond.
A Dog of Flanders (1997)
There are few ploys for tears in filmmaking more dependable than a good boy-and-his-dog story, and, as those films go, “A Dog of Flanders” is one of the finest. Adapted from the 1975 anime series of the same name, which was based on an English novel from 1872, the film version of “A Dog of Flanders” is among the most notable works of the Nippon Animation studio. Much like the series, it was directed by Yoshio Kuroda, and it provides an opportunity to see a seasoned anime director revisiting an old story through a more mature and tempered perspective — but without skimping on its tear-jerking potential.
The initial book focuses on an impoverished orphan boy in 19th-century Flanders, Belgium, who aspires to be a painter. Kuroda’s film adaptation portrays Nello’s (Makoto Tsumura) narrative using animation that mimics oil paintings. While the film is visually appealing, it’s the compelling tale of Nello’s bond with Patrash, a mistreated and forsaken working dog by his previous master, that truly captivates audiences.
The heartwarming sight of Nello nursing Patrash back to health and forming a deep bond with him is touching on its own, but the film goes above typical “dog movies” by adding depth to their relationship. Nello is portrayed as a loving yet flawed mentor whose personal struggles sometimes hinder his ability to adequately reciprocate Patrash’s loyalty. Realistic, emotional, and inspiring, it’s a movie that seems to dare viewers not to shed tears.
Kayoko’s Diary (1991)
Three years after experiencing “Grave of the Fireflies,” I stumbled upon “Kayoko’s Diary,” or as some call it, “Who’s Left Behind?” This film shares a familial bond with Isao Takahata’s 1988 masterpiece, offering an unvarnished portrayal of World War II from the eyes of children. However, despite its quality and anti-war message, this Mushi Production title often slips under the radar outside Japan, seldom gracing the screens of Western viewers.
In contrast to “Fireflies,” which powerfully navigates through continuous hardships and sorrow, “Kayoko’s Diary” is primarily constructed as a family drama set in everyday life, delicately portraying the routines of an average Japanese family during the early 1940s. The harsh realities of war subtly unfold for young Kayoko (played by Katsue Miwa). The beauty of daily existence gives poignancy to the story as it transitions into tragedy, underscoring the senselessness of war by highlighting its human toll. Unlike some child characters in war films, Kayoko is a captivating protagonist, with her unique perspective blending curiosity and resilience, making her an insightful observer of the absurdity of conflict.
The Anthem of the Heart (2015)
Mari Okada possesses an extraordinary talent for crafting compelling storylines that evoke deep emotions, a skill evident throughout her screenwriting career before she stepped into directing with “Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms.” One of Okada’s most impressive writing achievements is “The Anthem of The Heart,” where she collaborated again with director Tatsuyuki Nagai. Over many years, their creative collaboration had matured on projects like “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day,” and in “The Anthem of the Heart,” their synergy may have reached its peak — a harmonious blend of form and content where the narrative is told with maximum impact and emotion.
In this intriguing narrative, Okada skillfully combines elements of imaginative fantasy and gritty realism. A young girl named Jun Naruse (portrayed by Inori Minase) experiences the loss of her voice following an unfortunate incident where she exposed her father’s infidelity and felt responsible for the subsequent family turmoil due to excessive talking. Fast forward to high school, Jun discovers that the curse from the magical fairy egg doesn’t inhibit her ability to sing. She then joins forces with her classmates to create a musical production based on her own tale, transforming it into a captivating fairy tale. The story unfolds as a poignant exploration of how music can aid in healing past hurts, foster friendships, encourage self-expression, and serve as a vehicle for deep emotional release.
Ride Your Wave (2019)
In Masaaki Yuasa’s “Ride Your Wave”, we follow Hinako Mukaimizu (Rina Kawaei), a 19-year-old college student and surfer, who develops a heartfelt relationship with Minato Hinageshi (Ryota Katayose), a 21-year-old firefighter whom she teaches to surf. Unfortunately, Minato meets a tragic end during a surfing accident. Overwhelmed by grief, Hinako abandons her love for the sea and leaves the beach. However, she discovers that she can call upon Minato’s spirit by singing “Brand New Story” (a song from Japanese boy group Generations from Exile Tribe) near water sources. This allows them to continue their relationship, though they remain unable to physically touch each other. As the story unfolds, Hinako must confront the moral dilemma of whether it is healthy for her to hold onto the spirit of her deceased boyfriend.
Masaaki Yuasa’s works are famously playful, lively, amusing, and wildly enjoyable, revealing hidden fun and thrill in ordinary aspects of life. This style is evident in “Ride Your Wave,” a movie that carries the spirit of a quirky romantic comedy from the 2000s, yet offers more than just laughs. It’s also a poignant exploration of grief, connection, and the struggle to let go. The key to Yuasa’s approach lies in recognizing that humor and melancholy often coexist, not only in films but in life itself, and the scenes where the film’s sadness emerges are always deeply moving.
Wolf Children (2012)
Without a doubt, Mamoru Hosoda is one of the least recognized yet highly skilled anime masters active today. His films, such as “Summer Wars,” “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time,” and more recently “Mirai,” which earned comparisons to “Spirited Away,” are known for their raw emotional expression. However, it’s his 2012 masterpiece, “Wolf Children,” that truly stands out as a tear-jerker. In this film, Hosoda deftly combines fantasy with a deeply moving mother-child narrative, marking perhaps the most heartfelt story he’s told to date.
The movie “Wolf Children” revolves around a single mother named Hana (Aoi Miyazaki) who is raising two half-human, half-wolf siblings: Yuki and Ame. Hana had been in a relationship with a wolfman (Takao Osawa), but he tragically died while hunting for food. Over the course of 13 years, the film follows Hana as she struggles to raise her unique children while keeping their true nature a secret. Despite her deep love for them, managing the difficulties that come with their unique natures proves to be incredibly challenging on her own.
The film moves steadily yet poetically, punctuated by breathtaking scenes from Studio Chizu’s enchanting forest animation. It fearlessly addresses the challenges of being a single parent, while at the same time celebrating the unyielding love and dedication that mothers embody. This thought-provoking movie is ideal for sharing with your loved ones, be they parents or children, but do prepare yourself for some emotional moments, as it’s likely to inspire heartfelt hugs and tears by the end.
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2024-10-26 23:31