Review | The Imaginary (Netflix) - Future of the Force

“The Imaginary is an uplifting film with exquisite hand-drawn animation. It is a whimsical journey about the enduring power of imagination and a moving tale about growing up.”

After Mary and the Witch’s Flower and Modest Heroes, Studio Ponoc returns with The Imaginary. It is based on the award-winning novel of the same name by A.F. Harold and illustrated by Emily Gravett. This Japanese film releases July 5th on Netflix.

THE PREMISE

*THE IMAGINARY* Cr: Netflix © 2023 Ponoc

This film follows Rudger, an Imaginary boy created by a young girl named Amanda to share her thrilling adventures. However, Rudger finds himself suddenly alone at The Town of Imaginaries, where forgotten Imaginaries live and find work. He faces Mr. Bunting, a mysterious threat who is after Imaginaries.

THE POWER OF IMAGINATION

*THE IMAGINARY* Cr: Netflix © 2024 Ponoc

The Imaginary has taken the concept of imaginary friends and made a whole world out of it. It perfectly balances world-building with the plot and it fully immerses you within the world of Imaginaries. In fact, it’s fascinating to see all this world-building, it’s a rich world that has a lot to offer. As the audience, you simply want to spend as much time as possible there. This film appeals to the child within us. Thus, people from any age can enjoy this whimsical journey. If you have kids, watch it with them, it will be a great family moment. It will make you smile, but it will also make you cry.

It’s an adventure that uses the power of imagination in order to tackle universal themes like love and loss. It reminds us that even though some things are meant to end, the feelings of it will always remain inside of us. That’s a powerful message to send to kids, it teaches them about loss and grief in a creative way. But, it’s a message that is just as important for us, adults, because sometimes we do forget. Imagination has a healing power. We’ve all had to rely on it at some point in our lives for some reason.

In addition, it’s a moving tale about growing up. We see this mostly through the eyes of Rudger. It’s an interesting perspective because he was born from the mind of a child. Despite, being born from imagination, he goes through the same steps as any human character. He is just as human as Amanda. I love when fantasy films can convey such strong messages and be more than just a simply adventure. It’s like this that you can truly touch your audience. And, The Imaginary does it beautifully.

Moreover, The Imaginary has gathered a fantastic voice cast including Takayuki Yamada (House of Ninjas) and Sakura Ando (Monster, Godzilla Minus One) who always shines in the roles she takes whether it is animation or drama.

VISUALS & SOUNDTRACK

Undoubtedly, Studio Ponoc takes inspiration from Studio Ghibli. After all, its creator Yoshiaki Nishimura is a former lead film producer at Ghibli and director Yoshiyuki Momose worked on several Ghibli films. It has a similar visual aesthetic. Like several of Ghibli films, The Imaginary takes place in a European-inspired setting. Here you can clearly recognize the British influence with British cops, ambulances, cosy houses that you would find in residential areas. While taking inspiration from Ghibli, Studio Ponoc is able to create its own visual style. The exquisite hand-drawn animation gives us striking visuals, transporting us into a truly imaginary world. Finally, Kenji Tamai has composed a beautiful score that works in symbiosis with this world.

VERDICT

The Imaginary is an uplifting film with exquisite hand-drawn animation. It is a whimsical journey about the healing power of imagination and a moving tale about growing up.