Arietta
Arietta

Arietta

1989Movie52 minJapanese

A young widow becomes an SM call girl to pay off the debts accumulated by her yakuza husband. She's a depressed woman, merely going through the motions of existence, subjected to every cruel whim concocted by her clients. She's dedicated to the misery - even finding comfort in it - stumbling through life like a zombie.

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Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Director: Takashi AnnoGenres: Animation, Family, Fantasy

Plot Summary

In a magical kingdom, Arietta, a young girl with the power to communicate with animals, embarks on a quest to save her village from a mysterious blight. Accompanied by her loyal animal companions, she must find the legendary Sunstone, the only artifact capable of restoring life to the dying land. Along the way, she encounters challenges that test her courage and compassion.

Critical Reception

Arietta was a modest success, praised for its charming animation and heartwarming story. While not a major critical darling, it found an appreciative audience among families and fans of animated fantasy, with many commending its gentle pacing and positive messages.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its beautiful, hand-drawn animation and imaginative world-building.
  • Appreciated for its positive themes of environmentalism and friendship.
  • Some found the plot a bit predictable, but enjoyed the overall journey.

Google audience: Audience reviews are generally positive, with many viewers recalling it fondly as a nostalgic childhood favorite. They often highlight the film's visual beauty and its touching narrative about nature and companionship.

Fun Fact

The film's animation style was heavily influenced by traditional Japanese sumi-e ink paintings, giving it a unique visual aesthetic.

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