[Film] Tokyo Godfathers

"Tokyo Godfathers" was created by Satoshi Kon, who also directed "Millennium Actress", a film that I absolutely adored. The concept of "Tokyo Godfathers" is less obscure and abstract than "Millenuunium Actress," and some might say less accomplished. It is however a very entertaining feel-good movie. Set around the time of Christmas, the movie centers around three hobos that include a middle-aged drunkard, a runaway teenager and a transvestite. This odd trio lives together in a shelter made out of carbon boxes and bickers their days away. Their days get interesting however when they find a abandoned baby at a dumpster, and instead of going to the police, they decide to find the mother themselves with little clues they could gather. The search takes them all over Tokyo, and in the process of finding the mother, they also find out something about themselves and each other.

The movie is hilarious and heartwarming at the same time. The director managed to make the subject of homelessness light-hearted without cheapening the grim reality of it. It is also interesting for someone like me who have never been to Tokyo to get a glimpse of the city through the eyes of an animator. I don't know much about the technical aspect of making an animation, but I'm always amazed by how many subtle and thoughtful details were put into a film after watching the extras. DVDs are really good in this respect. They help the audience gain a better appreciation of the film-making process and therefore of the film itself.

The story of "Tokyo Godfathers" is like I mentioned very light-hearted. There is no in-depth analysis of social issues or homeless people in Tokyo. The plot is borderline absurd, and yet there is something to it that is sweet and hopeful. You can't help liking and rooting for the eccentric characters. In short, it is a very fun movie to watch.

8/10