Mi querida oni

Although all the characters are written fine, I do have an issue with Tsumugi. She's not badly written but can act stubbornly stupid at times. She does not seem to know what she wants. Kind of person who will ask for your help one minute, but then later tell you to get away, she doesn't need your help. She is a very cliche "I need to do this myself" sort of character. At the same time, it makes absolutely no sense, as what is going on really does have an impact on others, and this is not all about her. It's a character that thinks she's being brave but is truly being selfish.

Another disappointment is the onis themselves; they did not carry anything interesting but their horns, no difference in culture or language, they even wear the same clothes as humans, yet live away from them just because. This is pretty much like a Studio Ghibli movie, kinda like Spirited Away, minus the magic. The animation does all right, but nothing visually spectacular here. And it lacks that interesting relationship between the main characters that you get in a Ghibli film. Sometimes the story feels like it doesn't make a lick of sense, and sometimes it feels like something's happening simply because. That being said, the story wasn't written in an interesting enough manner where you really cared about the stakes by the end.

Directed by Tomotaka Shibayama, "My Oni Girl" is a 2024 Japanese animated film that aims to merge fantasy with a coming-of-age story. However, despite its intriguing concept, the film ultimately falls short due to a story that feels underdeveloped and misses its mark.

The animation is impressive, and the Oni girl, with her distinctive features and playful charm, initially draws viewers in. Yet, as the plot progresses, it becomes clear that the storyline lacks the necessary depth and clarity. The narrative wanders aimlessly without a solid focus.

While the fantasy aspects could have enriched the characters and themes, they are introduced but not fully explored. Important plot developments seem rushed or insufficiently examined, which diminishes the emotional impact.

Although the protagonist's inner conflicts are suggested, they are not thoroughly explored, leading to a disconnect in their character growth. The dynamics between characters, especially between Hiragi and the Oni girl, lack the richness needed to make their exchanges truly impactful.

Fans of animated films might appreciate the visuals, but those looking for a strong narrative may find themselves disappointed.

Of course they are high schoolers, of course there are fireworks, of course parents have little to no effect on their children at all, of course it's full of supernatural stuff going on, of course they shower after rain but this time, it's not rain, it's snow.

Characters have no personality, you don't get what this movie is about. What's the message? What is the point? Why are we watching? NOTHING EXPLAINED! Just like most animes, you just have to accept whatever you see i guess.

The only ok part was the few 20 mins which was relaxing. But then as soon as supernatural things start, it becomes unbearable.

SKIP IT, WATCH SOMETHING WORTHY.

Had this movie recommended on my Netflix and just watched it because I was bored and don't know what else to watch. The animation was nice but the whole story and plot was just poorly explained. So many unanswered questions, so many things happened for the sake of happening. So many "WTF", "why", "what is the goal here" moments. At the end, the person missing for years just came home from a place within a few hours of running from the village she was disappeared from. No explaination of why she had to go there, why can't she just go back. Tsumugi just found her and then everybody go back hom lol. I was like "WHAT?!". I was so sure it must have been a sloppy animated version of some manga/novel where a lot of details were cut to fit in the film because there were SO MANY details unexplained. But nope. It's an original movie and wasn't based on any story. What the hell. Just a bunch of random things happening, random goals for characters to chase and everything worked out just because it's the end of the movie.

Something about this movie fell short. It was so predictable, and really fell flat on what I think it was trying to do. The emotional scenes had me yawning and were not moving. The English voice acting was atrocious. The animation was lazy at times. The main girl character lacked any personality worth mentioning. Really the whole movie lacked personality. There was a super weird scene with a brother and sister that left me uncomfortable and guessing at the suggestive incest implications? I don't know.

Overall it was a very bland movie that felt like a waste of time. I think it's a good watch for kids but you will be disappointed as an older teenager or adult imo.