Mon oni à moi

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.

"My Oni Girl" plays with fire, in it utilizes a lot of story tropes that drive me crazy in less talented hands. I typically hate stories where misunderstandings lead to people running away. I hate vague world building with unclear consequences. And I hate when stories take an extreme tonal shift part way through the story. But, in this film, these things didn't bother me as much. The secret to that success comes down to the likability of our main characters.

The animation and voice acting are both really good. I want to give a special shoutout to Victoria Washington who plays Tsumugi in the English Dub, she does a great job conveying all the emotions this character goes on.

The first half of the movie is almost formatted like it could be episodes in an anime series. The two leads come across various characters on their adventure and help them out in some way. This isn't a format I typically enjoy. But in this one we get to see how kind and thoughtful our main character Hiigari is. Hiigari is just the nicest guy, the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back.

The worldbuilding might be vague, but the audience is given just enough information to keep things grounded yet mysterious.

The movie takes a drastic turn in tone about halfway through. Always refreshing when a movie keeps you on your toes.

Much like the Tsumugi, the movie might be a little demon, but it so cute and likable I can't help but enjoy it.

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.

It's a beautiful animation, but personally I found it limp and empty. Can be a good choice for children's maybe, but don't watch it to have a good time or good thinking.

I was really bored, there were terrible lengths and poorly managed pacing for my taste. There's some unexplained mysteries, normaly I don't like stories that leave mysteries open and without explanation, but they were so little captivating that I didn't even tried to think about them.

I nosedived several times and sped through the end... Nothing special about it, it left me with a kind of time lost feeling.

Probably not my style.

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.