The Boy and the Beast

Directed by: Mamoru Hosoda
Produced by: Yuichiro Saito, Takuya Ito, Atsushi Chiba, Genki Kawamura
Written by: Mamoru Hosoda
Cast: Koji Yakusho, Aoi Miyazaki Shota, Sometani Suzu, Hirose Kazuhiro, Yamaji Mamoru, Miyano Kappei,
Yamaguchi Keishi, Nagatsuka Kumiko
Music by: Masakatsu Takagi
Released: 2015

Plot: Nine-year-old Ren has recently lost his mother. With no news of his father and refusing to live with his legal guardians, Ren flees into the streets of Shibuya. Ren steals some food and sleeps in an alley, reminiscing the aftermath of his mother's funeral.

In the Beast Kingdom, the grandmaster has decided he will retire in order to reincarnate as a deity and names two potential successors: the popular Iozen, who is also the father of two children, and the powerful Kumatetsu, who is lonely and lazy. The Grandmaster suggests that Kumatetsu find a disciple in hopes of inspiring him to succeed him.

While wandering the streets of Tokyo with his makeshift companion, Tatara, Kumatetsu meets Ren and suggests that the boy becomes his disciple. Though Ren is fiercely opposed, he follows Kumatetsu back to the Beast Kingdom out of curiosity but is unable to go back to the human world. As he watches a battle between Iozen and Kumatetsu, Ren is impressed with Kumatetsu's persistence despite the lack of support from onlookers. When Ren cheers for him, Kumatetsu is easily defeated. However, the Grandmaster declares the actual duel of succession has not come yet.

Taking Ren as a disciple, Kumatetsu gives him a new name, Kyuta. Their initial training sessions go poorly, but Kyuta realizes that he can learn from Kumatetsu by imitating him while performing his household chores. The boy gradually discovers that he can predict his master's movements, and can dodge and move adeptly in combat. They soon begin training together. After eight years, the teenage Kyuta has become a distinguished kendo practitioner. Moreover, through his relationship with Kyuta, Kumatetsu gains his own following of supporters, including the younger son of Iozen, Jiromaru, who wishes to be trained by Kumatetsu.

Review: This is a fun and fabulous story of an orphaned boy who is raised by a Warrior beast. The characters are realistic and have a range of faults that make them easy to relate to. Mamoru Hosoda has crafted a fantasy where our protagansist runs away and is transported to a world where mammals live and work. Where a wariior bear takes on the task of teaching him how to live a warriors life.

As a key factor to the storyline,the young boy has a recentment and mistrust of authority. Ren is nine years old when he finds himself conflicted with the news that distant relatives are going to take him in and raise him. Ren's mistrust of authority may stem from the sudden death of his Mother and the Father that was never there when he needed him. In Ren's anger he runs away and finds himself in Jutengai, a fantastic world where animals work and fight. Kumatetsu, the beast mentioned above, abducts Ren and does all he can to both protect and teach him how to survive.

This is a coming of age story full of funny twists and interesting characters. There is a moderate level of violance and langage which may need to be considered when showing to younger viewers. Though the message regarding strength and the importance of determined perseverence along with team work is clear throughout the movie. Perhaps this is ideal for an older age group. Such as older tweens to teens.

M J Flack