Makoto Shinkai's dreamy anime revolves around Asuna, a studious and self-sufficient young girl—living with her widowed mother and a tiny cat—who enjoys going to her favorite hideaway, a high ledge overlooking her rural village, where she listens to strange music and voices coming from a radio receiver her deceased father left behind. One day Asuna encounters a fearsome bear-like creature, and a mysterious young man named Shun swoops in to save her from this “gatekeeper,” while also warning her to stay away from the promontory. After revealing he's from the underworld of Agartha, Shun disappears, and Asuna becomes determined to find him. Her teacher, Mr. Morisaki, tells Asuna about Agartha (like her, he hopes to resurrect someone from the dead), and aided by Shun's brother, the two join forces to explore the world below. Little do they realize that their presence threatens the survival of the hidden land, as more creatures appear and revelations ensue. Presented in a dual-language release, rated TV-PG, extras include audio commentary, a “making-of” featurette, and cast and crew interviews. Recommended. (K. Fennessy)
Children Who Chase Lost Voices
(2012) 116 min. DVD: 2 discs, $29.98; Blu-ray: $39.98. Sentai Filmworks (avail. from most distributors). ISBN: 978-1-6161-5234-5 (dvd), 978-1-6161-5235-2 (blu-ray). Volume 28, Issue 2
Children Who Chase Lost Voices
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