Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror

This 2009 family-friendly award-winning anime feature film was made to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Fuji TV. The dazzling visual originality far outpaces the plot, a through-the-looking-glass storyline built around the premise that Japan's misplaced or neglected objects are hoarded by supernatural fox-spirits and taken to an amazing netherworld—Oblivion Island—which is fashioned out of mountains of unwanted or forgotten things. Teenager Haruka ventures through the mystic portal leading to Oblivion Island, where she reunites with a long-lost stuffed animal and is soon on a quest for a hand-mirror—a memento of her late mother. But it turns out that mirrors are the most sought-after artifacts in this phantasmagoria, and an evil local boss covets Haruka's prize for all the usual conquer-the-universe motivations. Exquisite CGI animation sustains the viewer's attention throughout, even as the narrative travels down somewhat predictable paths. A dual-language release, rated TV-G, extras include a behind-the-scenes documentary, cast and filmmaker visits to relevant shrines and locations, and film premiere footage. Recommended. (C. Cassady)