Okko's Inn

Okko's Inn is a captivating animated movie that is both entertaining and emotionally satisfying. Released in 2018, it features the voices of Seiran Kobayashi, Nana Mizuki, and Satsumi Matsuda in leading roles. Set in a richly detailed world, the film embraces Japanese mythology, traditions, and aesthetics. The movie is adapted from a series of children's novels written by Hiroko Reijo. Yet, it surpasses the restrictions of targeting only the young audience but shares a storyline equally fascinating for adults.

The movie's primary focus is Okko (voiced by Seiran Kobayashi), a young orphan girl who, after losing her parents in a car accident, goes to live with her grandmother at a traditional Japanese inn located in the rural countryside. The inn, enchanted with charm and history, is much more than it first appears. As Okko tries to navigate her new life, she discovers that the inn is inhabited by friendly ghosts that only she can see.

These spiritual guests are Uribo (voiced by Satsumi Matsuda), a mischievous boy ghost, and Miyo (voiced by Nana Mizuki), a small, vivacious female demon. Interacting with these spirits becomes an integral part of Okko's daily routine, teaching her many life lessons along the way. From here, the storyline smoothly transitions from being a tragedy to a gentle coming-of-age tale,

discussing themes of grief, responsibilities, self-esteem and friendship.

The supernatural element doesn't turn Okko's Inn into a spooky film; rather it infuses it with a mystic charm, a sense of whimsy, and poignant emotional depth, turning it into a captivating fusion of the traditional and the modern. The film skillfully handles the subject of life after death, offering an optimistic view that encourages cherishing memories instead of fear.

Contrasting the supernatural elements, the movie also shows Okko's real life, where she endures training to become a "junior innkeeper" under her grandmother's tutelage. These sequences amusingly accentuate Okko's growth as they depict her struggle with her daily duties while hilariously and heartwarmingly interacting with the inn's guests.

The visual richness of Okko's Inn must be mentioned. The animation is nothing short of exquisite, featuring a color palette that remains faithful to its countryside setting. The movie's attention to detail, particularly in illustrating Japanese traditions and inn's architecture, enhances the viewing experience, offering audiences a slice-of-life view into traditional Japanese culture.

The character design and development are impeccable. Okko is a compelling and relatable protagonist who demonstrates resilience in the face of loss and change. Her journey from a grieving daughter to a responsible innkeeper is profoundly moving, superbly enhanced by Kobayashi's emotive voice acting. Each character, whether corporeal or spectral, is given a depth of personality, each playing an integral role in the narrative and Okko's character growth.

Undeniably, the movie's blend of comedy, pyrotechnic supernatural episodes, and deeply emotional sequences brings an engrossing depth, which renders the movie an immersive experience. Add to this the timeless life lessons rendered through a child's perspective, and the film's appeal factors increase manifold.

The soundtrack also complements both the lighter and more profound moments in the film. The traditional Japanese music goes hand in hand with the aesthetics of the film, enhancing the visual storytelling, especially during exploration of Japanese folk tales and cultural traditions.

In conclusion, Okko's Inn is a motivating story of personal growth, resilience, and acceptance. The movie, with its supernatural flair, beautiful visuals, compelling characters, and emotional narrative, is a gem both for kids and adults, offering them a delightful treat of animation with profound messaging. This under-the-radar animated film from 2018 is indeed an excellent pick for those who desire a visually captivating movie experience enriched with warmth, humor, and life-affirming lessons.