Synopsis
Launched in 2021, Child of Kamiari Month is a Japanese animated fantasy drama film. Its Japanese name, Kamiarizuki no Kodomo (神在月のこども) means, “the child of the month of gods.” It is based on the Shinto belief, the month of October, known as Kannazuki, the ‘month without gods’, is the time all the gods of Japan gather in the region of Izumo for their annual meeting. The region of Izumo, however, considers the month of October, Kamiarizuki, ‘the month of gods’, because it is believed that there is where all the gods congregate.
Kanna Hayama, the 12-year-old protagonist, is able to transformed the underlying grief that lost-wandered her self to a spiritual odyssey journeying. Child of Kamiari Month amplifies her this journey. It is a enchanting tale, set in the framework of the Japan mythology.
Kanna used to be an athletic and vibrant girl who shared an inseparable connection with her mother. They used to run and dream and spend time together. Kanna’s mother, who was also a passionate runner, used to view running as a spiritual form of offering and hoped to pass this legacy to her daughter. However, Kanna was left heartbroken and lost the ability to run after the death of her mother due to illness. Her grief, to an extent, felt as though she was grieving her entire being as it isolated her from the world.
As October approaches, a set of unusual events begins to unfold. Kanna finds a bracelet her mother left behind, and, not long after, finds herself in a fantastical realm that lies beneath the facade of the mundane world. Following this mystical talisman, she learns that she has been chosen to be a divine runner, a messenger of the gods, who offers her the responsibility of transporting offerings from all corners of the country to the gods that gather in Izumo.
Kanna’s unique journey takes her across the nation on extravagant quests for offerings tied to various gods or spirits. She is guided by the talking white rabbit Shiro and Yato, a demon boy with a soft heart despite his gruff demeanor and dark past.
It is the essence of Japanese mythology that Kanna appreciates deeply with each journey as she makes her way from one shrine to the other. Shining the best her spirituality can master, she performs godly offerings and engages in vibrant, sacred environments along with ultra-archiac ceremonies. But for Kanna, this is now a
whole new journey altogether.
The sight of a mother and a child, in Kanna’s mind, is vibrant with warmth and love. And it is this healing process and self-acceptance that she undertakes with every new step of the journey.
Kanna is laden with self-doubt, sorrow, regret, and anger, feeling that she is deeply unworthy of the role she has. Wondering why she has been chosen is a phenomenon almost every chosen one goes through. But as she moves on with her journey… it is then that she begins to feel the strength her mother has in her.In the penultimate scene, Kanna arrives at the izumo shrine, where the gods are congregated. She has to make the offerings to fulfill the mission. This part shows Kanna’s transition from a sorrowing child to someone who comprehends the complexities of love, attachment, and the art of erasure. The act of running transforms to a more purposeful act of living. Kanna embraces hope to fulfill her dead desires.
Cast & Crew
Aju Makita as Kanna Hayama (the main character of the film who undergoes emotional and spiritual growth)
Maaya Sakamoto as Kanna’s mother (the mother of Kanna who, despite her absence, is a guiding force.)
Miyu Irino as Yato (a demon boy who travels with Kanna and is a source of challenge and companions.)
Riko Nagase as Shiro (a character who is a wise and fascinating rabbit who is knowledgeable about the god’s traditions.)
Production Team:
Director: Takana Shirai
Screenwriters: Ryuta Miyake, Tetsuro Takita, Toshinari Shinohe
Animation: LIDENFILMS
Film Score: Kotaru Yamamoto
Duration: 99 Minutes
Release Languages: Japanese (Worldwide dubbing and subtitling available)
This animation is part of an engaging and artistic child-friendly animation film, which was produced through a unique funding collaboration. Crowdfunded by fans and myth with a desire to witness and appreciate more stories rooted in traditional Japanese Culture, along with Shinto enthusiasts contributed towards the successful funding of this story.
The animation done by LIDENFILMS is stunning, combining the earthly landscapes of the modern world with the ethereal textures and colors of the spirit world. The carefully constructed deities, shrines and ceremonial ranges harmoniously enhance the mood of the film with pensive emotions, rich adventure, and gentle touch of respect towards the ancient myths.
IMDb Ratings
With a 6.1/10 score on IMDb, Child of Kamiari Month appeals to both audiences and young viewers. It has received praise and gentle critique, and although a few strains of the story may have needed more depth, the overwhelming majority were captivated by the film’s artistic qualities and emotional depth, along with its rich culture.
People who like calm and reflective films, especially those fascinated by Japanese folklore and spirituality, seem to appreciate this one the most. The critics and the audience both consider the film an important attempt at fusing classical mythology with an overarching narrative of loss and reclamation of innocence.
Themes and Meaning
Child of Kamiari Month remains rooted in Japanese culture as most of its themes can apply to audiences globally.
- Grief and Healing
From the story, it is easy to pinpoint that Kanna’s mother’s grief and loss are juxtaposed with the heart of the story. The emotional aspect of Kanna resonates with so many children and even adults during their fragile moments when they are struggling to grasp the nature of loss. The film shows with so much gentleness that healing is not synonymous to forgetting, but learning to still have that love to carry onward.
- Spiritual Tradition
The story makes the viewers acquainted with Shinto religion, especially the idea of nature’s kami and the elementary Shrines, as well as the offerings that are part of its basic structure. It is an ideal way to introduce younger audiences to Japanese folklore.
- Strength Through Struggle
The way Kanna transforms from an inconsolable bereaved girl to a strong, determined young runner shows that with strength, comes an immense amount of hardships. Kanna’s story is one of many that prove the point that perseverance is truly inspirational.
- Family and Legacy
The connection between Kanna and her mother is pivotal to the narrative. Kanna is still guided by her mother’s love and wisdom after her passing. The film reiterates that the people we cherish never leave us because of the principles and the memories they have engraved in us.
- Friendship and Support
Kanna’s friends, in particular Shiro and Yato, are crucial to her development. Their support, laughter, and fights emphasize how vital friends are in enabling us to become better individuals.
Conclusion
Gentle, poetic, and spellbinding, Child of Kamiari Month is a film that contains rich emotional and spiritual beauty. The film gracefully captures the essence of the grieving process while incorporating culture, exemplified through Kanna’s experiences.
The film cannot simply be seen as a fantasy adventure, as its themes of love, memory, and resilience demonstrate. Rather, Child of Kamiari Month is an introspective piece about how we cope with the passing of loved ones and the indelible impression they leave on us.
Watch Free Movies on Kisscartoon
