[Its] familiar beats cunningly coalesce into an elaborate plot, set to Takagi Masakatsu's bustling score.

The soundscape is rich, and the beast-battles well executed. But the characters never develop beyond their two-word descriptors: Conflicted Boy, Lonely Girl, Angry Son, etc.

The whole thing displays that combination of visual flair and wildly inventive storytelling that distinguishes Japanese animation from the rest of the field.

... not only are there stories beyond our borders worth seeing, but that not all animation is strictly for young children. Sometimes they’re for mature audiences ready to go on a fantastical adventure that may just heal the hole in your heart.