With the Bad comes the Good (A Brave Story Review)

That was beautiful, one of the (rare?) moments where Gonzo did not screw up. This has been on my ‘must-watch’ list ever since I saw the trailer subbed by [Loli-subs]. I finally *ahem* ‘acquired’ it the other day and was waiting for an opportunity to watch it.

Please do not be put off by the initial story. I must admit, the intro or prologue was rather weak in its execution. It was only until Wataru (our protagonist) reached Vision (the place where most of the story takes place — a sort of alternate dimension, think generic RPG land) that the story really took off. Admittedly, the story has a lot in common with your everyday J-RPG but it is in the execution of this story as well as further plot elements (which occur in the latter stages of the movie) which really help Brave Story stand on its own feet.

If it wasn’t glaringly obvious already, this is a fantasy story with your typical child hero, or ‘hero-apprentice’. This isn’t your action-packed thriller with mind-wracking puzzles to ponder over and this certainly isn’t your mind-numbing sci-fi flick with half-naked androids. This is a family movie, a kids movie, something to enjoy on that lazy Sunday afternoon. Think Ghibli.

In fact, Ghibli’s films are a good parallel to draw to this one. You’ve got the pre-teen protagonist, the magical world and heart-warming story. You’re onto something here Gonzo! Of course, apart from the fact that the protagonist is male, rather than the female ones preferred by Ghibli (lolicons, the lot of them!).

I suppose I simply must talk about the visual aspect. THE ANIMATION IS BLOODY AMAZING! (Especially the dragonflight) There, I got that out of my system. But honestly, the animation is indeed superb. Like I said, Gonzo have outdone themselves with this flick. This is the Gonzo of Last Exile fame and not of Full Metal Panic! notoriety. Characters are surprisingly fluid in their movement and the action sequences are breathtakingly animated. That said, the CG is good but nothing to be awed at. Also, character design is acceptable but not great. Though I suppose, the simplistic style does suit the target audience of the film, the designs remind me of Noein’s in a way. They both share that same simple but not-so-simple design (blegh, I suck at explaining such things).

Music too is breathtakingly good. I loved every minute of it. Especially that insert song that played during the whole “We’re on a journey but we’ll just fast forward this whole bit and put some catchy music in” bit. Oh and the ED was notable as well, well granted a pick up sometime. (If anyone knows what they’re called/who they’re by — please, do tell!)

However, there are a few plot holes in the story itself. For example, how the heck does Ashikawa summon whatever that thing is in the beginning? And what was he doing out of Vision in the first place? I mean, he just keeps going in and out of Vision whilst Wataru merely goes in once. Another thing that isn’t explained is the timescale of the whole adventure. I mean (without any spoilers!) when Wataru gets back, it is as if no time has passed in the ‘material world’ but no mention is made of this!

But, putting those (relatively minor) issues aside, Brave Story is a solid watch and I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed, especially if you’re a Ghibli fan.

Rating: 80/100 monkeys.

can someone tell me what this says? i happen to be rather bad at moonspeak..