Ni No Kuni Movie LadiesGamers.com

Ni No Kuni Movie – Video Game Animated Adaptations

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a feature in the “Video Game Animated Adaptations” series, but with the Netflix release of the Ni No Kuni movie I figured it could do with a return. You can find Yvonne’s review of the Switch port of the first Ni No Kuni game here.

This movie released in August last year in Japan, and arrived with an English dub on Netflix this January. It was produced by OLM, Inc. who often make Pokemon movies. Just like the sequel to the original game, Studio Ghibli has no involvement but a few figures from that studio do. The director of this movie have worked for Ghibli. While Joe Hisaishi the composer, is well known both for his own work and that with Ghibli, he also composed for both Ni No Kuni games.

The Other World

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An important element of both Ni No Kuni games is the connection between the two worlds. This movie features that with the main characters being from our world, and crossing into the other one. The setting of the movie isn’t one I’m familiar with (I only played the sequel) but it appears that it is set some time past the first game. The majority of the cast are humans but the other races are shown, including the fairies with their Welsh accents. It seems that a character from the first game appears (or at least is wearing their clothes).

One of the major plot points deals with the connection people in the two worlds have. Which is used in both games as well. So for someone whose played either game watching this it might be a little frustrating. As one of the main sources of conflict is around confusion on this concept.

A Tale

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The main two characters Yuu and Haru are friends, with the later dating Kotona, which causes some jealously. Early on Kotona is stabbed by a stranger, and when trying to help her both Yuu and Haru are transported to the other world. Where they shortly find her counterpart who is also in dire peril. Throughout the movie they go between worlds a few times. The major story themes of this movie being lifelong bonds, desire, jealously and well as protection and sacrifice.

The story itself is not very good. As I said before the conflict is something that will annoy anyone who’s played the games especially. There’s also a very expected plot twist just with some extra details. Though one thing I expected to happen didn’t which I’m glad for.

Light and Magic

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The visuals were a mix between 2D and 3D art. Only a couple of times was the 3D painful to look at. The movie is generally pretty but it does definitely seem that there’s a difference between what this could have been if it was a full budget Ghibli film instead. Most looks good and shows of the world well, but it has a bit more of a budget feel for this movie than I would have expected.

Overall

While it is nice to see the other world of Ni No Kuni in a movie, I felt there wasn’t much to it. It doesn’t stand out visually and the story is largely predictable. It seems only worth watching for Ni No Kuni fans and only if they don’t mind something with a generic story.

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