While many animated movies may not have become a global phenomenon upon their release, they have managed to win over fantasy fans over time. Consequently, it’s becoming more common to find animated films that have become cult classics. This applies to one of the most underrated films by theAcademy Award-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda.
Luckily, while many cult classic films aren’t available to stream,HBO Max will soon add a batch of classic animefilms to its catalog, including Mamoru Hosoda’sThe Boy and The Beast, a fantasy masterpiece with a 90% Rotten Tomatoes rating that now has a chance to captivate even more viewers.
The Boy and the Beast Is an Underrated Fantasy Film That Hits Close to Home
The Boy and The Beastis a coming-of-age film deeply influenced bystories likeAlice in WonderlandandSpirited Awaythat follows a boy named Ren who, after a significant loss, encounters a hidden world filled with different beasts. Discarding his old name, Ren adopts a new identity as Kyuta, becoming a sort of disciple of the grumpy beast, Kumatetsu.
Despite having flown under the radar,The Boy and The Beastbrings a powerful message about finding a place to belong and the meaning of family. Furthermore, although much of the story ofThe Boy and The Beasttakes place in a fantasy world, it reflects today’s society, where growth is only possible with constant effort and acceptance of oneself.
WhileThe Boy and The Beasthas plenty of exciting action as Ren learns martial arts in the beast world, the film is full of symbolism and emotional moments, exploring the inner turmoil and uncertainty of growing up. However,The Boy and The Beastdoesn’t feel heavy thanks to its lighthearted comedy through Kyuta and Kumatetsu’s heartwarming mentor-student relationship.
The Boy and The Beast Isn’t the Only Must-Watch Anime Film Arriving at HBO Max
WhileThe Boy and The Beastis one of Hosoda’s finest works, and he has drawn comparisons toStudio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki, it’s not the only one of hisfilms debuting on HBO Max in stunning 4Kquality starting September 1. Hosoda’sSummer WarsandThe Girl Who Leapt Through Timewill also be available on HBO Max soon.
Despite being an anime film, its mature themes of loss and uprooting make it incredibly relatable for viewers from any part of the world. The wayThe Boy and The Beastconstructs an interesting, different parallel reality and presents a unique journey of self-discovery makes it amust-watch film for all fantasy lovers.
