In this Corner of the World | Anime Movie | Blu-ray, DVD

In This Corner of the World is a 2016 Japanese animated film directed by Sunao Katabuchi, based on the manga of the same name by Fumiyo Kōno. The story follows Suzu Urano, a young woman who moves from Hiroshima to the small town of Kure after marrying her cousin, Shūsaku, during World War II. As Suzu navigates her new life in a war-torn Japan, she faces the challenges of daily survival amidst the horrors of air raids, food shortages, and the constant threat of bombings. Despite the adversity, the film explores Suzu’s resilience, her adaptation to the wartime environment, and her enduring love for her family.

The film is notable for its poignant portrayal of the human cost of war, particularly through the experiences of ordinary people rather than soldiers. It highlights the emotional impact of World War II on those who lived through it, showing the strength of women and families in times of hardship. The narrative is filled with quiet, personal moments that contrast with the larger devastation of the war, bringing an intimate, heartfelt perspective to historical events. The film’s visual style, hand-drawn animation, captures the beauty of everyday life even in such challenging circumstances.

In This Corner of the World received widespread critical acclaim for its storytelling, animation, and emotional depth. It won numerous awards, including the Hiroshima Peace Film Award and multiple accolades at Japanese film festivals. The film was praised for its realistic depiction of wartime life, especially its focus on the impact of the atomic bomb and the resilience of the survivors. The movie also earned a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 21st Online Film Critics Society Awards, though it ultimately lost to Coco.