The boy and the beast - 2015
An animation with a magical, soothing, and peaceful atmosphere. It stayed with me as a dear friend and brought me a consistent, indescribable addition; I still cannot put it into clear words because I need time to process and settle what I received.
Instead, I can say that the animation is an ode to friendship and bonding. Many at together, due to our connection, we can approach life's difficulties with more confidence, courage, and joy because we are not alone; we have someone who is there for us and completely accepts us. No matter the results, our weaknesses, or the mistrust we face.
The bond of friendship is real power and the most valuable resource we have; it gives us meaning, belonging, and security.
Just think how difficult it is to maintain a close relationship where you share everything you are and have. The difficulty itself highlights friendship's value. But real friendship is nurtured with joy, curiosity, respect, and sincerity.
The main characters, as the title suggests, are Kyuta (Ren) and Kumatestu: the boy and the beast. Both are similar and have faced similar situations; Ren comes from the human world, and Kumatestu from the spirit world.
Their finding, recognizing, and following each other, is not accidental; they were each other's key to fulfilling their life's needs. I liked how the animation shows their growth and connection, as well as their development (the delightful quarrels and conflicts) representing much love, great closeness, and raw, seemingly ineffective communication. However, behind this raw communication, we see respect as a fundamental attitude, the way they admire and follow each other, to the point where the master becomes a disciple and vice versa.
This phrase reflects friendship well, because in friendship, you can be both master and disciple simultaneously.
A concrete example is when Kyuta begins copying Kumatestu's movements.
He copied because Kumatestu learned independently; Kumatestu did not articulate precisely what he was doing. Because of this, he is a terrible teacher and cannot explain the steps clearly. Kyuta, realizing this and admiring Kumatestu, uses his own initiative until he, in turn, becomes a master at anticipating his opponent's movements.
These scenes show how something beautiful and valuable can arise from a difficult situation.
This means using your own initiative; by doing so, you become a master and can support the other in their greatest need.
And we see how, at the connection between Kyuta and Kumatestu, people join us who want to be near them. The monk and the monkey, characters who are dear to me.
As a second example, in antithesis but with good intentions, are Iozen and his son.
We see that bonds not carried to the end, that is, carried out in the area of friendship and sincerity, are weak.
Because there is a big difference between friendship and the connection between a disciple and a master.
And this connection between disciple and master has weaknesses, because you cannot see it to the end. The learner falls into the trap of idealization, and the master into the area of superiority and arrogance.
See the integrity speech that Iozen gives to Kumatestu.
In general, when concerned with giving integrity speeches and advising others, we must first ensure that we apply what we say.
What is worth highlighting in the movie is the darkness and the way it takes hold of you. I love those scenes very much. And we can also see from this that darkness you cannot cope with alone, and what protects you from the darkness are the bonds created and loved ones who remind you who you are.
All you have to do is let yourself be enveloped by the atmosphere and enjoy the animation to the fullest, because it is worth it. 😁
Below are some of the dialogues I have noted:
Am I missing talent?
Damn it! Laundry washing or cleaning, at first you knew nothing about it, but with a little teaching you quickly learned.
Those who work honestly learn quickly.
He is just like you now.
But if you are going to continue being his master, you have to think about what you really wanted when you were young.
Hey, Gaki, how long are you going to continue this farce? Like imitating someone makes you stronger.
I don't know how to hold a sword or punch, so please teach me.