Makoto Shinkai's 2011 film, Children Who Chase Lost Voices, has arrived on Amazon Prime Video, complete with English dub and subtitle options. The movie, which won the Platinum Grand Prize at the 2012 Future Film Festival, follows Asuna, a young girl who ventures into a mythical underworld in search of a way to bring back a departed loved one.
Known for his breathtaking visual style, Shinkai crafts a vibrant fantasy world reminiscent of Studio Ghibli's more adventurous fare, exploring themes of loss, mythology, and the clash between the familiar and the unknown. The film's original story, penned by Shinkai himself, diverges from his typical slice-of-life narratives, opting for a grander, more overtly fantastical adventure.
While often compared to Hayao Miyazaki's work due to its lush animation and young female protagonist, Children Who Chase Lost Voices carves out its own identity with a narrative focused on gods, ancient civilizations, and the philosophical implications of resurrection. The journey Asuna undertakes is as much an internal exploration of grief and acceptance as it is an external quest through a magical landscape.
With a solid 7.5 rating on MyAnimeList from over 104,000 voters, the film offers a compelling, self-contained story that showcases Shinkai's directorial prowess before his later, more internationally recognized hits like Your Name. and Weathering with You. It's a visually rich experience that stands as a unique entry in the director's filmography.
