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It is not often that we come across a film so endearing that it’d give us food for thought. Such is the case withTokyo Godfathers, a classic that stands undisputed in terms of its visuals and unique plot.
Compared to Satoshi Kon’s previous movies, this Christmas classic is a warm hug on a winter’s day. Mainly because of its portrayal of the festival along with realism and fantasy. Above all, it toppled cancel culture in its unique way.
It weaves lives and narratives into a sonder symphony. Be it Gin or Miyuki, Kon left no stone unturned in his portrayal of complexities. But most of all, it was his representation of transwomen that eclipses other films.
Interestingly, his take on parenthood and complex relationships is what makes the film stand out in most aspects. But we have barely scratched the surface with this one.
Tokyo Godfatherswas way ahead of its game
Released in 2003,Tokyo Godfathersis one of thefinest animated classicsthat is reminiscent of Christmas. While it may not hoot about the festivities, it has its unique way of bringing people together. The festival is a mere vehicle to lay out the major events in the story.
The movie’s central focus lies on Gin, Miyuki, and Hana who find a newborn Kiyoko trashed inside a bin. The baby is almost viewed as a Christmas miracle by Hana. The three characters seek to reunite the baby with its parents.
The film perfectly brings out the nuances related to the brutalities of life. Compared to Kon’s previous films, it is a light-hearted yet realistic take on human relationships. Homelessness isn’t glossed over throughout the plot.
Rather, it brings the characters together as they bond over the difficulties in life. One of these is Hana, a transwoman who grapples with the reality after her lover’s tragic passing. From AIDS to gender, the film was way ahead of its time in itssensitive portrayal and representation.
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Most RedditorsdeemHana’s portrayal as true to life albeit the ever-present cancel culture.
Other than that, Hana’s need for motherhood stems from her loss and grief. While it may not be the best portrayal, it carved a niche through its unconventional storytelling. But most of all, Satoshi Kon’s exploration of parenthood and relationships reiterates sensibility and authenticity.
Parenthood through Satoshi Kons’ lens
Satoshi Konbrilliantly portrayed motherhood through Hana’s eyes. A boisterous transwoman and a former drag artist, Hana is second to none. This is especially true when it comes to her care for her close ones including Kiyoko.
Motherhood as a virtue is explored beautifully through the Christmas Miracle. Though the film may not be politically perfect it is trailblazing in every single way. One of the key highlights of the film is the ever-present yet conflicted relationships between characters.
As a visionary, Kon’smasterpieces have influenced Hollywoodfor the most part. Tokyo Godfathers, too, like most of his films stands out as a riveting tale of politically flawed characters. They wade through the perils of life and it is the adversities of life that tie them together.
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Interestingly, each character has their vulnerabilities in the film. From Miyuki’s troubled past with her absent father to Hana’s lover tragically passing away, Kon blends these profundities well in this Christmas movie.
Tokyo Godfathersis available for streaming on Apple TV.
Himanshi Jeswani
Anime Writer
Articles Published :993
Himanshi Jeswani is an anime writer at Fandomwire, with her work spanning over 900 articles. Her articles cover shojo, shonen, seinen, and all things beyond. Her interests, however, aren’t limited to simply anime. She has a penchant for exploring different genres of manga, be it horror, yanki, music, and food. She brings out her specialization and expertise in the performing arts through her articles. As a writer, she strives to bridge the gap between the viewers and the medium itself. To her, anime is a revolutionary medium that is capable of creating communities and stories after all.
