The anime film based on the novel Lonely Castle in the Mirror (Kagami no Kojō) by Mizuki Tsujimura is now available to stream in India via Netflix. This film adaptation, which debuted in Japan in December 2022, has captured the attention of viewers and critics alike thanks to its moving narrative and stunning visual design.
Lonely Castle in the Mirror It is set in a quiet Tokyo neighborhood and follows seven teenagers who discover that the mirrors in their rooms mysteriously glow. Upon touching them, they are transported to a magical castle filled with spiraling staircases, watchful portraits, and sparkling chandeliers.
This new haven offers the youngsters a series of clues that will lead them to a hidden room where one of them will be able to make a wish. However, there is a catch: if they fail to leave the castle before five o’clock, they will face a punishment.
As the plot progresses, a devastating truth is revealed: only those who dare to share their stories will be saved. In this way, the story explores various themes that give it a special touch, such as loneliness, courage and the importance of human connection, offering an emotionally deep and reflective experience.
The author of Lonely Castle in the Mirror and its trajectory
Mizuki Tsujimura, the author Lonely Castle in the Mirroris known for her ability to create moving narratives that capture people’s attention. She published the original novel in Japan in 2017, and her work has been praised for its ability to convey the emotional and psychological complexity of characters. The work won the Japan Booksellers Prize in 2018. Additionally, the previous year it was listed as a Da Vinci Magazine Book of the Year and won the grand prize at the 2017 King’s Brunch Book Prize.
Tsujimura is also known for other notable works, such as the novel Anime Supremacy! and her contribution as a writer in the manga A School Frozen in Time by Naoshi Arakawa. Her emphasis on exploring character psychology and emotional dynamics has made her an influential figure in contemporary Japanese literature.
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About the production team behind the magic
The anime of Lonely Castle in the Mirror It is directed by Keiichi Hara, a renowned director famous for his work in Colorful, Miss Hokusai y The Wonderland.
Like the author of the work, Hara is known for his ability to tackle deep and emotional themes in his animated films. The script was written by Miho Maruo, who also worked on the scripts for Miss Hokusai y The Wonderland.
The character design was done by Keigo Sasaki, who has also participated in the production of Blue Exorcist, ERASED y The Seven Deadly SinsHe was also the film’s lead animation director.
The visual design of the castle was supervised by Russian artist Ilya Kuvshinov, a co-worker of Miho Maruo and Hara at The Wonderland.
The music, which seeks to complement the magical and emotional atmosphere of the film, was composed by Harumi Fuuki.
The film was nominated for the Best Animation Award at the 46th Japan Academy Film Awards, a testament to the quality and impact it has had on the animation industry.
A story to enjoy in a rich variety of formats
The manga adaptation of the novel Lonely Castle in the Mirror was released by Mito in Ultra Jump in 2019. The series was completed with the publication of the fifth and final compiled volume by Shueisha in May 2022. The manga is currently licensed by Seven Seas, making it easier for international readers to access this heartwarming story in a new format.
The story in its original form, Mizuki Tsujimura’s novel, was first published in English by Doubleday in April 2021.
The anime adaptation, along with the manga versions and the original novel, offer fans a variety of ways to explore this narrative of Lonely Castle in the Mirror.
Source: https://reporteasia.com/region/japon/2024/08/25/anime-lonely-castle-in-the-mirror-llega-india/
