An animator and director (Miyazaki), a second director (Isao Takahata), and a producer (Toshio Suzuki) met over thirty-five years ago and after a few collaborations which reached their apex in 1984 with Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, they formed Studio Ghibli in 1985.
If the upcoming Netflix series fails to do justice to the books, it will be sadly missed opportunity, but we'll still have this film which is a worthwhile version of a children's story about encountering tragedy which elucidates the nature of evil. (Elucidate is a big word meaning "to make clear.")
In a film filled with contrasts, finding quiet by traveling into the eye of the storm is a central paradox.
Frank has scripted another solid screenplay for a tense thriller with good pacing, a high level of suspense, and a decent mystery.
Credit needs to be given to director Farzad Nikbakht for presenting the sport, which the players describe as a cross between rugby and dodgeball, as if there were nothing unnatural about it.
Despite the many second act flaws, the film is not without merit. The opening act is very strong, the four leads dig into their characters with relish, and Arturo Rogriguez composed an effective, atmospheric score.
Clannad is an ambitious anime, touching on themes of friendship, family, grief, memory, and growing up.
