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Berlin – Yoshitoshi Shinomiya’s directorial debut, A Recent Dawn, currently in competition at the Berlinale, is a visually arresting but narratively elusive animated feature exploring themes of tradition, modernization and the impact of development on a close-knit community. The film, a co-production between Japan and France, blends painterly backgrounds, traditional animation techniques, and even claymation to tell a story centered around a family fireworks factory facing imminent destruction.

Shinomiya, previously known for his work as an art director on the acclaimed anime film Your Name, delivers a film steeped in Japanese culture, yet grappling with universal themes of family legacy and environmental change. Although the film’s visual originality is undeniable, critics suggest the script lacks the emotional resonance found in other celebrated Japanese animated works like Spirited Away or those produced by Studio Ghibli. Nevertheless, A New Dawn is generating buzz at the festival and is expected to travel internationally.

The story revolves around the Obinata family and their generations-old fireworks business. Sentaro Obinata, known as Chichi (voiced by Miyu Irino), and his younger brother Keitaro (Riku Hagiwara) live with their father, Eitaro (Takashi Okabe), in a ramshackle house overlooking a sea inlet. Their family’s livelihood, and the house itself, are threatened by a municipal order to recover unpaid debts and redevelop the land – a process described in the film as “administrative subrogation.” The arrival of official notices to sell the property disrupts the lives of the brothers and their childhood friend, Kaoru Shikimori (Kotone Furukawa), who dreams of joining the family business, according to reports from the Japan Times.

Four years after the initial notices are served, the situation has deteriorated. Eitaro is gone, and Keitaro remains in the house, resisting the inevitable. Chichi, now working for the highly municipality that is pursuing his family, returns home to convince Kaoru to help him persuade Keitaro to leave before authorities forcibly remove him. The film explores the complex dynamics between the characters as they grapple with the impending loss of their home, and heritage.

The narrative delves into the history of the Obinata family, revealing that their fireworks-making tradition dates back generations, even to their ancestors’ days as pirates. The impending destruction of their home is not merely a financial issue but a loss of cultural identity and a connection to the past. The local government’s plans involve draining the sea inlet and replacing it with solar panels, a move that, while environmentally conscious, represents a further erosion of the area’s natural beauty, as noted by Screen Daily.

A Climax of Fireworks and Spiritual Significance

As the authorities prepare to evict Keitaro, he decides to make a final, defiant statement. He plans to unleash a massive fireworks display, known as the “shuhari,” a device imbued with spiritual meaning for the Obinata family and deeply rooted in the lore surrounding fireworks. The climactic sequence, executed with a blend of traditional and CGI animation, is described as “hallucinatory” and visually stunning. The film’s apply of animation, particularly its depiction of watery realms, echoes Shinomiya’s previous work on Your Name, resonating with the abstract patterns created by fireworks in the sky.

While the film’s narrative may be challenging for viewers unfamiliar with Japanese cultural nuances, the visual spectacle and thematic depth offer a compelling cinematic experience. Critics at IndieWire suggest the film’s script doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of its visual artistry, but acknowledge its originality and potential appeal.

Berlinale and the Rise of Japanese Animation

A New Dawn is screening in competition at the 76th Berlinale International Film Festival, marking a significant moment for Japanese animation. The festival has championed Japanese animated films since Spirited Away won the Golden Bear in 2002 (shared with Bloody Sunday), elevating the medium to the same level of recognition as live-action cinema. The film’s participation in the competition signals a continued appreciation for the artistry and storytelling of Japanese animation on the international stage.

The film runs for 1 hour and 15 minutes and features a soundtrack by Shuta Hasunuma. The cast includes Riku Hagiwara, Kotone Furukawa, and Miyu Irino.

As A New Dawn continues its festival run, its reception will likely determine its broader distribution and impact. The film’s exploration of cultural preservation, environmental concerns, and familial bonds offers a timely and thought-provoking narrative, even if its complexities require attentive viewing.

What are your thoughts on the intersection of tradition and progress in storytelling? Share your comments below and let us know what you feel of this unique animated feature.