Contents
Introduction
When it comes to anime films, we often expect a captivating blend of heartwarming stories and breathtaking visuals. "The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes", based on the light novel by Mei Hachimoku and illustrated by Kukka, effortlessly delivers on these expectations. Directed by Tomohisa Taguchi, known for his work on Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood-War, this anime movie takes the audiences on an emotional journey, exploring themes of wishes, redemption, and the unbreakable links of friendship and love.
The Tunnel
The film's premise revolves around Urashima Tunnel, a mystical tunnel, rumored to possess the extraordinary power to grant any wish. However, this power comes at a steep price: every 10 seconds spent within the tunnel equates to over an hour of time lost in the outside world. This intriguing foundation sets the stage for a profound exploration of the human psyche, particularly in the context of remorse and the quest for self-discovery.
The Center of The Plot - Kaoru Touno
Kaoru Touno, a high school student burdened by the weight of his past, is at the center of the plot. His unintended role in his sister's tragic death leaves him with unbreakable remorse, especially since his sister's death became the reason why his family fell apart. In an attempt to atone for his mistakes and to bring back their family to what it once was, Kaoru starts on a trip to bring his sister from the dead by dragging her out of the mysterious Urashima Tunnel.
Kaoru is blamed by his drunk father for his sister Karen’s untimely demise.
Karen, Kaoru’s younger sister.
Kaoru's Partner In Crime - Anzu
Kaoru's journey crosses paths with Anzu Hanashiro, an intriguing and enigmatic young girl who, like Kaoru, is inexplicably drawn to the mysterious tunnel. Anzu is a multi-faceted character, combining an air of aloofness with a hidden well of compassion. Her character arc revolves around the pursuit of a profound dream left behind by her late grandfather – the dream of becoming a successful manga artist. However, beneath her aloof exterior, Anzu grapples with a deep-seated fear of inadequacy, bearing the heavy burden of unfulfilled aspirations on her shoulders.
Anzu and Kaoru meet for the first time.
These two young souls are linked by their deepest desires: Kaoru's fervent wish to reunite with his sister and Anzu's burning desire to attain extraordinary talent as a manga artist. Their desires drive them to the Urashima Tunnel, an enigmatic place that promises to fulfill their deepest desires. They form an alliance and set off on a quest to uncover the tunnel's secrets, gaining knowledge and understanding before claiming what they have been searching for. However, the path they take is riddled with uncertainties and difficulties. Will their determination and teamwork take them to victory, or will the mysteries of the Urashima Tunnel prove insurmountable? The answers lie in the unexplored territory that awaits them.
Anzu and Kaoru become partners in crime in exploring the Urashima Tunnel.
The Animation
One of the film's standout aspects is its animation, which is nothing short of breathtaking. The tunnel itself is a mesmerizing, vibrant world, beautifully designed to immerse viewers in its magic. The attention to detail extends to the characters, whose facial expressions, particularly their eyes, convey a depth of emotion that enhances the overall visual experience. The movie's aesthetic prowess is undeniable, making it a feast for the eyes.
The Urashima Tunnel is both ethereal and enigmatic.
This film is filled with beautiful backgrounds that add to its overall vibe and charm.
The Music
The film's music, while relatively basic, fits the tone of the plot wonderfully. The climax and conclusion are accompanied by songs that have a lasting impact, adding to the emotional impact of the story. Although monotonous at times, the voice acting excels in instances requiring emotional depth. Running, cursing, and crying are effectively conveyed, allowing the audience to empathize deeply with the characters.
The Crucial Details
A remarkable aspect of the film is the attention to detail in the early segments. Small intricacies and exchanges between the characters are introduced subtly and later referenced in the story's progression. These details serve as a rewarding element for attentive viewers, making the viewing experience richer and more engaging. Certain details, such as the characters' interaction at the train station, the manga that Anzu adores, and the umbrella, all prove crucial to the plot.
This umbrella, which appeared when they first met, is an important symbol of Anzu and Kaoru’s relationship.
Conclusions
However, no film is without its flaws, and The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes is no exception. Notably, the pacing appears disjointed, with the film appearing to be unaware of its comparatively short runtime. It takes its time developing the location and characters before rushing through the climax in the final twenty minutes. Additionally, it appears that the filmmakers may have trimmed a significant portion of content from the source material, leading to occasional confusion in interactions and scenes, especially in the latter half of the film. Because of this, several of Kaoru's actions and decisions during the climax feel out of character in comparison to his previous demeanor.
In the end, The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes takes viewers on a journey through time and emotions, providing a heartfelt exploration of loss, redemption, and the bittersweet nature of wishes. It's a visually enchanting and emotionally resonant anime that's well worth the watch.
The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes is still being shown in selected cinemas worldwide, so you better check if it’s showing in your area. And if you want to read the light novel instead, you can buy it straight from Japan, only here at ZenPlus!
What do you think?
Will Kaoru be reunited with Karen?
How many years have passed since Kaoru got out of the tunnel?
Will romance blossom between Anzu and Kaoru?
Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on social media: X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook! We’d love to hear from you!
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You can watch The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes in cinemas near you.
About The Writer
Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
