Personally, my attention span is way too short for me to sit and watch a series or movie. But this movie, it brought a deep, emotional story to vivid life with beautiful animation. This movie is called “The Stranger by the Shore”. This movie was made in 2020, and it is absolutely beautiful, and has a touching romance that delves into identity, acceptance, and self-discovery. With its stunning seaside setting and developed characters, it’s one of the most memorable romantic movies.
The movie follows Shun Hashimoto, an aspiring novelist on an island, and Mio Chibana, a high school student grappling with the loss of his mother. As Mio leaves the island and returns three years later, emotions are restored, setting off an emotional roller coaster of love and acceptance between two men. Their romance is realistically and movingly portrayed, with both the hurt and joy of same-sex love in a society that is not always accepting.
One of the standouts of The Stranger by the Shore is the animation. The film is filled with warm, muted colors and rich backgrounds that help to bring the coastal town to life. The animation is also fluid, with every frame appearing to be a beautiful painting. The movement of the waves in the ocean, the sunset, and the gentle breeze all help to create the ethereal, peaceful atmosphere that helps to make the story even more powerful.
Another highlight is the storytelling. The movie doesn’t push its romance but allows the characters to develop naturally. Shun and Mio’s meetings are authentic, with credible dialogue and emotions that draw their romance closer to reality. The movie also balances well between light, comedic moments and dark, emotional ones. The soundtrack is likewise ideal for the movie, with soft piano music and mellow instrumentals being utilized to evoke the feeling of each scene.
What is so great about The Stranger by the Shore is how it deals with LGBTQ+ themes. It does not fall into pandering to stereotypes as previous movies have in the past. The movie depicts realistically the issues of a same-sex relationship while still celebrating love in purity. It makes it a really important movie for anime fans starving to see more diversity in the genre.
Even though the movie is only an hour long, it does manage to tell an emotional and effective story in that time. Some may desire more, but the length of the movie personally was just enough.
The Stranger by the Shore is generally a must-watch for anyone who likes anime, romance, and emotional drama. With its beautiful animation, touching love story, and significant themes, it is a lovely film that will linger long after the credits roll. It’s a reminder that love is many things and that everyone is entitled to happiness regardless of who they are. This movie shows that anime can be more than entertainment; it can be a great method for telling meaningful stories that touch the heart.
