Director Mamoru Hosoda's 2018 animated fantasy film Mirai is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. The feature made history as the first movie not produced by Studio Ghibli to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.
Hosoda is regarded as one of the most prominent figures in contemporary anime, frequently compared to the spirit of Studio Ghibli while maintaining a distinct personal style. His work combines everyday themes such as family, identity, and growing up with fantasy elements, supported by detailed animation. His previous directing credits include The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, Wolf Children, and The Boy and the Beast.
Mirai marked the definitive international breakthrough of Hosoda's career. The film has earned praise for its delicate treatment of early childhood and the unseen connections that tie families together across generations.
A Journey Through Time and Family Bonds
The story focuses on Kun, a spoiled four-year-old boy who lives happily as the center of attention in his household. His world is disrupted when his parents return from the hospital with his newborn baby sister, Mirai. Overwhelmed by a lack of attention and feeling displaced, Kun becomes jealous and frequently throws tantrums.
During one outburst in his backyard, Kun discovers that the garden tree functions as a time portal. Through this magical space, he travels through time and encounters family members at different stages of their lives.
In these surreal journeys, Kun meets a teenage version of his sister Mirai visiting from the future, observes his mother as a rebellious young girl, and shares a moment with his great-grandfather in his youth. Each trip helps the boy realize that the world does not revolve solely around him, delivering a lesson about empathy and learning to be a good big brother.
