What is it about?
According to urban legend, the mysterious Urashima Tunnel offers those who dare to go there what they want most, but at a price. Kaoru, a high school student troubled by the disappearance of her little sister, joins forces with Anzu, a mysterious young girl who offers to help her attempt an adventure.
A poetic legend accessible to everyone
How many years have you sacrificed to fulfill one of your life’s desires? That’s the question asked by Tunnel to Summer, an animated drama that subtly evokes the heavy weight of mortality, human desire and crime.
Adapted from Mei Hachimoku’s light novel of the same name, the film takes us to the heart of the myth surrounding Urashima’s fictional tunnel. Crossing it for a few years of life would be a source of miracles, because every second spent in this gallery is multiplied tenfold outside.
Anzu and Kaoru in front of the Urashima Tunnel
An entertaining fantasy story for young adults, a subtle reflection on the importance of self-sacrifice and pride for adults, Tunnel to summer Has everything to appeal to a wide audience.
First (and last) love story
Beyond the fantasy and psychological dimension, Summer Tunnel is also a romance. Torn by the naïve desires of a duo of teenage protagonists, the film benefits from the disturbing and innocent atmosphere of their age.
While Kaoru hopes to save her little sister’s life and repair the remains of her broken family, Anzu dreams of becoming an acclaimed mangaka to honor her grandfather, whose career never took off.
With each other’s moral support, the two young people discover over the course of the feature film what is truly important in a world where wants, needs and mentalities change over time. And love may well appear along the way.
Kaoru and Anzu
Fun all season long
A railway bathed in sunset, a forest illuminated at night or even a station platform in the rain, the expertise of CLAP (Pompo the Cinephile) studios in terms of scenery needs no more approval. Like these decorations, soft and unpretentious, the character designs remain relatively simplistic, but also very pleasant to look at.
Presented at the 2023 Annecy International Animated Film Festival, Tunnel to Summer won the Paul Grimoli Prize, formerly the Jury Prize, a testament to its effectiveness and appeal to audiences of all ages, as well as its graphic touch for its story alone.
Kaoru and Anzu
Tunnel to Summer is out this Wednesday, June 5th in your cinemas, VOSTFR and VF. The manga is available in its entirety from Mangetsu Editions.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
