Considering
Japanese pop artist and commercial phenom Takashi Murakami frequently features
his manga alter-ego, Mr. DOB in his work, it is not surprising his debut
feature film is heavy on the creatures. Eventually, a kaiju attacks, but that
also makes sense, given Ultraman’s formative
influence on his artistic development. It is all kid friendly, but in a
slightly trippy sort of way, like Sid & Marty Krofft rebooted for Japan. As
a result, one sensitive young lad is in for the weirdest coming-of-age story in
Murakami’s Jellyfish Eyes (trailer here), which screens
during the 2015 New York International Children's Film Festival.
Tsunami
survivor Masashi Kusakabe is relieved to be moving out of the shelter, even
though he and his mother are still deeply grieving his father. However, he
quickly suspects there is some sort of strange presence in their new exurban
apartment. That would be the critter he eventually names Kurage-bo or Jellyfish
Boy. It turns out all the kids at his new school have what they call
F.R.I.E.N.D.S., except they can control theirs with special handheld devices
given to them by the local lab, from where Kurage-bo escaped.
Kusakabe
quickly bonds with Kurage-bo, whose resourcefulness stymies the attempted
bullying of the bad boy clique and their creepy F.R.I.E.N.D.S. It seems there
is a sort of underground F.R.I.E.N.D. fighting circuit operating afterschool.
Fortunately, Luxor, the biggest, hairiest F.R.I.E.N.D. was entrusted to Saki
Amamiya, who vehemently dislikes all forms of fighting. She is not too fond of
her mother’s doomsday cult either, but she might be okay with Kusakabe.
Unfortunately, the aspiring bullies will escalate their aggressive behavior,
with the secret encouragement of a shadowy cabal operating in the research
institute. Somehow the negative energy generated by the children and their F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
perfectly suits the needs of the so-called “Black-Cloaked Four.”
Based
on post-screening reactions, it is safe to say Luxor is a smash hit with kids. You
have to admit, he is pretty cool and pairing him up Himeka Asami’s Amamiya just
cranks up the cuteness to Spinal Tap levels.
In contrast, Kurage-bo is sort of weird looking, but he grows on you. However, the
earnestness of young Takuto Sueoka and Asami, really sell the madness, while directly
expressing extraordinary angst no kid should have to deal with. Likewise, Mayu
Tsuruta is quite touching as Kusakabe’s bereaved but steadfast mother Yasuko.
