Wolf Children [3 Discs] [Blu-ray/DVD] [2012]

The story line really tugs at your heart. Although the title refers to the children, the movie actually revolves more around the lead female Hana (the mom) and how she took on the challenges of being a single parent after a tragic event occurred. I love how Hana found her strength as she struggled to raise her two very special kids. There a many scenes that are really funny (especially when the children are still toddlers and one of them was sick) but there are also parts that will just make you cry. *Note: Parents be forewarned that there is a short scene (hint hint: between the couple in love) at the earlier part of the movie that may not be suitable for younger viewers (even I was a tad shocked when I saw it). It's not explicit although it will require you to do some explaining. But yeah, you see that the movie title says "Wolf Children" so you ought to know it happened. The movie runs long since it shows Hana's children growing up until their teenage years and how they were able to finally make their own choices in life. Still, I highly recommend this film -- the animation just by itself is worth the watch!

excellent animated movie, it is excellent to see as a family, has fun and sad moments.

This was a great movie with several great characters. I felt it had lots of great scenes in it that were both fun and occasionally sad but all in all it was a heartwarming movie.

If you are a fan of Studio Ghibli films such as My Neighbor Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle, Kiki's Delivery Service, and Spirited Away, then this might also be right up your alley. Stunning artistry in the landscapes throughout this film couples with a touching, humorous, sad, and poignant story. The film highlights the difficulties of single mothers raising children, coming of age and being different, the healing power of being surrounded by nature, and coming to terms with our internal identities. While the element of supernatural (i.e. children who are half wolves) may seem overtly comical, and it definitely injects great humor, it does not overshadow the larger message of dealing with our differences and finding those who love and accept us anyway. Very relevant to modern day audiences as the themes discussed here are timeless. This is the kind of film that leaves you thinking after you are done, and eager for another watch to digest the complexities of the characters again. The ending is a bit controversial, as this is a "slice of life" film, meaning the end is not really an end. It is clear there is more to where the characters develop and go in life, but the film concludes a specific chapter of their lives, with decisions made that may seem a bit unresolved but perfectly mirror issues left untied in real life. Cannot recommend this film enough.

From the director of Summer Wars comes a touching tale of Hana; a woman who fell in love with a strange young man who was a werewolf, and her challenging hardships of being a single mother raising and protecting their two half-human-half-wolf children when her loved one is suddenly taken from her by fate. Heartwarming, heartwrenchingly sad, and emotionally moving, Wolf Children's themes involve the challenges of becoming a single parent, and the lesson to push our children to chase their dreams; the constant need to protect them from the world, the fear of losing something dear to you, and the difficult lesson of knowing to let go and let them spread their wings and find their own place in the world. A wonderful film about the power of a Mother's love for her children, and the path of parenthood, and finding one's own path. "Wolf Children" is a film that deserves a spot in any animation and film collection.

This film shows why Mamoru Hosoda gets billed as the next Miyazaki ( He's quite different and not a successor, but what are you going to do about the PR people? ) the story is an easily understood tale about difficult relationships between loving adults and the trials of raising children that are not "normal". ( As if anyone is ever really "normal". ) It's a bit different in using the daughter to tell the story from the mother's view point and not being up front that it is doing this. Overall I enjoyed the film and Funimation's dub of it did what I ask which is to not be jarring enough to take me out of the story. The film itself is a fine work, especially the background art, with a rather more simple approach to the character designs than what much modern animation uses. Definitely something you should have in your film library.

What a beatiful story, a young woman falls in love with a young man whom has the extraordinary gift of turning into a wolf, they have children whom also receive this gift, but are unable to control it, sadly and tragically the father dies. Now this young mother of two extraordinary children has to do anything and everything she can do to raise them, help them learn how to control their abilities, and most importantly protect them from humans that probably would never understand. Any anime lover would and should own this magically beautiful work of art in their collection, very happy with purchase and highly recommend.

I'll start off by saying I like anime and that particular art style however I generally stick to watching a series. Aside from Miyazaki's works, Akira, and spinoff movies my exposure is limited. This is one of the few movies I've seen without any prior knowledge and I was pleasantly surprised. It's really all about the challenges of being a single parent and rolling with the punches life throws you. You don't get an instruction manual, the books you can pick up only get you so far, and there isn't an indicator telling you whether or not you're doing the right thing. I really did enjoy this movie and while it may not be for everyone, admittedly, I recommend checking it out.