Brain’s Base/Takahiro Omori

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Brain’s Base is one of the behind-the-scenes workhorses of the anime industry. They have handled various levels of in-between and key animation for anime feature films like Children Who Chase Lost Voices, Ponyo, and Tekkonkinkreet and TV series or TV series movies for Detective Conan, Crayon Shin-Chan, Eden of the East, Eureka 7, Fullmetal Alchemist, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Naruto, and Soul Eater to name a few. In 2011 they proved to everyone that they are more than just a behind-the-scenes company by adapting the popular one-shot manga Hotarubi no Mori e into a noteworthy theatrical film. Hopefully in the future they will continue pursuing their promising solo production career.

Takahiro Omori

Hotarubi no Mori e  (2011)
Hotarubi no Mori e (蛍火の杜へ) (lit. “In the Forest of the Fireflies”)

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While weighing in as the second shortest movie in this Guide at a meagre 44 minutes, Hotarubi no Mori e is surely worthy of every moment spent watching it. The plot begins with a six-year-old girl named Hotaru Takegawa getting lost in a mountain forest full of spirits. She is found by a mysterious kitsune (fox) mask-wearing man named Gin who then leads her back to safety. She returns to the mountain to visit Gin every summer and the narrative focuses on how the nature of her relationship with Gin develops over time.  The story isn’t really surprising, but is beautifully and emotionally depicted covering most of the emotional spectrum from laughter to tears. A heartfelt and genuine anime movie, Hotarubi no Mori e comes highly recommended even considering its relatively short length and is sure to make you hope this doesn’t become Brain’s Base’s only solo film.