Hinokio (2005) User Reviews

Well worth watching...

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 25 May 2023]

I wasn't really sure what I was in for here, as I sat down in 2023 to watch the 2005 Japanese sci-fi drama "Hinokio" for the first time. I had never actually heard about the movie prior to stumbling upon it and sitting down to watch it.

Writers Takahiko Akiyama, Masumi Suetani and Shôji Yonemura put together a fair enough script and storyline, though the movie was aimed at a younger audience. But still, there was something good and well-written about the concept of the movie, and it made for adequate entertainment. The aspect of a disabled child using a robotic proxy to participate in school and social events was actually rather interesting, so thumbs up to the writers on that accomplishment.

I wasn't familiar with the cast ensemble in "Hinokio", but they had a good selection of young actors and actresses, whom carried the movie well and brought both the story and the characters to life on the screen in a nice manner.

Visually then "Hinokio" was fairly good. The special effects and CGI in the movie were fair enough and did their job adequately in bringing the robotic proxy to life on the screen.

If you enjoy sci-fi movies with robots, then director Takahiko Akiyama's 2005 movie "Hinokio" might be well-worth checking out. I was adequately entertained throughout the course of the 111 minutes that the movie ran for.

The movie's title "Hinokio: Intergalactic Love" made little sense in terms of the "Intergalactic Love" part. Though the "Hinokio" part was a nice play on the "Pinochio" title.

My rating of "Hinokio" lands on a six out of ten stars.

Sappy and melodramatic, but not unwatchable

[robotbling · 6/10 · 4 December 2011]

(www.plasticpals.com) Hinokio: Inter Galactic Love (2005) is a tale of a sixth grader who was paralyzed and lost his mother in a car accident. Too depressed to leave his room, he's given a telepresence robot through which he attends classes (incidentally, this has started happening in the real world). His classmates decide to nickname the robot (and therefore Satoru) Hinokio, because the robot reminds them of Pinocchio and it's partly made from the wood of the hinoki cypress.

Visually, Hinokio's design is one of the best I've seen on film (created primarily by Igarashi Design), and the special effects are pretty well done. It's mostly computer-generated animation mixed with a practical model for close-ups. Ultimately the film isn't about Satoru's robot, but his relationship with his distant father and the friends he makes at school.

There are fairly realistic scenes of what daily life would be like with the robot, and what kind of trouble it might get into, but it does take liberties for the sake of the plot. For example, at the end of the day, rather than just disconnecting and leaving the robot safely at school, Satoshi actually walks home as Hinokio. And rather than speaking through the robot, he types messages through a speech synthesizer.

However the attention to detail is still pretty remarkable; the robot's control center is a large hemispherical display similar to the one created by fuRo called HULL that controls the Halluc-II, mixed with a BMI. And while the robot can do a few things which are physically improbable, at least it's not magically given super-human artificial intelligence. At times the film switches to a first-person view to show us what Satoru sees through the robot's cameras, or into his computer games. He plays a secret massively-multiplayer online game called Purgatory, where he looks for his mother.

It's cute, and is definitely meant for a younger audience, but the plot isn't too patronizing. It deals with real life issues faced by kids, like first crushes and single parents. It takes the time necessary to develop the friendship between Satoru and his schoolmate. His father, who works overtime at the robotics company that built Hinokio, struggles with how to connect with his son. It even touches on addiction to online computer games, and the use of robots like Hinokio in the military.

However, at an hour and fifty minutes, Hinokio could benefit from a few more cuts. It is a bit let down at the end, with some cheesy spiritual stuff which is drawn out for far too long (and ends rather predictably), but overall it's not a bad flick.

An Enjoyable Family Movie

[Uriah43 · 6/10 · 27 May 2023]

After his mother "Sayuri Iwamoto" (Mieko Harada) is killed in a car accident and he is left extremely distraught and temporarily crippled, a young boy by the name of "Satoru Iwamoto" (Kanata Hongo) decides to stay in his room rather than venturing outside. Likewise, his father "Kaoru Iwamoto" (Masatoshi Nakamura) is also emotionally impacted by this tragic event and subsequently buries himself in his work as a robotics engineer at his company. To that extent, he eventually comes up with the idea of making a robot through which Satoru can interact with other children his age at the local elementary school from the comfort of his bedroom. At first, not knowing any better, some of the other boy behave rather cruelly to Satoru by taunting him and becoming physically aggressive with the robot. However, after they are publicly chastised in class for their behavior and come to know Satoru a little better, their behavior changes. So much so that Satoru becomes best friends with one particular boy named "Jun Kudo" (Mikako Tabe) who has recently gone through a similar tragedy with the death of his father. However, it's only after he learns that Jun is actually a girl that the emotional bonds between them deepen even further--and this both pleases Satoru and increases his anxieties. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that I typically don't care for movies that cater to younger audiences but, after reading another person's review, decided to give this one a try. That being said, although it is certainly suitable for younger audiences, I can honestly say that it also holds some entertainment value for adults as well as it touches on genuine human emotions during the course of a variety of circumstances and events. Admittedly, there are some scenes which might not resonate as much with American or European audiences, but even so, I thought it was an enjoyable family movie for the most part, and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.

Sweet

[Meganeguard · 8/10 · 24 December 2005]

To be completely honest, this is a film that I had little to no interest in watching. However, because a couple of my Internet friends seemed quite interested in it, I decided to give it a shot. Now I am glad I did. I was concerned at first that the film was going to be nothing more than a kid makes friends with a robot film, but Hinokio does not fall into this overdone plot device. Instead this film delves into a number of the ills of modern society in a fresh and entertaining manner.

The film opens with Hinokio making its entrance into an otherwise mundane homeroom class consisting of such students as the nerdy Joichi, the hyperactive Kenta, and the teacher's pet Sumire. Also in the classroom is the moody Jun who, although a bit intrigued with the new "student", is not overly impressed by the new arrival. We soon learn that Iwamoto Satoru a young boy who is rehabilitating from a car accident controls Hinokio. The robot allows him to attend school and interact with other students while he recuperates at home. However, instead of being warmly embraced by his new classmates, Satoru, or Hinokio, is the victim of pranks. However, after he refuses to tattle on Jun, Kenta, and Joichi, the four soon become friends.

While Satoru's relationship with his friends, especially with Jun, is the primary story, Satoru's relationship with his father, who the boy blames for the death of his mother, is also central to the film. Because of his reluctance to interact with the outside world and muteness with his father, Satoru resembles a Hikikomori, or shut-in, a social ill that has spread in modern Japanese society.

At times humorous and at times quite moving, Hinokio is a good film to watch for those immersed in the violent films of Miike Takashi or the nostalgic oeuvre of Ozu Yasujiro. It reminds us that there are other films that while not overly artistic can really move an audience or just make one smile.

Nice, but towards the end...

[b_boysmaster90 · 4/10 · 29 April 2006]

I watch the movie because it's been rated in my local magazine. I thought I should give it a try. Then again, it's nice. But even though it's full of child imagination in it (robot friend in school, entering game's world, be friend with a cute girl friend...), the story is to typical towards the end. I know earthquake happened a lot in Japan, but please, why must you make the earthquake happened while Jun is on the top of the chimney? It's spoiled the whole movie. The climax has made the movie quality decrease... Like the story writer is so lazy to think about the scene. I think the scene is the worst part, because the earthquake made me laugh rather than be scared of Jun's fall...

Hongo Kanata did an excellent job in "Hinokio"

[willett-meghan · 10/10 · 21 October 2006]

I recommend "Hinokio: Intergalactic Love" to anyone who likes a family movie, or anyone who is tired of Too Much Angst and wants a happy story. :)

I loved this movie because it is very well tied together-- there are no lose ends to speak of, but also because it explores a mature concept-- but in a way that younger people can understand, too. This is a movie that talks about death, love, forgiveness and friendship. Even "grown" people can take something out of this movie.

"Hinokio: Intergalactic Love" is a story of Satoru and his classmates. Satoru lost his mom in the same car accident that left him in a wheel chair. One year after the death of his mother, Satoru's father gives him a robot that allows him to go to school from home. In this way, Satoru can re-enter life outside his room without ever leaving it.

The conflict in this movie comes at first from Satoru being alienated in his class. He wants to make friends with the other children, but they cannot see past the robot in front of them to the little boy talking to them through it. The children will not even call the robot by Satoru's name—instead, they refer to him as "Hinokio." Another conflict comes from Satoru's relationship with his father-- who Satoru refuses to speak to.

The story is very well woven together with the introduction of a mysterious game "Purgatory"-- a game hidden within a game (Cyber City). This game catches Satoru's interest because it is centered on the after life.

How will Satoru come to terms with his mother's death? Will he every make a connection with his friends in his class? Watch and find out. :)

a masterpiece on simple values of friendship and forgiveness

[olz_15 · 10/10 · 29 November 2005]

I saw this at the Japanese Film Festival in Sydney and I thought it was fantastic. The whole story is clichéd as a whole, however with all the plot twists changing directions you have to just let it take you where it wants to go.

The story involves a young boy who lost his mother and was confined to a wheel-chair from a car accident. He spends his time locked in is room, using a robot that he can communicate from his computer as his eyes to the outside world.

Some moments in the film could be considered to many audiences as quite corny, however, the darker elements manage to balance the film as a whole quite nicely. At times the film feels it gets a bit long too, however this is only because there are so many ideas crammed into it that sometimes you really have no idea where it is going and are wanting to find a resolution all too soon. The ending, however, is far more than satisfying enough.

Use of cg is really great too, although it is usually saved for the right moments so that it is most effective. The use of first person perspectives and computer game footage was masterfully utilized to make interesting comparisons between reality and virtual-reality. Much more interesting than it was in say, Doom.

I think the most important thing about this film though, is that the characters are presented in ways that you can only feel compassion for them. You get the sense that the makers also felt the same way.

Verdict: You'll laugh, you'll cry.

Best Japanese film of 2005

[comic_bookguy · 10/10 · 30 November 2005]

Emotional, thoroughly wonderful drama about loss, grief and friendship, and how we deal with those issues in various ways.

This is a very intelligent film about just that; the robot, "Hinokio", beautifully serves as a metaphor for the inability of human interaction that the boy "Satoru" experiences after the death of his mother. His only means of communication with the outside world is "Hinokio", and together they ultimately break the silence between "Satoru" and the world outside.

The acting is top-class, and the robotic effects simply awesome (some of the best CGI ever put on screen). A unique movie experience.

excellent

[log_mike · 10/10 · 10 December 2006]

I've just watched this movie. It's very touching and great story. they's no any technical features. indeed they don't make some real effect in movie. its only background. on first there are feelings of real people. and it's shown very great and subtly. you know, you just can't ignore feelings of this young boy and his new friends with their own problems. it is the movie about real life and real problems. i nearly started to cry when the basic character (boy) said to his father that he will never forget him. it's really strong moment of the film and then when he says about meeting with his mother. its really touching! i think you'll get a lot of pleasure when you'll be watching this kind story of little boy and very strong people around him.

Very impressive movie since Dead Poets Society

[katyx72-1 · 10/10 · 17 August 2006]

I'm very like the plot of this movie. From the first scene, still stop me of everything to see every scene... The story of the youth show on the right way, sincere in the manner and have imaginary.

Modern Animation can go along with beautiful scenario of suburb of Japan in a harmonious theme.

Sometime sub-ego or super-ego when we're in pain / in vain, we don't know how to cope with it. Without the REAL friend or the best friend helping, that person may stuck and can't get out of that blackhole and show off with drastic action...

This picture,not only without the conflict of the youth actor in the best acting but also the person behind. I would like to thank you for the guys behind this scene. And want to see this kind of good picture again !

Very impressive ! Thailand Fans

Good east movie with west charms

[Denny-45 · 8/10 · 6 March 2006]

It's a good movie, worth too look. The cinematography is well. The visual effect are erection yet soft. The storyline is dramatic.The characters are really Japanese stereotype, but some things are too Western. The Purgatory theme are based on the west (Christian) belief. Instead using the Samsara belief, the movie-maker try to make this film goes international by adding some west "charms", such as the purgatory (linear life), English languished theme songs, and Pinokio fable (the Blue Fairy is Eriko in the game or maybe God Himself). Somehow, it's remind me to Artificial Intelegence (Spielberg's), but the idea of taking control the robot is Japanese typical (so many films in Japan that the heroes controlling some mecha to beat the bad guy). The act of the players are good, the director choose the correct players to depict the characters (jun is so tomboy but sweet, Eriko is so pretty, the mother is so beautiful). For me, it's a fine teenage love story. Adults can take some lesson from it. Moreover, it's a story about family, how to develop good relations inside the family. Well, some things are irrational (the technology, the magic), but it's really a heartwarming movie.

from Russia with love

[buba-kukin · 9/10 · 24 December 2016]

This film reminds me another movie. The film of my childhood - "the Foundling." (in Кussian - "Подкидыш". So I fancied it! Lost child or a lost little robot... What a difference? The main thing - he finds his family. Those who he can trust and love.. Of course outside of the Soviet Union few people know Faina Ranevskaya - a wonderful actress of the Soviet cinema. And so old movies and very few people seem attractive. I watch them almost on a par with the modern. But sometimes they look even more fantastic. Example - Pinocchio. You can even draw Parallels with Pinnock (in the Russian version of Buratino). Thank you sincerely for secondarily this film.

Thank you for a film.