Sangatsu no lion is a beautiful meditation on depression, grief and the healing power of family. We see our young protagonist Rei Kiriyama, who has been orphaned as a child, taken in by a family friend as a foster child. His foster father teaches Rei shogi (a Japanese game similar to chess). Rei, who is otherwise withdrawn and sometimes uncommunicative, particularly because of abuse from his older foster sister, has embarked on a career as a professional shogi player while still in middle school. The story shows Rei's growth and adjustment and how he finds his place in the world with a neighborhood family who becomes his surrogate family.
The cast does a fine job bringing the characters to life, particularly Ryunosuke Kamiki (Bakuman, Rurouni Kenshin) as Rei. The art direction is excellent and true to the original manga. I wish only that it was easier to find this film on streaming services. This is an excellent live action adaptation of a beloved manga.
The cast does a fine job bringing the characters to life, particularly Ryunosuke Kamiki (Bakuman, Rurouni Kenshin) as Rei. The art direction is excellent and true to the original manga. I wish only that it was easier to find this film on streaming services. This is an excellent live action adaptation of a beloved manga.
