Overview
- The animated feature held its world premiere in Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight and drew early praise from critics for its craft.
- Reviews describe a near-two-hour diptych that tracks two boys from childhood into young adulthood after a rift in their friendship.
- Critics highlight 2D computer animation that emulates hand-drawn lines, inventive framing, and emotive voice work by Ryota Bando and Amane Okayama.
- Some assessments question the originality of the central conflict and note a late, more didactic stretch that undercuts earlier nuance.
- The Japan–France production comes from NOTHING NEW and Miyu Productions, with Charades handling world sales as the film enters the festival and market circuit.