I received a sample for this review/feature. Opinions expressed are my own.
From visionary director Kenji Kamiyama (Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone ComplexandEden of the East) comes Napping Princess. A sci-fi fantasy movie that effortlessly weaves together the rapidly evolving technology of today’s world with the fantastic imagination of the next generation, which was nominated for Best Animated Feature ? Independent, at this year’s Annie Awards.
The year is 2020, three days before the opening of the Tokyo Olympics. While she should be studying for her exams, Kokone Morikawa often dozes off, entering a dream-world called Heartland full of fantastic motorized contraptions. But when her father, a talented but mysterious mechanic, is kidnapped for stealing technology from a powerful corporation, it’s up to Kokone and her childhood friend Morio to save him. Together they realize that Kokone’s dream-world holds the answers to the mystery behind the stolen tech, uncovering a trail of clues to her father’s disappearance and ultimately a surprising revelation about Kokone’s family.
Bonus Features:
- Interview with Kenji Kamiyama
- Special Interview with Cast
- Intro at Japanese Release
- Okayama Scenery
- Special TV Program
- Trailers and TV Spots
Napping Princess is more for the 9+ age group and I can honestly say that Big Sis who is 9 and myself LOVED this movie. I went into it not knowing much more than the blurb above. I was blown away with how easily I fell into the story line and and quickly I grew to love the characters. It is dubbed in English but that doesn’t affect the flow of the movie at all. It takes place in a technology centered world which is what kids today are growing up in. The lines between Kokone’s worlds of being awake and dreamland are blurred as she finds out they are each intertwined. She must find her kidnapped father and does so with the help of an old childhood friend. There are no boring parts in this movie as none of us would even get up to go to the bathroom in fear of missing something. I highly suggest this movie for older kids and it is a great way to change up family movie night with a film you might not have glanced at twice before. Now available in a Blu-ray/DVD combo and on EST/VOD.
