My Oni Girl

My Oni Girl (Japanese: 好きでも嫌いなあまのじゃく Suki demo Kirai na Amanojaku) is a 2024 anime fantasy film produced by Studio Colorido and Twin Engine, directed by Tomotaka Shibayama. Released simultaneously in Japanese theaters and on Netflix on May 24, 2024, the film follows a young boy who befriends an oni, a creature from Japanese folklore. While the animation is visually appealing and the character development is solid, the story feels somewhat average, making it a decent watch for anime fans without being particularly groundbreaking.
Since its recent release, I haven’t had the chance to watch My Oni Girl until today, as I’ve been following other anime. I loved the trailer I watched a few months ago, which built my excitement. After finally viewing the film, I found it enjoyable but felt it didn’t quite live up to the trailer’s hype. While the adventure of Tsumugi and Hiiragi was engaging, the story felt odd and lacked coherence. I can’t see myself watching it again, but I’m glad I experienced it.Now let me give further details about the movie below.

Plot Overview

Yatsuse Hiiragi, a first-year high school student who cannot refuse requests and seeks acceptance, struggles with his social life and lacks close friends. One unusual summer day, when it snows, he meets Tsumugi, an Oni (demon) girl searching for her mother in the human world. Tsumugi, unlike Hiiragi, is unconcerned with others’ opinions and brings him along on her journey.
Tsumugi’s mother disappeared when she was young, leaving her with a good luck charm from a remote temple, which her father confirms as her last known location. The journey begins at Hiiragi’s house, where his suppressed emotions cause snow to fall, attracting “snow gods.” After Tsumugi reveals her identity as an Oni, Hiiragi, unafraid, agrees to help her find her mother. Along the way, they make friends during their overnight stays and support each other as they navigate challenges and learn more about Tsumugi’s mother.
Tsumugi’s mother disappeared when she was young, leaving her with a good luck charm from a remote temple, which her father confirms as her last known location. The journey begins at Hiiragi’s house, where his suppressed emotions cause snow to fall, attracting “snow gods.” After Tsumugi reveals her identity as an Oni, Hiiragi, unafraid, agrees to help her find her mother. Along the way, they make friends during their overnight stays and support each other as they navigate challenges and learn more about Tsumugi’s mother.

Strength of the Movie


Animation:The animation and art style of My Oni Girl are truly captivating, enhancing the overall experience. I particularly love the design of the characters, especially Hiiragi and Tsumugi. Tsumugi’s look, with her unique Oni features and her distinctive dressing style, stands out even more due to how well it complements her carefree personality. Despite being an Oni, her appearance strikes a balance between being mystical yet relatable. The fluidity of the animation, combined with the vibrant colors, creates a visually engaging atmosphere throughout the film.
The Heartwarming Journey of Friendship :One of the most touching aspects of My Oni Girl is the journey shared by Tsumugi and Hiiragi. As they embark on their quest,they not only meet new friends along the way but also form a deep bond with each other. Their mutual support and care are evident throughout the film, with each challenge strengthening their relationship. By the end, their growing affection transforms their dynamic into something heartfelt and sincere, reminiscent of the emotional warmth seen in Weathering with You. This evolution of their relationship adds a poignant, emotional layer to the film, making their journey feel both personal and deeply meaningful.

Weakness of the anime:

Underwhelming Story :While My Oni Girl delivers in terms of visuals and character dynamics, the story itself feels like a weak point. The initial setup of Hiiragi, a shy high school student, meeting the carefree Oni girl, Tsumugi, has potential, but the narrative becomes increasingly convoluted as it progresses. The plot involves snow gods, magical masks, and Oni Island feels scattered and lacking coherence. The revelations about Tsumugi’s mother, while central to the story, fail to land with emotional weight, leaving the storyline underwhelming compared to the excitement promised in the trailer.

More Details

Title 
My Oni Girl (Suki demo Kirai na Amanojaku) 
Type 
Adventure, Drama, Supernatural 
Rating 
IMDb: 7.5/10 (approx.) 
 MyAnimeList: 7.63/10 
 AniList: 7.6/10 
Release Date 
May 24, 2024 (Worldwide on Netflix) 
Studio 
Studio Colorido 
Creator 
Directed by Tomotaka Shibayama 
Streaming Service 
Netflix 
Plot Summary 
Hiiragi, a high schooler who can’t say no, meets Tsumugi, an oni girl, who asks him to help find her mother in the human world. Together, they embark on a quest full of discoveries. 
Voice Cast 
Kensho Ono (Hiiragi), Miyu Tomita (Tsumugi) 
Runtime 
1 hour 52 minutes 

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, My Oni Girl is a visually appealing film with solid character dynamics, but its story falls flat. The narrative, while initially intriguing, becomes confusing and lacks emotional depth, making it difficult to stay engaged. Despite the promising setup, the plot doesn’t live up to the hype generated by the trailer. Overall, I’d give this movie a 6 out of 10. It’s an average film that, while worth a single viewing, doesn’t leave a lasting impression. It’s a quick watch at around two hours but lacks replay value.
Screenshot 2024-10-17 015757
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