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Lu Over The Wall Review

Date: 2017 November 29 16:42

Posted by Joe

The good folks from Anime Limited are releasing Masaaki Yuasa's latest film Lu Over The Wall in cinemas across the UK on Wednesday 6th December 2017. You can find a screening near you by visiting LuOverTheWallMovie.co.uk.

We recently interviewed the director asking him about the film and his other feature Night Is Short, Walk On Girl.

If you're curious about the Lu Over The Wall then read on to enjoy our spoiler free review.

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Lu Over The Wall is the latest offering from cult anime director Masaaki Yuasa. The animated feature follows the adventures of teenager Kai Ashimoto who encounters mermaid Lu.

The film is set in Hinasahi, a fictional rundown fishing town where the only career options are to join the fishing industry or the regions speciality of making umbrellas and parasols. The town's PA system reminds locals to sign up for fish processing classes, while the chance of joining the rat race in Tokyo seems to offer a distant glimmer of excitement.

Kai is into his music and can enthusiastically mix and sample his own tunes. His two friends offer him the chance to join a band. His talent for music attracts mermaid Lu. The town has myths of merfolk, strange aquatic people, who are lured to humans by music and avoid sunlight. They are rumoured to live on the other side of town over a huge cliff wall that casts shadows over an abandoned bay. This forms the title wall in Lu over the wall.

The first thing that hits you are the catchy beats Kai creates. We are then drawn in by Masaaki Yuasa's deceptively simple animation. The characters are minimalist, but also very expressive. The character's legs and arms will stretch when exaggerated movement is needed, which is a trademark Yuasa technique. The background forms a contrast by being very detailed and lavish. You can really enjoy it on the big screen.

Although the character designs are simple, there are lots of clever techniques used. Flash backs are animated in bold mono colour (almost) silhouette style. There is also a very subtle use of 3D CGI in certain shots (but you won't notice this unless you really look for it).

Lu is a charming rite of passage film with a bit of something for everyone. It's funny, heart warming and eccentric in the way that Masaaki Yuasa pulls off in such a graceful manner. While it does have a PG rating in the UK, at almost 2 hours, with some scary scenes I wouldn't recommend it as suitable for small children, slightly older children and grownups alike however will enjoy it.

Lu was a pleasure to watch, it's always exciting to take a tour in one of Masaaki Yuasa's zany and off beat worlds.

You can find a screening near you by visiting LuOverTheWallMovie.co.uk.

We recently interviewed the Masaaki Yuasa asking him about the film and his other feature Night Is Short, Walk On Girl.

Source: Otaku News

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