Synopsis
In "Ni no Kuni," Yuu, Haru, and Kotona are living a peaceful high school life until a mysterious person attacks and stabs Kotona, an event Yuu and Haru are unable to stop. After rushing the injured Kotona to the hospital, they narrowly avoid being hit by a truck and are inexplicably transported to a fantastical kingdom inhabited by various beings and mythical creatures. Surprisingly, Yuu, who was previously confined to a wheelchair, can now walk freely. However, they must set aside their amazement because Kotona is missing. Determined to find their friend, Yuu and Haru seek assistance at a nearby tavern. Upon seeing a portrait of the kingdom’s princess, Asha, they experience a startling revelation. "Ni no Kuni" follows an incredible adventure through a world of magic, exploring the unique connection between two similar yet distinct realms and how this link is reflected in the relationships between its characters.
Background
Released in Japan on August 23, 2019 and on Netflix worldwide on January 16, 2020, Ni no Kuni is an anime adaptation of the acclaimed video game series of the same name. Studio Ghibli contributed character designs and other components to the games, but it is notably not associated with the movie, despite its similar visual tones and textures. Ni no Kuni was the first feature-length work directed by Studio Ghibli's animator Yoshiyuki Momose, who has served as the director of animation in addition to having drawn character designs and storyboards for the games. Moreover, the film features a score from Studio Ghibli's collaborator and composer Joe Hisaishi, who has also acted as the lead composer for the games' music. While the film's narrative differs from the plot in the games, the movie's story includes elements from the games such as the setting, racial diversity among the characters, names, and visual references to particular individuals and items.
