Wolf Children: Ame & Yuki

This was one of those movies that people had to watch. Not only was it a big hit, it was one of the biggest movies in 2012 for Japan. And its not a Studio Ghibli movie, so definitely for those who want something different. The plot is how a a woman falls in love with a wolf man and raises her wolf children.

Hana: The Mom
The hardworking person who is both kind and sweet. Always placing her family before herself. She also hardly getting angry or shows any negative emotions at all. In other words, she would be the nicest mom in the whole earth. However, we see that she struggles to raise her children who are both wolf and human.

Yuki: The Daughter
She is the energetic girl that would get in trouble all the time. But you can't stand to punish her because of her puppy eyes. She never takes no for an answer, as a result, she is adventurous and brave. However as she starts to grow, she views the world differently compare to her childhood.

Ame: The Son
Born as a weak child, he usually cries often especially when he was an infant. Also, he is not comfortable with change or anything new. As a result, he seems to be having a hard time trying to fit or associate in to society. Being shy or aloof when surrounded by unfamiliar settings.

There are other characters that help develop the characters future. Some are humans and others are animals, so its not just humans that have a role in this movie. Which is nice, since the wolf children have both worlds.

The plot is easy to relate to, even though it has a fantasy component, it is actually quite a common storyline. Woman is a college student and it plot is about her struggles in raising her children. Only thing is that they are technically werewolves/wolf. So there is not many fantasy and magic in this movie. Kids may not find this show a very interesting compare to a mature audience. Only one problem, does the mom even have parents or friends. I understand the dad's position, but the mom seems to never socialize with any people, does she even have friends? But that would probably add more drama.

The overall animation was beautifully done, not really backing down against Studio Ghibli. The background are both realistic with a strong sense of nature. I especially love when the house gets clean, you see these beautiful details that just shows hard work pays off. There are some effects, but still a well done movie. The animation for the characters are probably not eye catching, but its very realistic. It really shows the everyday life of Japan. Like how the mom gets a tan because she is working on the fields. Also the transformation of the wolves can be a bit creepy at first, but with the kids it is soo adorable.

The music was well done, having its own style. However, it is not overly memorable, the only music I can recall is during the snow scene. But the music does fit the overall story and plot. Also, the movie does a nice play between sound and silence.

Voice actors are overall decent, achieving a realistic wolf sound. Also the characters voice start to change as they get older. So there is no baby voice all the time, showing time is changing. I have no problem on any of the voice actors just need to watch and see how the English dub turns out.

At first I though it was going to be a story where everyone finds out their secret and starts to fear the family. But no...its something a bit more enjoyable. Instead it shows that raising children is never easy. However, it becomes a great joy and before you know it they will already grown up. What's nice about this movie is it shows the mom is happy despite being a college student.

Personally for me, I realized that one can never do anything alone. Despite reading books or a bit superior compare to others, life is still hard. Sometimes making connections and relationship with people will make the journey more easier and enjoyable. So never turn down a helping hand. Cause in the end, being alone is not a road to success.

Verdict: This show is really for an older audience, but kids can also enjoy as well. Also similar to Up, going to get depress in the beginning. But don't expect that characters to be gorgeous.