I've been really busy for the few past days, both with my school and personal responsibilities. My schedule was loaded to the point I only slept for 3 hours just to finish the things I needed to do. That schedule was really merciless and exhausting, and with that, my frustrations built up. I can't help but wonder—do I really need to do all of this? Intrusive thoughts immediately clouded my mind, and so to divert my attention from that negativity, I watched a short movie that I just happened to encounter in the app where I usually watched anime. I don't have any idea what it is all about, so I'm quite thrilled about how it'll turn out. So now join me as I share with you the story of a ghost who still lingers in the human world hoping that somebody might find her, but until no one does she'll remain being the Summer Ghost.
About the Anime
Summer Ghost is an anime movie that aired last November 12, 2021. It's an almost 40-minute movie that was produced by Avex Pictures and Flagship Line and was animated by Flat Studio. This drama and supernatural anime revolved around the story of a group of friends who decided to finally meet face to face and upon meeting each other they decided to seek the Summer Ghost. The Summer Ghost is known as the girl who committed suicide and you can summon her if you lit fireworks at the old airport. However, the Summer Ghost doesn't show herself to anyone, but only to those people who are close to the arms of death. The three of them saw her, and of 'course that definitely meant something.
His friends were satisfied when they finally met the known Summer Ghost, but unlike them, Tomoya wanted to know something more. It is said that Summer Ghost knows all the answers to any kind of questions related to death—something he wanted to know more about—and with that, he sets out to summon her again. Upon spending several time with her, he discovers more things about her. He gradually unravels the mystery that shrouds her existence and along with that, he discovers what it means to live not for the sake of existing, but to live for the sake of being truly alive.
For you, death is in the future; for me, it's in the past.
I was definitely not ready for those tear-jerking scenes. I thought it would be just light-hearted, and with that I wasn't able to brace myself for those emotionally affecting moments—especially on how it ended. It's not that it doesn't give hints on how it'll end, it's just I hope for the better. It may end sadly but at the same time, it's hopeful in a way that sometimes it's the death that reminds us how precious life is. The whole concept of the movie revolves around them finding the real meaning of what it is to be truly alive. It's a nice and deep concept, but like the short movies I've watched before, the way it was delivered felt a little unsatisfying for me.
It doesn't really felt rushed, but I wished it was longer and executed more gradually. The things escalated quickly which was understandable considering that it's just an almost 40-minute movie. Also, the dialogue felt a little lacking for me because life and death talks usually made me tear up, but oddly I didn't feel the urge to cry except on its ending part. I think the dialogue wasn't that affecting enough or it's just me who failed to connect with it. Nevertheless, it was still impressive how they were able to utilize well the short time to wrap up all the drama, mystery, and supernatural stuff in it.
As for its visuals, it looks lucid and dreamy. This really fits well with its supernatural theme for it enhances well the mood. The art style was simple, yet its simplicity itself was one of its charms. Also, I like how they portrayed the dreamy atmosphere and the transitions between the real and supernatural worlds. The way they portrayed those hollow grounds was new to my eyes. Further, I like the way they used the contrast in the color palette to emphasize some of the important details in the plot. On the other hand, I appreciate how its soundtrack enhances the emotions of this anime. The soft instrumentals in the background did well making those scenes somehow affecting.
Overall, my rating for this movie is 8/10. Aside from its dreamy and pleasing visuals, its plot and concept were one of the things that made me hooked up to this movie. The supernatural concept wasn't new, but there are some ideas that made it quite unique. Further, the life and death talks always pique my interest because it's interesting to know different perspectives about it. Also, I noticed and like the subtle romantic bond between the ghost and Tomoya. Since it isn't really a romance, of 'course those moments weren't explicitly implied as romantic, but you can definitely see the budding attachment and feelings there. Their chemistry was promising, but anyway, not all who clicked well together worked out—especially when one is dead and the other is alive.
The end was fine with me because it ended in the most possible and realistic manner. The usual nice and happy endings were satisfying to watch, but I think a realistic ending leaves a more lasting impression on me. So if you're up for a short and visually enthralling movie, then might as well try watching the story of the Summer Ghost.
Before I end this review, I'll share with you its trailer, so—
Have you watched this movie already? Or is this your first time seeing it? If you have comments about this movie feel free to share them. That's all for now, minna-san! I hope you enjoyed reading through my review.
Arigatou and tanoshinde ne~
The pictures that didn't have source were screenshots from the movie while the last picture was edited in Canva.