Barefoot Gen (1983) Review in 2025
Barefoot Gen is a powerful and emotional anime film based on a true story about a young boy's survival during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The film is a poignant reminder of the devastating effects of war and the importance of peace.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This film is not suitable for young children due to its graphic and disturbing content, but older teenagers and adults may find it a powerful and thought-provoking experience.
CineReview Recommendation
This film is a must-see for fans of anime and drama, but may not be suitable for younger viewers due to its graphic content. It's a powerful and emotional experience that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film follows Gen Nakaoka, a young boy who survives the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, as he struggles to come to terms with the trauma and loss he experienced. Along the way, he meets other survivors and forms a bond with them, but the film's powerful and emotional climax is the scene where Gen's family is killed in the bombing, leaving him alone and adrift.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is powerful and emotional, based on a true story and featuring a strong protagonist. However, the pacing can be slow at times, and some scenes may be too intense for younger viewers.
acting8.00/10
The acting is good, with a strong performance from the voice cast. However, some scenes may feel a bit overacted.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, particularly Gen, who is a strong and determined protagonist. However, some supporting characters may feel underdeveloped.
direction9.00/10
The direction is excellent, with a clear vision and a strong sense of pacing. The animation is also impressive, with a unique and expressive style.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is good, with a mix of traditional and modern animation techniques. However, some scenes may feel a bit dated.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's powerful and emotional story, strong protagonist, and excellent direction make it a standout anime film. The animation is also impressive, with a unique and expressive style.
Cons
The pacing can be slow at times, and some scenes may be too intense for younger viewers. The supporting characters may feel underdeveloped, and some scenes may feel a bit dated.
Notable Quotes
"I'll never forget the smell of the mushroom cloud."
"I'm not afraid of death, I'm afraid of not living."
"We have to keep moving, we can't stay here."
