A New Dawn: Review of Yoshitoshi Shinomiya’s Animated Debut

Berlin – Yoshitoshi Shinomiya’s directorial debut, A New Dawn, premiered in competition at the Berlin International Film Festival this week, offering a visually arresting and thematically resonant take on family legacy, environmental change, and the weight of the past. The animated feature, set against the backdrop of a soon-to-be-demolished fireworks factory in Japan, distinguishes itself from the increasingly prevalent, high-octane anime aesthetic with a painterly, pastel-hued style reminiscent of traditional watercolor.

The story centers on Keitaro Obinata (voiced by Riku Hagiwara), the last remaining resident and operator of the 330-year-old Obinata Fireworks factory. Facing imminent demolition to make way for a new road and solar panel installation, Keitaro is visited by his brother, Chichi (Miyu Irino), and a childhood friend, Kaoru Shikimori (Kotone Furukawa). Initially intending to persuade Keitaro to leave, the pair ultimately find themselves drawn into his lifelong ambition: to create and launch the legendary ‘shuhari’ firework, a spectacle steeped in local myth and personal significance.

Shinomiya, a veteran artist with experience as a background designer and second unit director on Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name (2016), brings a distinct artistic vision to the project. The film’s aesthetic stands in stark contrast to the “sharp-edged, often bloated animations” coming out of Japan, like Chainsaw Man and Demon Slayer, offering a “warmer, more intimate piece of anime with something on its mind.” Animation supervisor Shohei Hamaguchi’s background in visual effects, including work on Cells at Work!, further contributes to the film’s polished execution.

Beyond its visual appeal, A New Dawn tackles complex themes. The impending demolition of the fireworks factory serves as a metaphor for broader issues of gentrification and environmental devastation. The narrative subtly explores the tension between progress and preservation, and the cultural cost of unchecked development. The film’s prologue, depicting a lush landscape transformed into a barren site primed for redevelopment, visually underscores this point.

The dynamic between the three central characters – Keitaro, Chichi, and Kaoru – forms the emotional core of the film. Their shared history and individual struggles are portrayed with nuance, and authenticity. The film’s editor, Megumi Uchida, whose previous credits include Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke, crafts a tight narrative structure, broken up by a fourth-wall break that incorporates psychedelic stop-motion animation. The synthy, ‘80s-inspired score further enhances the film’s atmosphere.

The Obinata family’s history, hinting at a rebellious spirit and a dedication to a dying craft, adds another layer of depth to the story. The film touches upon themes of familial duty and the challenges of maintaining tradition in a rapidly changing world. The narrative also subtly explores the absence of the characters’ parents, both of whom dedicated their lives to the fireworks factory, and the weight of their legacy.

Produced by Asmik Ace and Miyu Productions, with international sales handled by Charades, A New Dawn is poised for a potential release in Asia following its early March opening in Japan. Its unique aesthetic and thematic depth could also attract attention from specialty festivals, distributors, and streaming platforms internationally. The film’s deliberate departure from mainstream anime tropes may prove to be a key differentiator in a crowded market.

While the film’s narrative is described as “slight” and “economical,” its visual beauty and thematic resonance offer a compelling cinematic experience. Shinomiya’s debut marks a promising entry into the animation world, and suggests a bright future for this emerging filmmaker. The film’s success may also signal a growing appetite for more intimate and artistically driven animated features.