The Boy and the Beast (2015)

The Boy and the Beast follows Kyuta, a tough, lonely orphan roaming the streets of Shibuya, who accidentally enters a vibrant, parallel realm inhabited by beastly warriors. There he is taken in by Kumatetsu, a gruff, hot-headed fighter searching for an apprentice. What begins as bickering and brutal training gradually grows into a shaky but genuine father‑son bond. When a spreading darkness threatens to upend both the human world and the Beast Kingdom, Kyuta and Kumatetsu must learn to trust one another and combine their strengths for a climactic, emotionally charged showdown. Seeing the film, you’ll experience a rich mix of high-energy action and tender coming-of-age drama: fast, inventive battle sequences and dazzling, imaginative worldbuilding are balanced by quiet, heartfelt moments about identity, family and resilience. Mamoru Hosoda’s direction blends modern Tokyo realism with fantastical creature designs and warm character work, backed by expressive animation and an evocative score. Expect humor, emotional payoff, and a satisfying arc as apprentice and mentor grow into a real family. Ideal for viewers who enjoy animated adventures with heart — fans of Hosoda’s previous films, emotionally grounded fantasy, or visually striking, character-driven stories will find a lot to love.

Actors: Kôji Yakusho, Aoi Miyazaki, Shôta Sometani

Director: Mamoru Hosoda

Runtime: 119 min

Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation

7.0 /10 65 /100 7.6 /10 7.0 /10