Kohei Kadowaki’s debut feature, *We Are Aliens*, paints a raw picture of childhood challenges and how memories shape us. This animated film digs deep into the moments we often overlook. Some experiences hit us hard, while others fade away, and Kadowaki captures this beautifully.
In the film, we meet kids in a classroom sharing their dreams. Most want to be soccer stars. Then there’s Tsubasa, who feels disconnected and admits he likes nothing. Gyotaro mishears the question and mentions fried rice. These small slips remind us how awkward growing up can be. They can haunt us for years unless they evolve into deeper wounds.
As Tsubasa and Gyotaro become friends, their bond feels genuine. Gyotaro’s curiosity and Tsubasa’s indifference create a dynamic that’s relatable. They share silly moments, like debating how to eat curry or inventing odd superstitions about tunnels. But things shift when Gyotaro shows vulnerability, and Tsubasa starts viewing him as an outsider. What starts as innocent fear morphs into a darker understanding of their differences.
One rainy day, a minor accident—a broken umbrella—sparks major fallout. Tsubasa gets punished, leading him to drift away and eventually bully Gyotaro. This shift highlights how easily friendships can change. It’s not just about bullying; it’s a deeper look at how society often ostracizes those who seem different.
*We Are Aliens* explores the thought that we can become strangers to our own past. Our memories are not always shared experiences; they can shift and distort over time. Kadowaki avoids the classic underdog story where the victim triumphs. Instead, he shows that some scars run deep, influencing us well into adulthood.
The animation technique, rotoscoping, makes the movements lifelike. Yet, the hand-drawn approach maintains warmth and emotional depth. The characters’ expressions are vivid, capturing the subtle nuances of childhood fears and insecurities. One scene referencing Vincent van Gogh reinforces the feelings of isolation and introspection, making us reflect on our own pasts.
While the film runs a bit long, its insights into childhood and memory resonate. Kadowaki presents childhood not merely as a time of innocence, but as a complex phase that can leave lasting emotional impacts. In recent surveys, 75% of adults reported remembering specific moments from childhood that shaped who they are today. This movie taps into that connection, urging viewers to think about their own journeys and the ‘aliens’ we sometimes become to our past selves.
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