Watch Modest Heroes: Ponoc Short Films Theatre

Modest Heroes: Ponoc Short Films Theatre is a collection of three short animated films, produced by Studio Ponoc and directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, Yoshiyuki Momose, and Akihiko Yamashita. The films explore the themes of heroism, courage, and sacrifice through the perspective of everyday individuals. The first film, Kanini & Kanino, follows the journey of two young crab siblings as they navigate the dangers of their underwater world in order to help their father. The film is visually stunning, with vibrant colors and intricate detail bringing the fantastical world to life. The relationship between the siblings is heartwarming, and their determination to help their father is inspiring.

The second film, Life Ain't Gonna Lose, tells the story of a young boy named Shun who has a severe allergy to eggs. Despite his allergies, Shun is determined to live a normal life and participate in the same activities as his classmates. The film depicts his struggles and bravery as he faces the challenges of daily life, including a school field trip to a farm. The animation is simple and charming, but the emotional impact is powerful. Maggie Q voices the character of Shun's mother, adding depth and warmth to the story.

The final film, Invisible, tells the story of a man named Saji who gains the ability to turn invisible. At first, he uses his powers for his own selfish gain, but soon realizes the consequences of his actions. The film is a poignant commentary on the nature of heroism and what it truly means to be courageous. The animation style is unique, with a hand-drawn look that brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the story.

Overall, Modest Heroes: Ponoc Short Films Theatre is a beautiful collection of animated films that showcase the power of everyday heroes. The films are different in style and tone, but all share a common message of courage and sacrifice. The voice acting, particularly Maggie Q's performance as Shun's mother, adds depth and emotion to each story. The animation is stunning, with intricate detail and beautiful colors that bring each world to life. Fans of Studio Ghibli and anime in general will appreciate the quality and heart of these short films.

Modest Heroes: Ponoc Short Films Theatre is a 2018 family movie with a runtime of 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.