Watch Moribito: Hunter and Hunted

Moribito: Hunter and Hunted is a Japanese epic fantasy film directed by Kenji Kamiyama, released in 2017. This film stars Mabuki Andou and Naoto Adachi. It is based on the novel series "Moribito" by Nahoko Uehashi. The story takes place in a mythical land called New Yogo, where the Queen appoints Balsa, a skilled bodyguard and spear-wielder, to protect her son Prince Chagum. The prince is in danger as it is predicted that he will be possessed by a water spirit, which could lead to a disastrous drought in the kingdom. Chagum is the eighth prince and is entirely different from his brothers. He has a soft and empathetic heart, which is rare in the royal family and draws the attention of his stern father, the Emperor.

Balsa is reluctant to take on the mission because of her peculiar past, having fled from her native Kanbal when she was accused of killing eight people. As a result, she has vowed to never take another life again. But the Queen offers her an intriguing offer - Chagum's bodyguard position is also a death sentence. Should she fail to protect the prince, Balsa must lay down her life. But if she succeeds, the Queen promises to wipe Balsa's criminal past clean, allowing her to return home without shame.

The two set off on a journey along with Tanda, an elderly herbalist and Balsa's childhood friend, and Torogai, a wise and eccentric shaman who leads a group of hunters. They travel through the kingdom, and Balsa tries to protect the prince as he begins to learn more about the legends and the water spirit that could possess him.

As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Balsa's mission is not as straightforward as it seems. They face assassination attempts, treacherous royals, and a group of fanatical warriors who worship the water god. Prince Chagum also faces danger in the form of supernatural beings and his own father, who sees him as a threat to his own rule.

The movie conveys the beauty of the land and the culture through anime-style animation, which is both beautiful and poignant. The characters are also well-developed and give the audience different insights into the kingdom that they call home. Balsa is the standout character, a reluctant hero, with a strong sense of justice and a moral compass that guides her decision-making.

The movie's themes revolve around the relationship between parent and child, duty, courage and bravery, and the struggle of power. Moribito: Hunter and Hunted takes a realistic portrayal of politics and power dynamics, as it is not just the Emperor who wants to control the fate of the kingdom. Everyone has an agenda, and we see Balsa, who acts as a protector, navigating through these complexities.

The pacing of the film is well-balanced, with the exciting action scenes interspersed with moments of introspection and quiet conversations between the characters. There is always a sense of uncertainty and danger, making the audience feel as if we are in the midst of the journey with the rest of the characters.

Overall, Moribito: Hunter and Hunted is a beautifully animated and well-executed film that impresses with its story and characters. The epic feel of the movie, which reveals the layers of the kingdom's complexities, and the emotional character arcs of Prince Chagum and Balsa are worth the watch. The film also highlights the importance of empathy, forgiveness, and understanding in our society, making it an excellent choice for viewers of all ages.

Moribito: Hunter and Hunted is a 2016 action movie with a runtime of 58 minutes.