Josee, the Tiger and the Fish

"Josee, the Tiger and the Fish" is a touching animated film that follows the lives of two young adults in Osaka. Tsuneo Suzukawa is a determined university student studying marine biology with a passionate dream of diving in the tropical waters of Mexico. To fund his dream, he takes on a part-time job as a caretaker for a young woman named Kumiko, who insists on being called "Josee."

Josee is a talented artist who is unable to walk and has spent most of her life confined to her home under the care of her protective grandmother. Initially, Josee is abrasive, demanding, and views the outside world as a place filled with fearsome "tigers." However, as Tsuneo patiently opens up the world to her, taking her to the sea and other places she's only dreamed of, a deep bond begins to form between them. They challenge and inspire each other, learning about love, independence, and the courage to pursue their aspirations despite the obstacles they face.

The core message of "Josee, the Tiger and the Fish" is one of hope, resilience, and the courage to face one's fears to pursue a fulfilling life. Director Kotaro Tamura aimed to create an uplifting and positive story that contrasts with darker narratives about disability. The film posits that while everyone carries their own invisible burdens or "tigers," it is possible to overcome them and step into a wider world of possibilities. It's a story about how human connection can provide the strength to chase dreams, whether it's diving in faraway oceans or sharing one's art with the world. The film emphasizes that dreams can evolve and that true strength lies in supporting one another through life's unpredictable challenges, ultimately finding a future filled with love and shared aspirations.

While the film's ending is explicitly happy, with Tsuneo returning from Mexico to be with Josee, it's a significant departure from other adaptations of the source material. The 2003 live-action film, for instance, has a more bittersweet and ambiguous ending where the couple breaks up. This has led some viewers familiar with the original short story or the 2003 film to interpret the 2020 version as a more idealized, crowd-pleasing take on the narrative.

Another point of discussion is the nature of Tsuneo's devotion. While the film portrays it as pure love, a more cynical reading could question whether his initial commitment is influenced by a sense of pity or responsibility, a common trope in stories about disability. However, the film actively works to subvert this by having the characters' roles reverse after Tsuneo's accident, forcing him to rely on Josee's strength. This narrative choice reinforces the interpretation that their bond is one of genuine mutual support and respect, not pity.

"Josee, the Tiger and the Fish" was praised by critics and audiences for its empathetic and nuanced portrayal of disability, a topic rarely explored in mainstream anime. While other films might use disability as a plot device to be magically cured, this film grounds itself in realism, focusing on the protagonist's internal growth and journey toward independence. Director Kotaro Tamura expressed a hope that the film would help build a foundation for more stories dealing with characters in wheelchairs to be told in animation.

The film's creation stemmed from a trend at the production company Kadokawa to adapt classic Japanese literary works for modern audiences. By adapting Seiko Tanabe's 1984 short story, the film introduced a classic piece of Japanese literature to a new, global generation. It received critical acclaim at international film festivals, including being the closing film at the 25th Busan International Film Festival, and was nominated for Animation of the Year at the Japan Academy Film Prize. Its heartfelt story and beautiful animation by Studio Bones resonated with anime fans worldwide, solidifying its place as a significant romantic drama in recent anime cinema.

"Josee, the Tiger and the Fish" was met with highly positive reception from audiences and critics. Viewers widely praised the film for its beautiful and expressive animation by Studio Bones, its heartfelt and emotional storytelling, and its charming central romance. Many found the relationship between Josee and Tsuneo to be well-developed and touching, leaving them feeling happy and satisfied by the film's hopeful conclusion.

The main points of criticism, though minor for most, centered on the feeling that the plot follows a somewhat familiar formula for romantic anime dramas, using recognizable character archetypes. Some critics felt the second half of the film veered into melodrama, particularly the subplot involving Tsuneo's accident, which felt overly convenient for creating tension. Despite these critiques, the overall verdict from audiences was overwhelmingly favorable, with many hailing it as a beautiful, charming, and emotionally resonant film.