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Josee, the Tiger and the Fish
A heartfelt animated romance where the currents of dreams and disabilities converge, painting a story of love that learns to swim against the tide.
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish

ジョゼと虎と魚たち

"Together they can fly."

25 December 2020 Japan 98 min 8.3 (540)

Director: Kotaro Tamura

Cast: Taishi Nakagawa, Kaya Kiyohara, Yume Miyamoto, Kazuyuki Okitsu, Lynn

Drama Animation Romance Overcoming Fear and Self-Imposed Limitations The Pursuit of Dreams Love and Mutual Support Disability and Independence

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish — Movie Quotes

Memorable Quotes

The world is full of scary beasts.
— Chizu (Josee's Grandmother)

Context

Josee's grandmother says this to Tsuneo early in the film to explain why they only take walks late at night. It establishes the central conflict of Josee's fear of the world beyond her home.

Meaning

This line encapsulates the fear and overprotectiveness that has defined Josee's upbringing. It represents the worldview that Josee must overcome—the idea that the outside world is too dangerous for her to navigate, which has kept her isolated.

It really is salty!
— Josee

Context

Upon being taken to the sea for the first time by Tsuneo, Josee insists on tasting the water. After Tsuneo helps her to the shore, she crawls to the water's edge to experience it herself, a powerful scene highlighting her determination.

Meaning

This simple, joyous exclamation signifies Josee's first true taste of freedom and the real world. It's a moment of pure, unadulterated discovery that marks the beginning of her transformation and her deepening bond with Tsuneo.

I can do it, because you gave me wings of the heart.
— Tsuneo

Context

This line is spoken towards the end of the film, likely after Tsuneo has recovered from his injury and is reaffirming his commitment to Josee. It beautifully ties into the theme of Josee's allegorical picture book.

Meaning

This quote is the culmination of their journey of mutual support. It's Tsuneo's acknowledgment that Josee's love and belief in him are what give him the strength to overcome his own physical and emotional trauma, just as he helped her overcome hers. The "wings" are a direct reference to the picture book Josee wrote for him.

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