Wolf Children - Limited Edition Steelbook 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray

I was a little doubtful when I decided to watch this movie with my mom on Mother's Day, because I'd heard about the ending being sad, but we both enjoyed the film very much. It has many meaningful and relatable messages; a mother's love is powerful, choice is paramount for children, and that most, if not all parents, experience similar emotions when their children come of age.The mother, Hana, is a single mother who takes care of her two children, who have the ability to change into wolves. I won't talk about the specifics of what happened to her husband, but something obviously does, and it is explained in the film. She is incredibly kind, tolerant, and cares deeply for her children. Taking care of them on her own is difficult, especially when they start off in a new home on the countryside and she must make repairs to the decrepit home she purchased and later, learn to raise crops. But some of the times they share together are heartwarming, funny, and beautiful to see. The artwork for this film is simply staggering, and I look forward to more quality works like this from the director, Mamoru Hosuda.About halfway through, the movie begins to deal more with the children, Ame and Yuki, and about how they are growing up and finding their own paths in life - something that Hana wanted to give them when she decided to move them out of the big city and to the countryside. All I will say is that the siblings' paths diverge; they both make different choices. One is not better than the other, and neither are bad choices.In this half of the movie, you also start getting some feeling for what parents experience when their children grow up. I'm no parent, but I could feel it because I was right beside my mom when we watched the film - and she was crying. ***Minor SPOILER alert here, so skip to the next paragraph if you deem it necessary.*** Many parents raise their children with great love and care, but when it's finally time for them to "spread their wings and fly," it can be an emotional time. It's hard to let go sometimes, or rather, to accept the reality. I think parents fully understand that, but it's still hard. Hana has to deal with the same thing, and seemingly very early on to Western parents.The ending is bittersweet, I'd say. It's happy, but sad at the same time. I guess it depends on how you look at it, and especially depends on what position you have in the family (father, mother, child, etc) - that is all I'm going to say.All in all, it's a great family movie. I watched it twice with my mom already, once with just her, and then again with my dad and brother. Even if you aren't into anime or you have family members that aren't into anime, you can still pick up this film and enjoy it without any problems. I highly recommend it!***Note: I've noticed these criticisms in some of the lower-rated reviews I've read for this film. I'm not here to argue or to say anyone is wrong, I would just like to give some insight to readers who may have concerns. What I'm talking about is what some have called "implied bestiality."***SPOILER, READ ON ONLY IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE AFOREMENTIONED*** Shortly after the husband reveals his wolf side to Hana, they return home to consummate their love. They are both in a dark room with only their silhouettes showing, but the husband stays in his half-wolf form. He touches her cheek, asks her if she is afraid of him, and then they both lay down off-screen. That's the extent of the scene. For adults and young teens, it's clear that they're about to have sex - but personally, at least, I didn't see it as that. It was more about Hana's ultimate acceptance of her mate, and reassurance to the husband about the woman he loves. I don't think the scene was depicted as sexual. If you have concerns about this because of the "implied bestiality," however, I've already described the full scene. That's all there is, so you can make your judgment from there.

**Small Spoiler Alert**I went into this movie blind as I had not watched another movie from this director. But, I'm a big Hiyazaki fan so I figured I'd give it a try. I was nothing short of blown away, I can't think of another movie in recent memory that I have enjoyed as much as Wolf children.The movie starts with college age Hana meeting a man and falling in love. The man, however, turns out to be a wolf. Hana decides that love can overcome any challenges that might arise from his condition and the two eventually bring two beautiful children into the world together. Unfortunately, a cruel twist of fate takes Hana's mate from her all too soon and leaves her alone to raise their two children. This section is quick and not entirely the focus of the movie, but is very important nonetheless. Seeing how deeply Hana cared for her husband and the loss that she suffers is critical to understanding her motivation as a character and more importantly, as a mother. Just keep smiling.Hana is left living in a small apartment with two quickly growing wolf children and no source of income. Being the mother of children who can't control whether or not they remain in their human form, or turn into a wolf-pup and trash the apartment is no easy task, especially once prying eyes begin to suspect something is amiss. Hana decides that it would be best for her small family to move far out into the countryside where they can have more privacy and give her time to learn the best ways to raise her young pups.Watching the children slowly grow into who they choose to be, and seeing Hana overcome so many struggles is where this movie shines. There are no stereotypical archetypes that are so common in these types of movies. everything feels genuine and heartfelt. You will fall in love with Hana, Yuki and Ame.The animation throughout is stellar and absolutely beautiful. The picture quality on this Blu-Ray release is fantastic, and the English dub is very good, one of the best in my recent memory.I would wholeheartedly recommend this movie to anyone who is even slightly interested.Note: Check out 'Summer Wars' as well! Totally different feel than Wolf Children, but a great movie in its own regards!