[Movie Review] Josee, the Tiger and the Fish

Beautifully animated with excellent voice acting, Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is the latest remake of the short story by Japanese author Seiko Tanabe. K-drama fans may know the 2020 version, Josee, which starred Nam Joo-hyuk and Han Ji-min in their big screen reunion after their 2019 drama, The Light in Your Eyes, which was much heavier than this latest remake.

Light spoilers ahead.

With a runtime just over one hour and a half, the animated Josee is a more lighthearted, whimsical take on the story of marine biology student Suzukawa Tsuneo (Nakagawa Taishi) and paraplegic Josee (Kiyohara Kaya).

After a chance meeting since Tsuneo saving Josee’s life, her grandmother hires him to be Josee’s companion, which he gladly accepts to help increase his savings. Tsuneo’s life revolves around his dream to study overseas and continue scuba diving, which puts him at odds against the cranky but spirited Josee, who makes things difficult for him by sending him on mundane tasks like finding four-leaf clovers or counting all the lines in the tatami.

Despite the rough start, Tsuneo and Josee (whose real name is Yamamura Kumiko) become closer, with Tsuneo encouraging Josee’s interest in art and in finding and making friends. As expected, the two develop feelings, though this is challenged by Ninomiya Mai (Miyamoto Yume), Tsuneo’s co-worker at the scuba shop where he works part-time, who is able-bodied and less difficult than Josee.

It’s not all smooth sailing, as a major incident causes them to rethink their lives, goals, and their feelings.

The film tackles Josee’s disability well – her anger and crotchetiness never comes across as unreasonable, since her overprotective grandmother has sheltered her for far too long. Her confusion and despair during the incident, as well as Tsuneo’s reaction all feel believable. Mai isn’t the typical evil second lead – she’s a real person with feelings, who ultimately wants what is best for everyone even if it means giving up her own desires.

There are plenty of comic moments in the film, courtesy of Tsuneo’s other friend Matsura Hayato (Okitsu Kazuyuki) and Josee’s cat. With the film, you feel the happiness and hesitation when falling in love for the first time, as well as the immense sadness and desperation that comes when things suddenly change.

Towards the end, things did feel a little cliche, but it doesn’t take away from the stunning animation. If you don’t come away wishing your room turned into the ocean after watching this, we don’t know what to say.

Thank you to Atrinaga for inviting us to the preview!

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is currently showing in TGV cinemas.