Lonely Castle in the Mirror

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Lonely Castle in the Mirror

Released Jun 21, 2023

1h 56m

Fantasy

Mystery & Thriller

Drama

Anime

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50%

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8 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

Shy outcast Kokoro has been avoiding school for weeks when she discovers a portal in her bedroom mirror. She reaches through and finds herself transported to an enchanting castle where she is joined by six other students. When a girl in a wolf mask explains that they have been invited to play a game, the teens must work together to uncover the mysterious connection that unites them. However, anyone who breaks the rules will be eaten by a wolf.

Rendy Jones

RogerEbert.com

A more laid-back dramatic offering than other A1-Pictures features that often bear vibrant flashiness. Regardless of the genre and tone, “Lonely Castle” desperately needed some glitz.

Rated: 2/4

Jun 22, 2023

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

An affecting piece about -- of all things -- bullying.

Rated: 3/4

Oct 4, 2023

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Douglas Davidson

Elements of Madness

"Lonely Castle" is a bit of a coming-of-age tale, but it’s a twist on it as an undercurrent theme implies that the “rite of passage” that is surviving junior high and high school is a bunch of bullshit that should be nipped quickly ...

Rated: 2.5/5

Sep 26, 2023

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Luke Gorham

In Review Online

In an age where it feels like [AI]could... produce the same complexity of story arcs and depth of character psychology, it’s no good to turn our noses up at imperfect films that capture the imperfection of humanity in a way that doesn’t feel AI-generated.

Jul 3, 2023

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Sandie Angulo Chen

Common Sense Media

The entertaining but thinly plotted adaptation explores mature themes, focusing on misfit teens who need a safe space to make friends and be themselves.

Rated: 3/5

Jun 28, 2023

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Charles Solomon

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

It's not all it could be and not what you expect from a Keiichi Hara film.

Jun 28, 2023

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Kirk

A beautiful, heartbreaking, and life-affirming fairy tale of childhood salvation and compassion mixed in with a somber dosage of how people can be cruel to each other in various ways. A film that asks all of us to please reach out a hand to those in desperate need of it and offer them our unconditional love and support. Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a film that will be discussed with families and amongst children themselves for years to come.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/30/23

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Michael

Such a compelling story. Lots of twists and turns some you don't ever expect. Both a heart warming and heart wrenching story. Beautiful animation. Just well done all around

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/23/23

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alphonso

It was very emotional and a very nice little slice of life

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/23/23

Full Review

Rabbit

This film is so beautiful! I love the concept and the touch of realism. As someone who's also had horrible social anxiety myself, it really hit me. I feel like this won't get the attention that it deserves, but it's so incredible. This is my best film of 2023 so far.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/22/23

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John

Really loved the topics covered in the story

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/22/23

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Jess

Wonderful story with well thought out characters. A great movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/22/23

Full Review

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Keiichi Hara

Director

Ami Toma

Kokoro

Takumi Kitamura

Rion

Sakura Kiryu

Aki

Rihito Itagaki

Subaru

Naho Yokomizo

Fuka

Lonely Castle in the Mirror: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Shy outcast Kokoro has been avoiding school for weeks when she discovers a portal in her bedroom mirror. She reaches through and finds herself transported to an enchanting castle where she is joined by six other students. When a girl in a wolf mask explains that they have been invited to play a game, the teens must work together to uncover the mysterious connection that unites them. However, anyone who breaks the rules will be eaten by a wolf.

Director: Keiichi Hara
Producer: Hirotaka Aragaki, Kei Kushiyama
Screenwriter: Miho Maruo
Distributor: GKIDS
Production Co: A-1 Pictures
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery & Thriller, Drama, Anime
Original Language: Japanese
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 21, 2023, Limited
Runtime: 1h 56m

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