Jellyfish Eyes (2015)

The directorial debut from acclaimed artist Takashi Murakami, Jellyfish Eyes brings its creator's endless imagination to the screen in a tale of family, friendship, and loyalty set in a world of fantasy that only Murakami could conjure. Having moved to the country with his mother following the death of his father, young Masashi (Takuto Sueoka) immediately makes a most unlikely friend: a flying, jellyfish-like sprite that he nicknames Kurage-bo. Taking Kurage-bo under his wing and into the classroom, Masashi soon discovers that his schoolmates have similar friends - and that they, their creators, and the town itself are not all they seem to be. Pointedly set in a post-Fukushima world, Murakami's film carries a message of cooperation and hope while boasting unforgettable creature designs and handmade special effects nearly a decade in the making. A touching triumph of creativity and wonder, Jellyfish Eyes is a must-see for film lovers of all ages. (C) Janus