Young Kun has a new baby sister and the loving attention showered on him by his parents for all his years appears to evaporate overnight. While Mum rushes between her job and looking after baby Mirai, Dad is at home trying to keep things afloat. A series of fantastical events ensues, including the revelation that family dog Yukko was once the Prince of the House before the children were born, but who informs Kun about the lack of attention he received following the boy’s own arrival. Kun is also visited by Mirai, as a grown-up from the future. And he subsequently takes a ride with his late grandfather who has journeyed from the past to scold him for his selfish behaviour. Like the apparitions who visit Dickens’ Ebenezer Scrooge, these visitors – imagined or otherwise – have the desired effect of helping Kun cope with the changes that are affecting his life. Mirai articulates themes regarding the importance of family, along with the virtues of patience and tolerance. This is a beautifully crafted piece from an auteur director who succeeds in capturing the universal issues affecting childhood with great insight and a lot of fun. First premiering to acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival, this screening coincides with the exhibition ‘The World of Mamoru Hosoda’, showing at Noho Studios during the Festival.

Justin Johnson

Additional information

Suitable for ages 8+