We continue our series of reviews chronicling all of the (non-Studio Ghibli) animated films distributed by GKIDS Films — some of the most original and breathtakingly beautiful animated films from around the world — and how they hold up for a young American audience.

The entire retrospective is found here, and this time we’ve got…

Modest Heroes: Ponoc Short Films Theatre, Volume 1 (2018)

What’s it about?

Modest Heroes is a collection of three short films from Studio Ponoc, the relatively new Japanese studio that stepped into the void left behind by Hayao Miyazaki’s “retirement” and the apparent dissolution of Studio Ghibli in 2014. Even though Ghibli is still around and Miyazaki has come out of retirement (yet again) to direct another feature, Studio Ponoc (which was founded and staffed by Ghibli veterans) has certainly made an impact. Between 2017’s Mary and the Witch’s Flower and Modest Heroes, it has become THE STUDIO to watch.

The three 15-minute-or-so films that comprise Modest Heroes explore the idea of heroism in everyday life. Kanini & Kanino (directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi) follows two siblings – of a tiny humanoid species that lives underwater in a stream – who set off on a quest to rescue their father who was carried off by a strong current.

Life Ain’t Gonna Lose (directed by Yoshiyuki Momose) centers on Shun, a young boy with a severe (i.e., lethal) allergy to eggs. The story is a slice-of-life look at a mother and son trying their best to navigate the unexpected dangers that surround us… that most of us without allergies tend to ignore.

Invisible (directed by Akihiko Yamashita) follows a day in the life of an office worker who feels so invisible to the world that he is actually see-through. And not only is he literally invisible, but he also needs to anchor himself to the ground by carrying weights around – otherwise, he’d fly away. His invisibility is put to the test when an accident presents an opportunity to be a hero.

What are the cultures at play? And how about the languages?

This is a Japanese film, and all three shorts have Japanese influences. Two of them, however, are reminiscent of Pixar shorts in that they’re almost completely language independent. Kanini & Kanino includes dialogue, but it’s either made-up “crab language” or characters’ names spoken by other characters. There’s only one language track and no subtitles for this film, so language shouldn’t be a barrier.

Likewise, Invisible is predominantly language independent. There are a few lines of dialogue, but only one or two really require translation. Nevertheless, this one might be the most foreign to those unfamiliar with Japanese culture since it focuses on the concept of the “salaryman.” Still, the feeling of loneliness and invisibility while trapped in a dull job in a big city is more or less universal.

Life Ain’t Gonna Lose is the most language dependent film of the three. Maggie Q stars as the mother in the English dub, but I’d still recommend the original Japanese with English subtitles. Though the film gives a glimpse inside the daily life of a kid in Tokyo, there’s nothing “foreign” about the story being told – especially for someone with allergies.

Will my kids like it?

Depending on their age, kids will most likely enjoy Kanini & Kanino best. It’s a bit like an underwater version of The Secret World of Arrietty. It’s also gorgeously animated and a pure joy to watch. Life Ain’t Gonna Lose might be a bit unsettling for some kids, especially when Shun has an allergic reaction and breaks out in a rash. Young kids might get scared at Shun’s peril or not understand what’s happening, but (mild spoiler) it ends on a hopeful note. Kids will probably be most confused by Invisible and not understand the metaphorical layer of the story, but even taken literally, the message conveys clearly and kids should get it just fine.

Will I like it?

Probably. If you’re a fan of animation in general or Studio Ghibli in particular, you’ll find a lot to like here. The strong Ghibli pedigree of the Studio Ponoc animators and directors shines through, and Modest Heroes will leave you desperate for future installments in the Short Films Theatre anthology.

I should also mention that this was originally supposed to include four short films. The final film was to be directed by Ghibli legend Isao Takahata, but he unfortunately passed away before he could finish. I yearn to see what it could have been, but the three-film version of Modest Heroes we have is lovely enough.

Is there anything objectionable for young kids?

Some of the events of Life Ain’t Gonna Lose might be triggery for kids with allergies, who have experienced allergic reactions, or who have witnessed allergic reactions among their friends. The events of the story put Shun in mortal danger, there are several emergencies and ambulance rides to the hospital, and there’s the aforementioned allergic reaction that’s shown in potentially scary detail, but the story is ultimately uplifting and hopeful.

How can I see it?

GKIDS and Shout Factory recently released a Blu-ray edition of the collection, which has a small selection of special features (all in Japanese with English subtitles), including an interview with Studio Ponoc producer Yoshiaki Nishimura, the film completion press conference, brief interviews with the Japanese voice cast, and theatrical trailer and TV spots. It’s also available from all the usual online outlets (including Amazon).

Final word?

Yes. Just do it. Watch it and love it. I’ll admit that Modest Heroes is entirely too short at 53 minutes, and it will leave you wanting more… but that’s hardly criticism. If you’re a fan of the Disney and Pixar shorts and those collections, then you really owe it to yourself to check this out. All three films in this collection are personal, tender, heartwarming, and life-affirming. If you want to feel good, then look no further.

I’m absolutely on board for as many volumes of short films as Studio Ponoc will put out, and I’m anxious to see what feature-length joys that have up their sleeves to follow up Mary and the Witch’s Flower.