Watch Miss Hokusai

Miss Hokusai is a 2015 Japanese animated film directed by Keiichi Hara and based on the fictional manga series by Hinako Sugiura. The movie depicts the life of O-Ei, the daughter of the famous Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai during the Edo period in Japan. The story revolves around the everyday life of O-Ei, who is a skilled artist herself and assists her father in painting some of his famous artwork. The movie spans over several years, highlighting the various aspects of O-Ei's life, including her personal relationships, her struggles with her art, and her interactions with her father's patrons.

Through her eyes, the audience is transported to a world of art and culture, with a fascinating insight into Japanese customs and traditions. The art style used in this movie is superb, showcasing the beauty of traditional Japanese art.

O-Ei is not the typical woman of her time. She is strong-willed and independent, with a passion for art that sometimes puts her at odds with her father's views. She is often seen drifting away from the conventional roles expected of a woman during the Edo period and is shown to have a liberal and curious mindset, particularly when it comes to human relationships.

The movie's themes touch upon various elements of the human experience, including love, loss, hope, and the struggle for independence and self-expression. O-Ei's artistic pursuits reflect the varying emotions she experiences at different stages in her life, making her an endearing and relatable character.

As the story progresses, O-Ei takes on several assignments on her own, working as an artist for clients who request her services. Her personal life also undergoes significant changes when her blind younger sister comes to live with her, and she develops a close relationship with a man named Sukenobu.

The movie presents a poignant portrayal of the dynamics between father and daughter, with Hokusai's work at the forefront. Although the two share a close-knit bond, their differing artistic styles create friction between them. Hokusai is shown to be a fairly unlikable character, an irritable and demanding father who often clashes with O-Ei.

Despite these challenges, the movie's main focus is on the incredible talent and wisdom of both artists. The audience is witness to the creative process as they work on masterpieces, with O-Ei's contribution vital to their success. The scenes in which they work together are some of the most engaging, with the father and daughter challenging each other to new heights of creativity.

The movie incorporates other interesting subplots, like including the Great Fire of Edo, which was a significant event in the city's history. It showcases the anxiety and panic that swept through the city during the fire and how it affected the lives of the people.

The voice acting in the film is impeccable, with Yutaka Matsushige delivering an outstanding performance as Hokusai. Erica Lindbeck voices O-Ei, and she does an exceptional job with the character's various emotions, making her come alive in every scene.

The animation style is stunning, with the hand-drawn artwork capturing the essence of Japanese artwork. The viewer is enveloped in the world of Katsushika's art, with landscapes and seascapes rendered in breathtaking detail.

Overall, Miss Hokusai is a captivating movie that takes you on a mesmerizing journey through the world of art and culture, while bringing to life some of Japan's most famous works. With its engaging storyline, spectacular animation, and masterful voice acting, it is a fantastic film that leaves a lasting impression.

Miss Hokusai is a 2016 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 74.