Recommended: The movie is bittersweet, and it may pull tears from your eyes whether you want it to or not. The forest practically glows with life, and with the light and airy piano soundtrack, it is easy to believe that such a forest could be enchanted. The backdrops and scenery on the other hand are beautiful. The character designs are nothing outstanding unique, but they’re still lovely. Its beauty is not only in character and story, however. Hotarubi no Mori E is a difficult movie to review in any terms but vague ones, because it floats on the wings of the ethereal: emotion and relationships. It’s sweet and simple, and in its simplicity lies its heart and its strength. It’s a story of people and companionship, of caring for others and struggling through an impossible situation. To re-tell the story in detail would not be to spoil the events, but to spoil the atmosphere, and physical and emotional growth that takes place in Hotaru as she transitions from summer to summer. To remember the kind, but odd, stranger in the forest who could never take her hand, and all the summers they spent together fishing, exploring and…slowly falling in love. While she is waiting at the bus stop, a contemplative smile crosses her face…and she begins to remember. Things open with a snapshot of a strange man on a rock before the point of view jumps to Hotaru as she is racing out the door to go to her uncle’s for the summer. The entire atmosphere feels like someone sitting down to tell the story of a distant, but dear, dear memory.Īnd, in fact, that is how the story is told. Review: Hotarubi no Mori E is a short movie, under 45 minutes long, with a simple story and really only two characters: Hotaru and Gin. But there is one caveat: she cannot touch him, or else he will disappear forever. They became friends, and each summer Hotaru would return and spend her days with her new friend. But then one of the spirits appeared and kindly led her to the exit. She was very small, very alone and so very scared. Summary: One summer a girl named Hotaru Takegawa was lost in the forest of the mountain god. Title: Into the Forest of the Fireflies’ Light

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