Natsu e no Tobira · review
This film is an astounding portrayal of sexuality, youth and the struggle of emotional growth. The visual presentation for these themes doesn't leave anyone cold after the experience that is this film. The film builds up towards its premise from the start utilising excellent design and visual touch for the atmosphere and flow. These elements enable you to relate to the MC his struggle and relationships around him. The art enables you to see the events unfolding through the eyes of the character, which I think adds another layer of immersion into the film. You can pretty quickly pick up on the MC and his philosophytowards his inevitable emotional struggle and position relative to the relationships around him, this serves as the premise on which the film builds up its presentation. The philosophy of the MC is presented through the lens of an adolescent individual and the characters and their design match this portrayal. You can see the adult characters of the film have complete control over the younger characters in this film. This is presented both visually and metaphorically throughout the film. The main characters struggle relates to his own philosophy versus the overwhelming presence and control coming from a stronger entity. This adds another layer to the theme of sexuality and control of yourself that relate to the philosophy of the MC.
The relationships of the MC are another main theme of the film, his position in relation to his peers is brought in question not only by himself, but also other parties. He is not sure about himself in regards of his relationships and his position in those relationships, which partly creates the struggle that is portrayed in this film. Throughout the film he tries to deny himself in relation to his relationships culminates into an internal conflict, that is presented visually as the climax of the film.
The art and music of the film reinforce the MC position relative to his relationships around him and in some shots he is portrayed as strong among his peers compared to his portrayal against the controlling entity where he was frail and defenceless. This visual presentation is one of the finest I've seen in any anime and it definitely adds another layer of depth into the film. The music compensates the artistic portrayal and keeps you engaged to the visual experience constantly.
Overall this film artistically presents one of a kind experience through youth, sexuality and self discovery.