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It was FanimeCon again this past weekend, so what better time to review an anime classic?
Night on the Galactic Railroad, an anime based on the novel of the same title by Kenji Miyazawa, is one of those films I recall seeing the poster for and hearing about through the grapevine, but never getting around to seeing for myself. There was even a film screening at FanimeCon some years back, but I sadly didn't notice until after. After attending that awesome convention again this past weekend, I popped in the Blu-ray copy I acquired as of this writing and finally gave it my full attention. While the film is certainly not what I expected, the experience I was left with was still memorable and awe-inspiring, if a tad melancholic.
Set in a world populated by anthropomorphized cats, the story follows a young boy named Giovanni, a bullied outcast who cares for his ill mother while dealing with an absent father and drifting into daydreams. One night, on his way to get milk for his mother, Giovanni encounters a mysterious and celestial railroad train on the outskirts of town. Giovanni finds himself aboard the train and meets up with another boy named Campanella, who defended Giovanni from the bullies before offering his friendship. The two of them ride the train together into the unknown of the Milky Way and witness some of the strangest yet amazing sights, as they encounter other people from many walks of life.
On the surface, Night on the Galactic Railroad sounds like your standard magical coming-of-age adventure with hints of philosophical undertones, and, for the most part, it is. However, what isn't entirely clear until about halfway through the film (or for anyone unfamiliar with the source material, like I wasn't) are themes of self-sacrifice, concepts of the afterlife, and the power of friendship and platonic love. The film is a slow-burning exploration of all these themes and ideas presented through child logic and symbolism: some fascinating, some religious, and all gorgeously presented.
One thing that struck me a bit silly is that the English dub features Veronica Taylor as the voice of Giovanni, whom most anime fans may recognize as the voice of Ash Ketchum from the long-running Pokémon series; the irony isn't lost on me.
While some may disagree with the film's religious implications, they are not as relevant to the main story or the overall message as the endearing friendship between the two main characters. Like any good story, the focus is not on what the characters are doing, but why.
Night on the Galactic Railroad is a beautiful classic that will unexpectedly tug at your heartstrings. It's a story about life, death, the importance of empathy, and the bravery of selflessness. Its slow burn style may cause you to peek at your watch sometimes, but your patience will pay off in the end.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.
Happy Memorial Day!
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