Josee, the Tiger and the Fish Review

4 star heartwarming and thought provoking romantic anime.

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is a 2020 Japanese animated romantic comedy drama film, based on the short story of the same name by Seiko Tanabe. It is directed by Kotaro Tamura, with screenplay by Sayaka Kuwamura. It is produced by Studio Bones (Eureka Seven AO, Fullmetal Alchemist) and is showing now in UK cinemas courtesy of Anime Limited.

“Yes, you’d be working here. Don’t look so disappointed. There’s only one rule. Don’t take her out on your own.”

Suzukawa Tsuneo (Taishi Nakagawa – Your Lie in April) is a talented young college student. Working at the local dive shop, he is fascinated with all things underwater and his big dream is to study in Mexico when he graduates. He is frantically saving up to make it a reality.

This all seems more possible when one day it seems that good fortune literally falls into his arms. As he is walking home from work, a young woman, Kumiko (Kaya Kiyohara – March Comes in Like a Lion) is careering down a steep hill in her wheelchair, out of control. She flies out and lands on Tsuneo, knocking him to the floor.

When her Grandmother (Matsutera Chiemi) catches up to them she invites Tsuneo to their home for some food to say thankyou. Kumiko, who insists on being called Josee, a character in her favourite book, is openly hostile, but her grandmother offers him a job, looking after Josee.

He is told to do as she tells him, which is easier said than done, as she is very demanding, giving him soul destroying tasks like counting the weave on the tatami mats. They are forbidden to leave the house, but when Josee sneaks out, he goes after her. Gradually learning more about each other, together they each begin to see the world through different eyes.

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is beautifully animated, with lush scenery and glorious representations of Josee’s imagination and illustrations. It tackles some delicate issues surrounding disability very well and shows a good understanding of the day to day struggles of someone in a wheelchair living in a world that isn’t designed to accommodate them. There are some almost painfully touching moments.

Josee is a difficult character to warm up to, she’s very obnoxious, but when she does soften up it makes for a thoroughly heart warming story. The films’ theme of being allowed out after a long period of time is something with which many people will relate at the moment and with the Paralympics due to open soon, the timing of this release is excellent.

A truly insightful film and well worth a long awaited trip to the cinema. This inspiring love story is a must see for anime fans everywhere.

“She looks so meek, until she speaks and becomes a stinging jellyfish. I’d like to glue her to one of her sliding doors.”

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish will be released in selected cinemas across the UK/IRE from 11th August 2021