Lu Over the Wall [Anime Movie] – Info, Plot, Main Characters
Japanese Title: 夜明け告げるルーのうた (Yoaketsugeru Rū no Uta); lit. “The Song of Lu, the Dawn Announcer”
Year of Release: 2017
Origin: Japan
Runtime: 1 hour and 52 minutes
Director: Masaaki Yuasa
Production: Science Saru
Facts: The film premiered in Japan on May 19, 2017. It later received international releases, including a screening by Anime Limited on December 6, 2017, and a release by GKIDS on May 11, 2018. In France, Half Symbolic Films distributed the movie on January 31, 2019.
Plot Summary
Lu Over the Wall draws us into the small, secluded fishing village of Hinashi, where we meet Kai Ashimoto, a reserved middle school student. Kai is a gifted musician, but his passion has waned, leaving him withdrawn in the wake of his parents’ divorce. His quiet life takes an extraordinary turn when, during an exploration of the mysterious Merfolk Island, he encounters Lu. Lu is a cheerful and energetic mermaid who possesses an infectious love for music and an astonishing ability: she can transform her fish fin into human legs whenever she hears music.
As Kai and Lu’s unlikely friendship blossoms through their shared love of song and dance, their connection begins to draw the attention of the wary townsfolk. The villagers of Hinashi harbor deep-seated anti-merfolk sentiments, a prejudice born from old tales and past anxieties. When Lu’s existence is inevitably revealed, a chain of dramatic events is set in motion, awakening an ancient curse that threatens to engulf both the human village and the hidden world of the merfolk. Kai, alongside his classmates Yuho and Kunio, finds himself at the heart of this escalating conflict. They must bravely navigate the tensions between the two communities, ultimately working together to bridge the divide and foster understanding between humans and merfolk.
Main Characters
Kai Ashimoto: A lonely 9th grader with a profound talent for music. He is grappling with his parents’ divorce and finds solace and a renewed sense of purpose through his friendship with Lu and his involvement in the band SEIRÈN.
Lu: A spirited and joyful mermaid whose life revolves around music and dance. She possesses the magical ability to gain human legs when she hears music, but she must be cautious, as prolonged exposure to sunlight can be harmful to her.
Yuho Ebina: A classmate of Kai and a member of the band SEIRÈN. Yuho is initially hesitant and conflicted about Lu’s presence, struggling with her own feelings and the town’s prejudices, but ultimately plays a crucial role in the unfolding events.
Kunio: Another classmate of Kai and a band member of SEIRÈN. Kunio is a supportive and steady presence, offering encouragement to Kai and Yuho as they confront the extraordinary circumstances.
Themes
Lu Over the Wall explores a rich tapestry of themes:
- Friendship: The extraordinary bond that forms between Kai and Lu serves as the emotional core of the film, powerfully highlighting the importance of connection, empathy, and love that can transcend even the most profound differences between worlds.
- Acceptance: The film delves into the significant challenges of accepting those who are different, particularly within the context of the long-standing historical friction between humans and merfolk. It emphasizes the need for understanding and overcoming ingrained prejudices.
- Music and Expression: Music is not merely a backdrop but a central, animating force within the narrative. It symbolizes pure joy, serves as a catalyst for connection, and possesses the power to unite disparate beings, breaking down barriers and healing old wounds.
Style
Lu Over the Wall is immediately recognizable for its vibrant, almost hallucinatory animation and its uniquely expressive visual style. Director Masaaki Yuasa employs frequent and dynamic shifts in art styles, often incorporating fluid, exaggerated character movements that lend a dreamlike and kinetic energy to the viewing experience. The animation is a masterful blend of traditional hand-drawn techniques and cutting-edge digital methods, resulting in a viewing experience that is both lively and deeply dynamic. Musical sequences are not mere interludes but integral components of the narrative, vividly showcasing Lu’s boundless enthusiasm for music and dance, and profoundly enhancing the film’s emotional depth and overall enchanting atmosphere.
