The Boy and the Beast

The Boy and the Beast (Japanese: バケモノの子, Bakemono no Ko) is a 2015 Japanese animated fantasy adventure film written and directed by Mamoru Hosoda. The film tells the story of Ren, a nine-year-old orphan who stumbles into the Beast Kingdom and becomes the disciple of Kumatetsu, a gruff and solitary beast warrior. Initially clashing, Ren and Kumatetsu gradually form a close father-son bond, as Ren grows into a skilled kendo practitioner. However, when both the human and beast worlds are threatened, Ren and Kumatetsu must unite to fight against a looming darkness. The film explores themes of loneliness, growth, family, and bonds, and is known for its beautiful animation and exciting action sequences. It won Animation of the Year at the 37th Japan Academy Prizes and grossed ¥5.85 billion at the Japanese box office.