I NEED everyone to watch this on July 5th when it hits Netflix.
Just saw an advanced showing in my local cinema and, guys, I was SOBBING. LIKE, hand to my mouth, forcing back sounds and trying not to sniff too loud because Public Place.
I don't read many children's books these days because my time is so tragically limited, but I always make an exception for A.F.Harrold's because they are always so emotional and, honestly, just beautiful. But this one has always been my fav.
When I heard Studio Ponoc (off-shoot of Gibli) where adapting it I was super excited, cos if anyone were gonna GET the story and do it justice as an adaptation then they (or ofc actual Gibli) were the one I felt I could trust to pull it off (see Howl's Moving Castle for another A+ adaptation of a UK children's novel). And boy have they.
Much like with Howl there are differences, and things that look different to my (lol) Imagining (Zinzan the cat is WILDLY DIFFERENT to how I pictured them, both visually and their voice), and yet the differences and the whole still capture the essence of everyone and everything perfectly.
And it's gorgeous. Just stunning.
If you can, see it on the big screen. If not - 5th July. Netflix. Do.It. You'll thank me.
