7 Days War

I watched this anime at an animation festival and I knew nothing about it beforehand so I had no expectations. Nevertheless, I had a great time and I'm surprised by its low rating and the fact that virtually no one, at least in the West, has talked about it (It doesn't even have a rotten tomato page).

Six adolescents, 16 to 17, decide to camp for a week as an act of rebellion because one of the girl's father has decided to move his family to Tokyo to pursue his political career, despite the girl's protest. They squat an old abandoned mining side and quickly realize the site already houses a young clandestine Thai refugee, who's pursued by the police. The next part of the film is reminiscent of Home Alone, with the gang trying to repel the police's assault of the facility. Later, as the group gains the attention of the media, the story takes a more personal turn and explores deeper issues related to one's identity and the public image/intimate life dichotomy. The writers explore those issues with authenticity and candor.

At first, I was struck by the beauty of the almost watercolor-like backgrounds. But I had a few reservations because the story starts with the tired trope of the nerdy boy secretly in love with his calm, beautiful classmate. Thankfully, the plot later took many turns and proved to be much more than a collection of overused clichés. The art remained impressive until the end and made great use of the story's abandoned industrial setting.

While probably more aimed at an YA audience, this adult was nevertheless entertained until the end and deeply moved by the most powerful scene (you'll know the one when you see it).

7 days war deserves a wider audience.