Kuramerukagari Review

Based on the light novel by Ryohgo Narita (Baccano! and Durarara!!), which was itself a spin-off of Kurayukaba, comes Kuramerukagari. Set in the same universe as Kurayukaba, this film takes place in an entirely new town and introduces a fresh cast of characters. It exemplifies what a spin-off should be: maintaining minimal connection to the original while expanding the world in intriguing ways. While Kuramerukagari inherits some of the same issues as its predecessor, I found its direction far more engaging and compelling, resulting in a film that, while still rough around the edges, is ultimately enjoyable.

The story follows cartographer Kagari, who runs a business mapping the ever-changing layout of a town that transforms daily. Her friend Yuya dreams of leaving the town behind in search of a brighter future elsewhere. However, a brewing conspiracy threatens to shake the town to its very foundation.

As mentioned, the film shares both the strengths and weaknesses of Kurayukaba. Visually, it is stunning. The steampunk aesthetic creates a richly detailed, soot-laden world that feels alive in every frame. The muted colors further enhance this unique setting, crafting an atmosphere unlike anything I’ve seen in other films. It’s easy to believe that Kuramerukagari and Kurayukaba inhabit the same universe.

By exploring different aspects of the world, this film genuinely feels like an expansion of the universe established in Kurayukaba. It introduces fresh and engaging elements that weren’t covered in the original, offering a new perspective on this intriguing setting.

However, the film moves at a brisk pace, relentlessly pushing the narrative forward with little time to revisit or reflect on what might have been missed. Every scene and line of dialogue is essential to understanding the unfolding story, making it dense without feeling overstuffed. Despite this, the numerous moving parts can feel slightly overwhelming at times.

Kagari is a thoroughly lovable protagonist. Watching her forge new paths and map the constantly changing town is both fascinating and refreshingly original something rarely explored in film.

There’s not much more to say about Kuramerukagari. If you enjoyed Kurayukaba, this is more of the same, albeit with slightly more polish in of narrative. Visually stunning and uniquely imaginative, I can only hope we see more projects set in this world. It’s easily one of the most distinctive settings in modern anime.

★★★

Played as part of Scotland Loves Anime 2024 / Available to stream on Crunchyroll / Ayane Sakura, Aoi Yūki, Minori Terada, Yuki Sakakihara, Nanako Mori / Dir: Shigeyoshi Tsukahara / Crunchyroll