Josee, The Tiger and the Fish - Between the Beasts and the Sea

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is an oft-adapted piece of writing. Originally penned by Seiko Tanabe and weighing in at only a handful of pages, its multiple iterations speak to a timeless importance. 2020s animated outing is a standout in that lineage, a beautiful picture that fully explores Tanabe's themes of a beastly society, the majesty of the ocean, and the Françoise Sagan of it all.
Special thanks to Isla McTear! Find more of her work at:
/ hiisla
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Subtitles by Fevol
#Josee #joseethetigerandthefish #anime

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

Josee= Yearning Tiger= Facing fears Fish= Freedom

[@AHeroWith1000Names]

The moment that made me love this film was when Kumiko inspired Suneo to get on his feet both literally and symbolically with her fairytale. Not only was it a turning point for their relationship and the culmination for both of their characters (finding her feet in the world and standing up for somebody, not getting stood up for; inspiring him to fight for his dream because he gave her all his empathy, determination, and resolve to move steadily in life) -- it is also a beautiful meta-narrative statement, albeit an unintentional one. The power of dreams and stories is what propels forward not only the plot of Josee, but the entertainment industry, art, and, arguably, humanity itself. I love your essays Beyond Ghibli, they're like a good movie discussion with a friend after having it watched together :)

[@animeyahallo3887]

This movie was wonderful. When I first saw it and decided to watch it, I thought its just going to be a "good" movie. A movie I would forget a few months after watching it. But I was wrong, it exceeded my expectations. It never reached the level of Silent Voice, Spirited Away or Your Name, but it was definitely just a few inches away. Josee's story gives me a sense of gratefulness and contentment, that maybe I am blessed and because of that I have to do something to help others even by a little bit.

[@light-pr5yr]

Same exact thoughts

[@maikulrich8287]

Bro WTF???? How do you have the best Subtitles I have EVER seen! Holy Shit are they awesome!

[@metricstormtrooper]

Isla's voice just makes my spirit soar and my heart sink at the same time, I could listen to Isla read the weather report and then listen to it again. This wonderful video is another work of art, thank you.

[@CloudyCorp]

I wasn't expecting much from this movie, however it's story telling and emotion kept me watching. This movie is truly beautiful in every way

[@ianraymond5686]

A great video of one of my favourite films. As a child, I had such bad asthma I had to go to a school for disabled children, and later in life I was lucky enough to have the chance to help support disabled students at Uni - and there's so much in this film on disability and peoples' attitudes that rings true. But that's not why I love this film - it's because it's not just about her disability / overcoming her disability, as many films involving disabled characters are. No - and how can I say this - it's because Josee is our leading lady, and she just happens to be disabled (something the film is realistic about). It's a film about two people meeting each other, both changing the other as a result. I often say this is an overlooked gem of a film - coming out during COVID probably didn't help - and would urge anyone to watch it. Great animation, blistering soundtrack - it is so much more than just a 'rom-com' that many perceive. Note also, this was Kotaro Tamura's first film as director; I wish him well for other endeavours in the future!

[@BaguetteSpaghette]

"But a film in which our heroes fall in love, whilst falling further n love with the world around them." was a beautifully written line.

[@SuperNerdDaniel]

This is actually my first time ever even hearing about the original novella, let alone its numerous adaptations, but the beautiful and earnest way that you presented its story and the journey of Kumiko/Josee throughout this video was so wonderful to watch and listen to, and I think I might honestly go out of my way to check this movie out at some point! Also, definitely loved Isla's contribution to this video, always gonna support one of my pals ✌😁

[@Juhnime]

Josee definitely stands as one of my favorite films within the Anime community.

[@gordonp57]

Thank you for this, your latest video, again drawing my attention to work I might / would otherwise miss. There are only a few creators I follow avidly, anyway a delight as always, both the content and your take on it. Also, thanks and appreciation to Isla Mctear for her input. 👍👍

[@Oubgna]

As always, a beatiful narrated and edited video. I really liked the OST from Evan Call and the insert song from Eve in the movie.

[@ditzydoo4378]

When I saw Kumiko crawling and clawing her way towards the ocean and Sumio picking her up and taking her to the water's edge. I bald like a child in the theater while others cried with me.

[@huyquang4149]

This movie was kinda special to me because it was the last anime movie that I got the chance to see in theater before uhh... you know, being locked in our homes for months on end. And I was not disappointed. Animes have started coming back to theater where I live. After a nearly 2 year break I am now able to see anime on the big screen again. Suzume was amazing and I'm looking forward to seeing your take on Shinkai's latest film. It has more going for it than his last movie in 2019.

[@dwirandypradhika6752]

Dammit you might actually get me to drop the the 27 novels sitting on my desk and make me read this first. I might even start watching anime again since you never fail to remind me how much I love Okada's works. This channel can have a million subs and still be underrated.

[@iDevil360]

I watched this movie solely because the music composer, Evan Call, is one of my favorites and also composed for Violet Evergarden, and I'm so glad I gave it a chance because it is now in my top 10 list of media I've watched

[@parthasarathisahoo4438]

The way you make these videos are just aesthetically amazing !! I wish we will see more of these video essays from you in future. Good luck mate and I hope algorithm will also push to give it more recognition

[@destinationeight9052]

The only guy that reviews anime like a BBC documentary

[@disco_cop]

Saw the animated movie a long time ago, but still can't pass on one of your videos. They're like a little escape from the day-to-day. Thanks and keep going!

[@haltsmaul.]

I loved this movie so much I watched it twice. It's really wholesome and also gave me a glimpse of what being in a wheelchair is like. 9/10.

[@Kagenuihasea]

the subtitles are incredible. nice touch!

[@magsimpan]

Hearing Quruli's song in the end really made me fall in love more in this video essay.

[@wagner1590]

Outstanding work as always! Josee is a movie that don't get nearly the amount of discussion and appreciation it deserves.

[@flabidouch9345]

"We should all feel like we have the agency and the audacity to be a vindictive little shit" Damn do I love that sentence.

[@stratoge]

Well. I just watched Josee the animated movie for the first time, and it was mesmerizing and beautiful. Now I gotta check out the other adaptions. Hearing at around 10:30 that she reads about things that she would not experience. Struck a cord at me. Having a role model of some kind definitely relates the character.

[@alpha-sama]

I honestly think this movie does not get the credit it deserves

[@echoesvtuber]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Josee in such a lovely video. The interesting thing about its animated film was that after reading many negative reviews of the movie, I lost interest in watching it. But after watching your video, it seems to have a greater impact and care put into its adaptations than I initially thought, while being from an older era several generations ago too. I will consider watching it now to make my own judgement, just as you have made your own for yourself. It's also interesting that the novel has had various adaptations over the years, making it seem more beloved than I initially realized. Especially when representating those with diabilities in mainstream media, where disabilities are often overlooked. It represents a girl who stands tall even in a wheelchair, even with the world is against her, but also those who may often never get as much spotlight as they deserve.

[@coreybuchan34]

Thank you for always bringing these beautiful movies to my attention; I always love the movies you recommend. Its not often I like and comment on a video, but I want to help push this video!

[@hypersymmetry3557]

i went into the movie with very high expectations so i was a bit disappointed. But it was still a wonderful experience as it was kinda reletable. Also it struck huge nostalgia bcuz i remembered that this book was sitting still in my old home's library.

[@wxlurker]

I agree, it wasn’t a bad movie but just not a movie that was as good as I wanted it to be…perhaps in its predictability. It’s still a nice story though.

[@jinchuriki7022]

Disabilities being portrayed in anime is wonderful. Reminds me of Silent Voice

[@BadMarriageKawagoe]

Music at the end caught me off guard. Glad to know you have good taste.

[@Darkclowd]

You have such a wonderful way with words. Truly enthralling.

[@bashar0312]

Your writing left me speachless, even words can't describe how fascinated I am. I just pause and open the comment section and then go back to the video without doing anything but hitting the like button over and over again.

[@NOOB-ps8km]

I found this movie from one of the songs made for the movie by Eve before its release. It is called Shinkai i think and plays soon after the climax of the story. I loved it. Watched it soon after the release in Japan and it was a trip and a half.

[@gustavohernandeza.890]

Great video, Joe. Glad that you mentioned the other media adaptations of the original novel.

[@daanv.m]

Really love the movie, also found the wide aspect ratio of the movie very nice for such a beautiful movie

[@zacharywong483]

Absolutely brilliant, absorbing writing here, Joe! Keep up the great work!

[@eduardor8437]

That is a voice I haven't heard in a while. What a treat

[@fadel_rama]

I remember when I watched this movie, or any kind of media that take on disability I take everything that I can do in daily basis for granted just to forget about it day or two later, until one nasty fall broke my leg, it's not really that serious but still to see someone just stood up, and walking is really see it with envy like Jose does.

[@samidejong106]

Making me want to revisit this! Lovely video, as always

[@KeithAndersch]

This was a beautiful essay on a beautiful movie. And of course, you always add the helpful understanding on the why of it all. Well done.

[@Nocturnalpainter]

Thank you so much for introducing me to such an elegant , graceful and outright beautiful story. Portrayed by such bold, courageous and heroic characters. I love all the videos you make.I wish there were more Anitubers like you but then again you would have competition. I guess what I’m trying to say is: Thank you for being here.

[@retroanimemike]

Well I would have completely missed this one, and it seems that it'd be worth my time. Thank you for giving a review with attention to the works history, it really puts things into perspective.

[@insomniac818]

Great video. Thank you for this wholesome review of the movie. :)

[@martinvalencia798]

I’ve been putting this off. Im going to watch it now

[@sighswoons]

Once again proving you're my fav channel. Found you through Beck

[@ulysselfbvdlmt]

Thx for your videos man

[@ejaylagumen4354]

This is my favourite channel in KZbin.

[@paulorico1432]

I always look forward to your reviews! Thanks! I would also love to recommend Spice and Wolf to you 😊

[@milkteeth6937]

holy shit, phenomenal video. glad I saved this for when I had time to really take it in

[@HallaDita]

happy to get video about something I saw already. Now I am in a mood for rewatch :-) Kumiko was an interesting character to know

[@neptunite5973]

woah great timing, i have had this movie on my watchlist for so long and today i finally started to watch it! had to take a break 2/3 way through so haven't seen the end yet. i will come back to this video tomorrow! :D

[@klompje1095]

I just watched to movie thanks to your video, it was really good and made me cry several times. You have impeccable taste!

[@juliettebouchery3550]

I love this channel!!!!

[@Balduranne]

This is probably a HUGE stretch on my part, but as soon as you showed her Tiger painting at 14:00, I was struck by how much it makes me think of the cover to Kasuaki Shimizu's album Kakashi. The album is from 1982, but again, this is probably a stretch.

[@psiga]

Yet another fabulous review. Even the way you describe what makes the work so stirring is itself stirring!

[@Morraak]

I need to find this movie, it looks great. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@David-uy5nr]

Honestly I thought this movie was just okay, not bad, but I didn't like how they made some characters act, etc. And while the animation is stunning the music was kinda, just there? It barely added anything to the scenes. Really great analysis/video like always, I love how you can take so much meaning from this one movie, I wish I was able to do that too haha.

[@ugzz]

Another banger, I can watch and re-watch your vids they are so well written and edited! Beautiful movie, and I was into it... mostly. But she was so shit to him that it actually took me out of it. I don't care about your history, upbringing, difficulties.. words have meaning, and words can hurt, don't be an ass. I'm sure it's sort of the point, but she actually triggered my anxiety a bit, so it's likely a movie I won't revisit.

[@_spartan11796]

It’s always awesome to see you post.

[@KillerTacos54]

I loved this film! Sad that more people don't talk about it

[@Ralikethegod]

Once again another fire adaptation i would've skipped and i agree much much more well rounded than children of the sea. My problem with children of the sea were the dead end storylines they didn't tie anything together and left the interpretation open to the viewer

[@AdaraFukuchi]

great vid as always! def watching this one!

[@ReelPodcasts]

I acquired the Bluray for this on a random chance. And while it's not knock it out of the park it actually really works well.

[@jacobschaller6566]

Long time, no see, man. Videos are just as lovely as before.

[@notjason9234]

Another banger

[@AaronEB]

I really love your videos. They are a delight.

[@jer103]

As someone that has been labelled as disabled going through months of psych ward visits for highs and lows that were attributed to having a bipolar disorder, you can relate to someone else's disability when you've walked a mile in their shoes. Not fitting into the societal norm, either through a physical(wheelchair) or behavioral(manic episode), will take away certain freedoms that most of us take for granted.

[@pip4183]

best book 10/10 recommended

[@stanchern3796]

This movie was okay However, I watched the 2003 film and liked it much more. I like how Japan there looks less idiolized and more broken then generally in media. The anime version is bitter sweet, yet the film is much more definitive towards life hardships and society differences

[@moreblack]

OMG it's Cdawg and Ironmouse

[@riccardomazzaro1901]

I never got what people see in this movie, just like I never got why everyone dismisses Children of the Sea so easily. I don't know, I don't think that the two of them are even comparable when it comes to their beauty: one is a banale and harmless romance filled to the brim with the stereotypes of the genre, the other is a reflection on the way humans try and fail to comprehend the workings of the universe. Even from a script standpoint, there's an abyss separating the nuance of Children of the Sea and the boring stiffness of Josee, the Tiger and the Fish.

[@AHeroWith1000Names]

I'm a themes enjoyer myself, but man, something just doesn't work with Children of the Sea. It's certainly a movie deserving a discussion, but the script doesn't impact as it wants with the idea of incomprehensible. I'll probably give it a rewatch one of these days, because it's been 5 years and I have remembered very little about the story and its characters. Perhaps the problems came out during the process of adapting the manga into the form of a feature film. Have you watched Sonny Boy? The absurd and unknown is one of its core themes, and, imo, it does a much greater job at conveying its ideas, despite being very allegoric and symbolic at times. Albeit, it's an experimental 12-episodes anime original, so it is both unbound from any source material and has more runtime on its hands.

[@benjaminyang5843]

You should try your hand on Everything Everywhere All at Once. I understand it's not an Anime, but I think there's a lot you can use as idea.

[@BeyondGhibli]

Id love to cover this movie one day!

[@AizakkuAnalysis]

I've never heard of this one before but it sounds cute.

[@10k-Noodles]

Before I listen. I have no idea what anime this is. The thumbnail stood out. I don't know if that helps. But this video chose itself.

[@frostfang1]

I finally watched it. for once, I think you undersold it. But I understand, you can't say too much, it would ruinthe emotional impact. This was a good Primer, and Im so glad I watched this video and put it in my queue. Ionly wish Iwatched it sooner. It's my story, at least the first half. But I lost my flying fish

[@NewTechGuatemala]

great video

[@avicennam7708]

What a nice Scottish accent👍 and keep up the good work.

[@tikaal]

boosting engagement

[@subnormal2577]

Good stuff

[@cozydayzandnightz]

I almost feel like dumbing down my thoughts to "this was really cool" doesn't really do this video justice. Fortunately or unfortunately, I tend to get lost in your words and the experience and all the things I hope to comment just get washed away. It's the curse of auditory excellence, I suppose. I look forward to finding even more beautiful video essays on your channel.

[@Chikara31011]

What is the song st the end??? I love it

[@atariasharman]

❤

[@BrassCandy]

Long have I waited for a video from you about this movie *UwU*

[@ShovelLettuce]

685 slap fight rewatches so far Edit: 2,400 now

[@BeyondGhibli]

This is going to be slaptacular.

[@ShovelLettuce]

@@BeyondGhibli I am greatly honoured by your acknowledgement and presence sir. And yes it shall be!

[@spencerdokes6056]

These videos wouldn't seems as deep if the narrator didn't have a British accent lol

[@risasb]

For YT, they are pretty deep.

[@jeremyzwiers4335]

Okay, this is legit weird. I literally watched this movie last night and this morning this video goes up.

[@user-kt4vn8le5p]

It’s been too long since I watched you

[@yonotarukato8277]

1:11 what is anime ?

[@gamerforever4837]

Why add the bad live action scenes?

[@Acartoonist27Million]

If you find me your blessed 🌺

[@SamyD23]

I was disappointed by this movie, but I may have been too harsh on it. I felt like it was trying to be "a silent voice", and saw it as a shallow attempt to make something similar. I'd be interested in getting some other opinions so here are some thoughts about your vid and then a comment that i posted about the movie: 8:10 "whilst falling further in love with the world around them" love that sentiment, very apt. probably one of my favourite parts of the movie Interesting you didn't mention the worst parts of the movie, IMO most of the last third and the jealous girl's timing on her confession, i go into detail about that below. I appreciate the view on Josee's personality tho, very different to how i took it. i think i was reading that she is like she is entirely due to the disability, so i felt like they focused on it too much. in other words, i saw it as her not having much of a personality outside of being disabled. i also don't know a ton about the original, didn't know it was based on anything till this vid, so thanks for that :) OK now the rest of this is copy pasted from my comment on the movie 3 months ago tl;dr bad attempt at 'a silent voice' :/ i like it but it has a lot of problems, especially consistency and lack of explanations. maybe I'm comparing it too much tho, and should let it be cliche. 1. the characters are TOO flawed. a lot of them flip between lovable and totally selfish and self-centred. the diver girl went from being a very likeable unrequited love that you knew would end up with the work guy (that entire trio dynamic was obvious from literally the first scene. and too overdone for me to be happy to have read it that way from the get-go) to a selfish b*tch because the guy she liked got injured and gave up on his dream. so that means it should be about you?... the MC did not seem like the type to be that selfless for a girl that he's been complaining about and has been mean to him the whole time, but hey it's the start of the movie that's fine. then he gets injured, told he will probably have joint pain and might not be able to run again... and that stops him from even trying to rehab so he can swim again? seems way out of left field there. (this could be a translation issue?) the grandma holding the girl back from going outside and teaching her to be scared of it, but then being happy that she does? I've never seen someone actively, negatively shelter someone and then be happy when they go behind your back. like she doesn't even seem scared for her. even says "finally! now I can kick the bucket :)" only part of the movie that surprised me. the main girl just has a bunch of communication problems that aren't addressed in the slightest. I understand the social anxiety etc. but why ghost the guy on his day out of the hospital? and the reason is... you want to pursue your dream? the same he's doing? what's the problem??? also why are you moving, just to scare him when he comes to check why you didn't show? that can be explained, but they didn't! not even a hint, like "oh there's this nice place for drawing that can accommodate me well for living independently". no reason was given for leaving the house and knocking it down (i get its probably not disabled friendly but it seems like she lived there her whole life, and has adapted well... idk i need less showing more telling on that part, which is rare. i guess more showing could do it too) everone else seems fine, the work guy and the library girl are great. pressing f for ma boi 2. the timing is way off. idk if this was planned to be an anime or what, but the work girls timing on her confession... couldn't imagine a worse time. did you think that would help him recover? and she seemed to be the type to focus on helping him, outside of that. then the last confession, i felt like it was only 2 thirds of the way through, was expecting another bit of an arc. just felt so out of nowhere, that whole last sequence i was so confused, for reasons ive already mentioned... 3. this could just be me, but i think they focused too much on the disability. to the point that its her overwhelming main character trait. maybe im remembering wrong or just not letting this movie get me like a silent voice did but i think they used it much better in that. take that with a huge grain of salt tho. just to conclude, cause i think ive vented everything i wanted to say... did anyone other than the main girl go through an arc in this movie? the guy seemed to just end up exactly how he was at the start right? the work guy and girl didnt seem to learn anything... maybe im feeling that the mc's sad hospital moments felt forced in or something? they cut him down just to build him up again with no hint of change, as far as i can tell i forgot to write the good bits but im tired now lol. maybe ill write that side up if someone gets upset at this, or is just interested... probably not.

[@keithmpire]

Just wanted to let you know I agree with you, I find the praise for Josee very strange. The art is beautiful, but the writing was very hard for me to get through. This was a very toxic and exasperating 'romance'.

[@deathdoor]

6:40 are the japanese really anormal and crazy like this? Hard to believe...

[@sondres.8021]

I have come to a point where your storytelling is hitting me harder than what you are actually talking about.

[@bolunixan]

The animation and design where good but the story didnt do it for me at all it was so predictable

[@petermgruhn]

"overly explored"? wtf?

[@lonewanderer9982]

He means the land

[@robertlundstrom8061]

This movie was a major disappointment to me as I found Josee to be one of the most repugnant anime characters that I've ever watched. The young man should have given up on her from the start.