Many consider Perfect Blue to be director Satoshi Kon’s magnum opus. Others vouch for his science fiction epic Paprika, or his nonlinear exploration of cinema itself in Millenium Actress. But Kon’s most grounded anime movie seemingly gets the least praise of the bunch. That’s a shame, because Tokyo Godfathers might just be the best work of a monumental career cut tragically short.
With its rich characters, moments of comedy, drama, and pure action, Tokyo Godfathers is arguably both superior to and more relatable than Kon’s other films. It’s also a Christmas story, so now is the perfect time to watch (or rewatch) the film, especially since its subtitled version is currently streaming for free on Tubi.
If you’re looking for something a little deeper to get you in the Christmas spirit, I highly recommend watching Tokyo Godfathers, especially if you need a quick lift. You might be surprised at how much you relate to these characters.
The story focuses on three societal outcasts: Gin, Hana, and Miyuki. But instead of the people who don’t know how good they have it, the less fortunate here are the Grinches who have lost sight of what the holidays are supposed to mean. This jaded, homeless trio consisting of a gruff alcoholic, a runaway teen, and a former drag performer thinks they know what cruelty is until they find a baby in the trash on Christmas Eve. Their frantic search for the child’s parents pulls them through Tokyo’s back alleys and forces each of them to confront the secrets and regrets they’ve been carrying. They also encounter countless small miracles and coincidences surrounding the baby, Kiyoko — whose name literally means “pure child” — that guide them on their journey toward redemption, self-acceptance, and the true meaning of holiday spirit.
Tokyo Godfathers is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. Even as the characters take us to the heavy moments of their pasts and reveal what led them to a life of homelessness, Kon balances these scenes with slapstick moments that only animation could make funny. There is a high-speed chase to catch a baby snatcher and a failed assassination attempt that turns the youngest characters into human shields, and they’re effectively played for laughs.
Each member of the trio technically has a home to return to, but none feel they truly belong. Gin’s gambling and alcoholism drove a wedge between him and his wife and daughter. Miyuki fears her parents could never forgive her after she stabbed her father. Hana worries her mother will still be angry about her attacking a customer. Over the course of the film, however, these understandable fears ultimately prove unfounded. Hana is the first to find acceptance, and both Gin and Miyuki are eventually confronted by the people from their pasts whom they hurt, only to be met with love and forgiveness.
Image: Madhouse/Sony Pictures Japan
It’s only until we finally meet Kiyoko’s mother, Sachiko, that we realize she, too, is an outcast, struggling with a mental crisis that’s left her delusional and suicidal. Although she’s arguably the closest Tokyo Godfathers has to a traditional antagonist, she never acts like a villain. For most of her screen time, Sachiko simply comes across as desperate. She may be experiencing postpartum psychosis, but she begins to change for the better once she challenges her own flaws.
Tokyo Godfathers is about facing your inner demons and believing in miracles, even when they seem impossible. Kon shines a light on the outcasts of the world, showing that even if you feel rejected by society, some people love you and can be your family, regardless of blood ties. Above all, the film is a heartfelt reminder of what Christmas is truly about and a gentle nudge to quiet your inner Grinch.
As we grow older, it’s easy to drift away from what Christmas is meant to represent. In many holiday movies and shows, characters who have lost touch with the spirit of the season often serve as antagonists, only recognizing their mistakes when confronted with genuine miracles. But in Tokyo Godfathers, Kon highlights those who don’t fit the traditional Christmas mold: the homeless, the orphaned, and the overlooked. Society tends to ignore these individuals during the holidays because they don’t match the idealized image of Christmas. But the holiday isn’t about perfection or festive iconography, it’s about bringing people together and believing in small, meaningful miracles, like the gift of a healthy birth or the warmth of a caring family.
Tokyo Godfathers is streaming for free on Tubi.
AloJapan.com