What is maboroshi?#
maboroshi (also known as Alice to Therese no Maboroshi Kōjō) is a visually stunning original anime film produced by MAPPA and written by Mari Okada. The story follows a young boy named Masamune living in a rural Japanese town where life was once normal—until a catastrophic explosion at the local steelworks factory shattered the sky.
This event left the town isolated from the rest of Japan, causing the seasons to stop changing and people to stop aging. While the residents attempt to maintain a semblance of normality in hopes that the world will right itself, Masamune’s life takes a turn when his classmate, Mutsumi, introduces him to a mysterious feral girl living within the factory.
If you are looking to dive into this surreal world, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
Is the anime really finished?#
Yes, maboroshi is a self-contained original anime film. Because it is an original production and not an adaptation of a long-running series, viewers will receive a complete and satisfying conclusion within the movie itself. There is no external source material, such as a manga or light novel, that you need to read to understand the ending or fill in plot holes.
Audience and Appeal: Is it for you?#
maboroshi is best suited for viewers who enjoy surrealism, atmospheric storytelling, and high-quality animation. The film explores themes of stagnation, isolation, and the desire for change in a world where time has literally stood still.
Its quality is backed by critical acclaim, having won awards at the Mainichi Film Awards and the 2nd Niigata International Animation Film Festival. With a theme song by Miyuki Nakajima and a cast featuring Koji Seto and Kento Hayashi, it offers a polished cinematic experience. If you enjoy the artistic direction of MAPPA and the emotional depth associated with Mari Okada’s writing, this is a must-watch.
If you’ve enjoyed the film’s aesthetic and want to bring a piece of it home, you can buy merchandise here.
Recommended Watch Order#
Because maboroshi is a single feature film, the watch order is incredibly straightforward:
The Completionist Order#
- maboroshi (Film): Simply watch the movie.
There are no prequels, sequels, or spin-offs to worry about. For a detailed look at how this title fits into the broader anime landscape, feel free to refer to the relationship tree provided on this page.
The “Source Material” Order#
As this is an original anime film, there is no source material to continue with. The film is the definitive and only version of the story.
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Useful Information for Viewers#
- Streaming: The film began streaming on Netflix starting January 15, 2024, and is available in various regions, including India.
- Production: The film is a collaboration between writer Mari Okada and studio MAPPA.
- Music: Keep an ear out for the theme song by Miyuki Nakajima, which was highlighted in the film’s promotional music videos.
maboroshi • anime • 2023-09-15
