Okko's Inn

Although it doesn't hit the high-water mark of ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ and similarly-themed Studio Ghibli fare, Kitarō’s ‘Okko’s Inn’ is, like the tradition of omotenashi itself, charming and effective at pleasing its young audience, and goes well beyond a napkin on the la...

Okko’s Inn, adapted from Hiroko Reijo’s children’s novel series, offers a heartwarming blend of grief, growth, and ghostly friendships wrapped in smooth, charming animation. While certain plot elements—like unrealistic character independence and oddly youthful portrayal...