Maboroshi (2024) Movie Review & Ending Explained: Reality. Limbo. Interpretations and more. These are all just illusions. It is often said that one lives in the illusion, but what is it that it takes to break free of the same? A glimpse of reality, acceptance, understanding, or the ability to see through the lines (cracks) of conformity. The tale of illusions and being so much more is presented with Masamune, Mutsumi, and Itsumi being the central characters. Realization, acceptance, love, and sacrifice form the central themes of Mari Okada’s directorial. “Maboroshi.”
Maboroshi (2024) Plot Summary & Movie Synopsis:
The film kicks off with a group of friends playing a board game. They get distracted and witness the explosion of the steel factory, but things seem back to normal just seconds later. It is as though nothing happened. Or something happened, with an illusion just masking the truth in the City of Mifuse. The sign that something happened? A broken sky. It is a place where the outside world cannot enter as the sky has a ceiling (like the one in “Bubble” and “The Simpsons Movie”), the train tunnel caved in, and the shifting currents prevent sea travel.
Of course, the common interpretation is that “Time is frozen. We’ve received a divine punishment. One day, the Gods will set us free.” They seem to have to earn forgiveness from the sacred machine (the steel factory). Society in this reality dictates the need for uniformity, with no one allowed to change their way of thinking. It could be catastrophic to be different once things go back to normal, right?
It is a lie told to the individuals of this reality to shear ambition and emotion from all. There could be a semblance of truth to the same, as it would be humanly impossible to control a smoke monster to consume anyone who displayed emotions. Why? These emotions would be dangerous as they had the power to expose confirming individuals to the other side.
It is said that half knowledge is dangerous, but a hint at some more knowledge would be even more troublesome for certain people. When these cracks emerge, Mutsumi and Masamune decide to act. In fact, this step can save their world, or it can destroy their world. Either way, it will be better than sitting in limbo with them, assuming that the current state is the best.
Maboroshi (2024) Movie Ending Explained:
Does Itsumi get back to her reality?
Akimune (Masamune’s father) maintains a diary where he writes that he believes Itsume may be from the real world. A few people of Mifuse view her as a gift of the Gods and keep her secluded. Moreover, returning this individual to her reality could help things, and this is exactly what the protagonists decide to do. Masamune and Mutsumi rescue Itsumi from the factory, where she has been brainwashed into remaining in her current reality.
The group’s friends try to stop the trio. They are unsuccessful as Masamune, Mutsumi, and Itsumi’s vehicle manages to cross through the shattered sky. The two girls get on the train, and Itsumi makes it through the tunnel. She has with her a rousing speech from Mutsumi that prepares her to re-enter reality where she can have a multitude of experiences.
Does Masamune get to be with Mutsumi?
Masamune begins to fade as he grasps the train carriage handle and climbs in. Mutsumi gently loosens his hand and ensures he remains intact in one reality. She gives a speech to Itsumi, her daughter in the other reality, and proceeds to inform her she would remain. Her words indicate she finally reciprocates Masamune’s advances to her. Masamune tails her in a jeep driven by their friends. Mutsumi takes a leap of faith through the broken sky and re-enters her reality. As she tumbles down a grassy slope, Masamune arrests her slide.
What happens to Mifuse in the end?
Itsumi returns to Mifuse and hires a cab to head back to the steel factory. It turns out that the move to send her back saved the city and got it back to the real world. The sky, the tunnel, and the seas are open for visitors to travel, but the steel factory has been shut. There is no mention of the individuals who were stuck in limbo and did not age for all those years. But then again, Masamune and Mutsumi could have met Itsumi in the other reality when she returned on the train.
Maboroshi (2024) ‘Netflix’ Movie Review:
MAPPA has really outdone itself with the amazing animation to narrate this blend of mystery, fantasy, and realism. Maboroshi’s trailer and posters seemed to be an absolute visual delight. Barely seconds into the film, we know that it was not just to lure viewers. The world-building is quite marvelous, particularly in the scenes where the cracks emerge. Seeing two realities simultaneously and having characters view themselves in the past, future, or present! This animation oozes charm throughout the film, which can be seen through so many perspectives due to the multiple layers that hold it together.
Those particular scenes also get elevated due to things finally falling into place and the characters of the story proceeding on their arcs. Considering the complexities of the film at the outset, maybe relief at comprehension could be the other reason these scenes remain prominent. Is it a take on the prevalent cult of personality? Is it a story motivating everyone to take that leap and know rather than remain wondering what if? All in all, this is the thing that really gets it all to click. “Maboroshi” is a love story where audiences root for potential phantoms to realize the truth!
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Conversely, they may wonder if it is just an illusion that will shatter with a selfless sacrifice. A love story with restraint, if you will. In one scene, their hearts beat fast. They would love each other for a thousand years, but would this be real? For audiences not keen on the love story, they can view Mari Okada’s “Maboroshi” as a film to motivate someone to head down the tunnel. There is comfort on one side, but the mystery on the other end… Now that’s something! Through this wonderful story of love and chasing one’s dreams, MAPPA studios communicate freedom and choices.
PS- This love story is done well, and don’t turn away just because it is marketed just as a love story. A curious thing about this film is the tunnel block. The wall at the end of the tracks seemed quite clean, almost as though it was constructed. They did say it caved in, right? “Maboroshi” may need a re-watch to really get it. However, if one pays attention, it is not that complex in Round 1. The paying attention part may actually leave one with the urge to re-watch and understand.
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