Lu Over the Wall 2018
Directed by
Masaaki Yuasa
Made by
GKIDS
Plot Summary
Kai Ashimoto (足元カイ, Ashimoto Kai) is a solitary and pessimistic ninth grader residing in Hinashi Town (日無町, Hinashi-chō) with his grandfather, who is an umbrella maker, and his father. He is part of a rock band named “SEIRÈN,” formed alongside his friends, Kunio and Yūho.
One fateful day, Kai embarks on an adventure to Merfolk Island (人魚島, Ningyojima), where he encounters Lu, a mystical ningyo girl. Through a magical rhythm, Lu’s fish fin transforms into human legs, allowing a unique friendship to blossom as Kai introduces her to the town and its wonders. As their bond deepens, Kai discovers that Lu harbors a dangerous secret: she cannot touch sunlight without the risk of bursting into flames. Tragically, Lu’s mother was killed by a ship, leaving her father to protect her from the dangers of the world.
During their escapades, Kai introduces Lu to his friends, but in a moment of carelessness, he reveals the merfolk’s existence to the townspeople. To his surprise, Lu’s enchanting nature and musical talents captivate everyone, making her a viral sensation. Inspired by her newfound popularity, Yūho’s grandfather decides to reopen an old merfolk-themed amusement park on a nearby island. However, as Kai starts to lose interest in his band and neglects Lu, a rift develops between them.
On the day of the park’s grand opening, tensions escalate when Lu arrives and unexpectedly steals the spotlight, leading to Yūho’s frustration and subsequent disappearance. As anti-merfolk sentiments surge in the town, Yūho’s father wrongly blames Lu for his daughter’s absence and threatens her with exposure to sunlight. Just in time, Lu’s father intervenes, but their confrontation inadvertently awakens a curse that threatens to flood the town.
In a heroic effort, Kai and Yūho band together to rescue Lu and her father. The merfolk, alongside Kai and Yūho, work together to save the town from the impending disaster. In doing so, they inadvertently expose themselves to the bright daybreak, leading to their magical reveal as the sun rises. Once the curse begins to dissipate, the townspeople unite with umbrellas in hand, saving the sea creatures from the burning rays of the sun.
Ultimately, Kai seeks forgiveness from Lu, and in a joyous moment, they express their love for one another, as the town celebrates and the sea creatures return to the ocean. As Kai embarks on a new chapter in Hinashi Town, a sense of hope fills the air, affirming that his connection with Lu is far from over and that their paths are bound to cross again in the future.
Timeline
Introduction to Kai
Kai Ashimoto is introduced as a solitary and pessimistic ninth grader living in Hinashi Town. He resides with his grandfather, an umbrella maker, and his father, leading a seemingly mundane life filled with the trials of adolescence.
Formation of SEIRÈN
Kai joins his friends Kunio and Yūho to form a rock band called 'SEIRÈN.' This group becomes a vital part of his life, giving him a sense of purpose and companionship amidst his isolation.
Journey to Merfolk Island
One day, Kai sets off on an adventure to Merfolk Island, a fateful decision that will change his life forever. There, he encounters Lu, a mystical ningyo girl who is more than she seems.
Lu's Transformation
During their initial meeting, Lu transforms from a mermaid with a fish fin into a girl with human legs through a magical rhythm. This unprecedented change paves the way for a profound friendship between her and Kai.
Lu's Secret
As their friendship grows, Kai learns that Lu possesses a perilous secret: she cannot touch sunlight without the risk of bursting into flames. This revelation adds a layer of danger to their relationship, intertwining love and risk.
Lu's Past
Kai discovers the tragic backstory of Lu, including the death of her mother due to a ship accident. This dark history deepens Kai's compassion and sense of responsibility towards her.
Lu's Viral Sensation
In a moment of indiscretion, Kai introduces Lu to the townsfolk, revealing her existence. Surprisingly, Lu's enchanting personality and musical talent quickly turn her into a local sensation, captivating the hearts of everyone.
Amusement Park Reopening
Inspired by Lu's popularity, Yūho's grandfather decides to reopen an old merfolk-themed amusement park. This decision ignites excitement in the town, but it also marks the beginning of complications in Kai's life and relationships.
Rift Between Kai and Lu
As Kai becomes absorbed in his band and neglects Lu, a significant rift begins to form in their relationship. Despite their previous connection, external pressures begin to challenge their bond.
Grand Opening Tensions
On the day of the amusement park's grand opening, Lu unexpectedly steals the spotlight, igniting Yūho's frustration. This leads to a pivotal moment that sets off a chain of events affecting all the characters.
Confrontation with Yūho’s Father
Amidst rising anti-merfolk sentiments, Yūho's father angrily confronts Lu, blaming her for Yūho's mysterious disappearance. The situation escalates, putting Lu's life at risk under the sunlight.
Awakening of the Curse
During a confrontation with Lu’s father, events spiral out of control, awakening a curse that threatens to flood the entire town. The stakes are raised, and time is running out for everyone involved.
Rescue Mission
In a heroic turn of events, Kai and Yūho unite to rescue Lu and her father from the impending disaster. Their collaboration symbolizes a turning point, emphasizing friendship and bravery.
Exposure to Sunlight
As the curse begins to lift, Kai, Yūho, and the merfolk are forced to face the harsh sunlight, leading to their magical reveal to the townspeople. This moment is filled with uncertainty and transformative power.
Finding Forgiveness and Hope
In the aftermath of the chaos, Kai seeks forgiveness from Lu, and they share a heartfelt moment of love and understanding. The town comes together to celebrate and protect the sea creatures, establishing a hope-filled future.
Characters
Kai Ashimoto
Kai is a solitary ninth grader burdened by his pessimistic outlook on life. As a budding musician and member of the band SEIRÈN, his character evolves through his experiences with Lu, shifting from indifference to responsibility and love. His journey portrays the typical struggles of adolescence, including self-discovery and the need for acceptance.
Lu
Lu is a mystical ningyo with a vibrant spirit, who yearns for connection beyond the confines of her watery world. Despite her enchanting beauty and talents, she faces profound challenges, particularly the danger of sunlight. Lu's character represents the duality of innocence and the harsh realities of the world, making her both relatable and captivating.
Yūho
Yūho is an integral part of Kai's life and the band, who experiences her own journey of frustration and self-discovery. Her character grapples with feelings of jealousy and misunderstanding as Lu’s popularity grows. Ultimately, Yūho's arc emphasizes the importance of friendship and reconciliation, underscoring the message of unity in diversity.
Setting
Time period
The movie appears to take place in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern teenage life and social dynamics. The narrative intertwines themes of friendship, acceptance, and the clash between tradition and excitement, all of which resonate with current societal issues.
Location
Hinashi Town, Merfolk Island
Hinashi Town is a quaint coastal village known for its rich folklore and vibrant community. The town's connection to the sea is evident in its local traditions and the craftsmanship of its residents, particularly in the art of umbrella making. Merfolk Island, on the other hand, is shrouded in mystery and legend, home to enchanting merfolk stories and the mythical creatures themselves.
Themes
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Friendship
At the heart of the film is the deep bond formed between Kai and Lu. Their friendship is tested by external pressures and internal conflicts, but ultimately showcases the power of connection and understanding. As they face challenges together, their relationship evolves, reflecting the importance of support and loyalty.
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Identity
The theme of identity permeates the story as Lu struggles to embrace her true self amid societal prejudices. Her journey symbolizes the quest for self-acceptance in a world where differences are often met with fear. The film illustrates how embracing one's uniqueness can lead to empowerment and understanding.
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Conflict
Conflict arises not only from Kai and Lu's challenges but also from the societal tensions regarding the existence of merfolk. This theme showcases the fear of the unknown and the consequences of misunderstanding. The climax reveals how unity and courage can overcome fear and prejudice to create a better understanding of one another.
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