Movie review: Paco and the Magical Book

Frankly, the only reason why I decided to purchase the DVD for this movie in the first place was because I saw the name ‘Anna Tsuchiya’ in the cast list. However, by watching this movie devoid of any initial assumptions nor expectations, I was able to keep an open mind through it all, and that turned out to be a blessing.

With a concept that bears similarity to 50 First Dates, Paco and the Magical Book tells the tale of a bubbly and cheerful child named Paco who suffers from short-term memory loss, allowing her to forget everything that had happened the day before. Because of this bizzare affliction, she is admitted to an eccentric, castle-esque hospital where every single patient and member of staff have a story to tell and a distinguishable personality. There, while reading a popup picture book that was a keepsake from her late mother, she encounters Onuki, a grouchy elder who was once the director of a company that he founded. He soon takes a liking to Paco, and decides to help her overcome her condition by seeking the cooperation of everybody in the hospital, and learns life’s true morals along the way.

For those who are exposed to as much Japanese media as I am, the first twenty minutes of Paco and the Magical Bookmay come across as Kuchu Buranko livened in human flesh. As expected, those who aren’t quite adapted to the eccentricities of the Japanese find it quite difficult to like its beginning. In fact, the entire movie seems to me like a seamless blend between Kuchu Buranko, El Labirinto del Fauno and all the old-school Disney films out there. What makes Paco and the Magical Book so distinct and a genius in its own right is that it combines the usage of computerised graphics, psychedelic colours and surrealistic fantasy to produce a rich semblance seemingly excerpted from a pigment of a child’s wildest imagination.

I must applaud the unconventional supporting cast on their antics and originality, and their ability to attune to the true nature of their characters. At first sight, they appear to have been physical reincarnations of wacky manga characters, but later begin to strike a chord within the audience. Paco and the Magical Book showcases a horde of lovely and unforgettable side characters: a gothic and emotionally unstable nurse (Anna Tsuchiya) who has violent outbursts at every little wrongdoing, a wacky doctor with cosplaying tendencies, a fireman prone to fatal accidents, a dual-personality nurse with vampiric impulses and an up-do that suspiciously resembles Marge from The Simpsons, a crossdressing man who belts out karaoke tunes, and much, much more. What makes them so much more lovable is their ability to break the fourth wall and distinct style of speech; using different tones, accents and level of formality, these actors make full use of their dynamic language, otherwise impossible for ordinary American films.

the two nurses performing their … duties

Ayaka Wilson delivers a wonderful performance in this movie, and she bears charm and innocence, reminiscent of Ivana Baquero from El Labirinto del Fauno. Naturally, biased as this may be, I certainly enjoy Anna Tsuchiya’s style of acting in this movie. She is able to feign a mercurial personality to utmost perfection, and I can’t think of anyone more suited for her role.

Of course, there were certain moments that were corny and clichéd, and a few jokes fell flat. Nevertheless, the overall quality of the movie is remarkable. What I love most about Paco and the Magical Book is its underlying morals and ability to relate to the general public. Adults who view it will be like viewing a window of their past, and children who see it will be like tapping into their wildest dreams. Certain scenes are very heartrending and manages to relay important teachings that has been drowned in our society today.

To sum it all up, beyond the quirkiness of Paco and the Magical Book lies a far deeper and more profound meaning that will not only render adults whimsical and nostalgic, but also allow children to think from a different perspective and delve into their innocent realms. It is a movie that everyone should watch at least once in their lives.

Conclusion:

Rating: 9/10

Concept: 9/10

Trailer: N/A

Acting: 7.5/10

Sound effects: 7/10

Visual effects: 9/10

Did I get my money’s worth: Yes.

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