Goodbye, Don Glees ⋆ Soulcial Dreamin' Ent.

This year NYICFF ( New York International Children’s Film Festival) had a few anime gems in its line up and I’m happy to review one of the titles Goodbye, Don Glees. The lineup for the films was amazing ranging from short films to anime titles that I’ve been introduced to from the festival. Hopefully, 2024 NYICFF will have even more in store for children to be exposed to. The variety of films that NYICFF showcase is very diverse and of great quality that has a learning message that everyone can take from watching the film. You can check out the 2023 NYICFF film lineup and support the creators and the festival.

Goodbye, Don Glees is a Japanese animation film by Atsuko Ishizuka. Released in 2021 by animation studio Madhouse. Not that this really matters but the rating on Rotten Tomatoes is a solid 100% and I always want to bring up this score for people that want to see how an accredited review site rates this film. Personally, I think this rating is well-fitting, especially for a film being showcased at NYICFF, the messages in the film translated so well and I hope children and young adults take the chance to go through life and create amazing memories with friends that will make them happy later on in life.

We start with 2 friends Roma and Toro that have a history together of being outlasted by their classmates throughout Jr. HS so they created their own clubhouse, Fort called Don Glees. When Toro returns to the countryside for a break Roma has added Drop to the gang and now we’re on this beautiful adventure of friendship with this trio.

In a world where movies often rely on special effects and predictable plotlines, Goodbye, Don Glees stands out as a film of mystery and intrigue. From the very first scene, we are transported into a world that is both familiar and foreign, where nothing is quite as it seems and every twist and turn leaves you questioning yourself. At its heart, this is a film about the human condition. It explores the ways in which we can be blinded by our own desires and illusions, and how the truth can often be hidden in plain sight. The characters are complex and nuanced, each with their own secrets and motivations that slowly reveal themselves over the course of the story.

But what really sets any animation film apart is its visual style. The film is shot in a way that is both beautiful and rich in color, with each frame carefully crafted to draw us deeper into the story. The use of light and shadow, color and texture, creates a world that is at once familiar and then undiscovered, drawing you in and refusing to let go of this new adventure you’re on with the gang.

And yet, despite all of its darkness and complexity, the film is a story of hope. It shows us that even in the darkest times, there is always a glimmer of light to be found, a way out of the darkness and into the light. It reminds us that the human spirit is resilient and that even the most broken of people can find redemption and hope. Working through the trials and tribulations that many friendships and relationships experience in life and all the unexpected turns they take as well as the toll it takes on us.

So if you’re looking for a movie that will challenge your assumptions, and ultimately leave you feeling uplifted and inspired, then Goodbye, Don Glees is the film for you. I wanted to try and leave this review as mysterious as I can to get you to also watch the film and come back to this post so we can have a conversation about your thoughts in the comments. This is a new writing style for me and I hope it coveys well.

You can watch the film on many streaming sites and physical DVDs can be ordered online. I really hope you get the chance to check out the films in this lineup that NYCIFF showcased this year. If you enjoy the film please come back here or reach out to us on social media to continue the conversation.