Modest Heroes: Ponoc Short Films Theatre is a collection of three short films that depict the stories of ordinary heroes in modern times. Directed by Akihiko Yamashita, Hiromasa Yonebayashi, and Yoshiyuki Momose, this anime film is the first project by Studio Ponoc. The three short films portray the lives of seemingly regular people that find themselves in extraordinary circumstances.
Kanini & Kanino: A Story of Survival and Family
In Kanini & Kanino, we follow the story of two siblings living in a peaceful riverbed with their father, Tata, while their mother Kaka is away giving birth. Tata has trained them to catch small fish since they were young. One night, a storm hits their home and Tata, who just arrived home, is greeted only by Kanino. Tata and Kanini start searching for Kanino, and they find her in danger. Tata saves Kanino, but he is carried away by the river’s current and disappears without a trace. The next day, Kanini and Kanino embark on a perilous journey to the mainland to find their father. After walking for a while, they eventually find Tata, but he is severely injured. As Kanini tries to approach him, a large fish lurks nearby, threatening them all.
Samurai Egg: A Mother’s Love for Her Allergic Child
Samurai Egg tells the story of Shun, a boy who has a severe allergy to eggs. Every day, his parents must protect him from egg-containing foods, or his life may be at risk. At school, he has to eat special food prepared by his mother, and his classmates must be cautious not to contaminate him with egg saliva when they eat eggs near him. When a field trip is planned, Shun is unsure if he will be able to attend. Meanwhile, his mother tries to ensure his safety during the excursion while maintaining her job as a dance teacher. One day, Shun visits his mother’s workplace to watch her practice for a competition. However, he almost eats a snack with eggs in it while captivated by her dancing. His mother scolds him for his safety, but Shun understands why she did it. Later on, when he’s home alone, he eats ice cream from the fridge, but it contains eggs, causing his allergies to flare up. He calls his mother for help, and she rushes home, instructing him to remain calm and wait for her.
Toumei Ningen: The Invisible Hero
In Toumei Ningen, a young man lives alone in an old apartment. He struggles to be acknowledged by those around him, but no one ever sees him. In his desperation, a stranger begins speaking to him, marking the first time someone has noticed him. After the encounter, he sees a baby stroller rolling toward a busy street, and he chases after it on his motorbike. He desperately tries to stop the stroller, which leads him to a dangerous situation, forcing him to become a hero, despite being invisible.
Modest Heroes: Ponoc Short Films Theatre offers three touching stories of ordinary people that find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Each short film has an emotional impact that touches on themes of love, survival, and self-discovery. The films have little dialogue but deliver their messages beautifully through their respective stories. If you’re a fan of anime or want to experience a unique collection of short films, then Modest Heroes: Ponoc Short Films Theatre is a must-see.
