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movie review - I Lost My Body

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-eight years and a million words

This is a stylish and disturbing anime from France. It's about the final months in the life of a young Algerian fellow living in Paris, as told in part from the point of view of his severed hand. As the story comes together, we get a fine sense of who this boy is and what drives him. It's part to find out about the world, and part dealing the problems of youth. I don't think I can relay anything about the plot without ruining the point of the film but suffice it to say boy meets girl, boy loses hand.

I really liked this thing. The story is captivating, the characters are true, and the tone is a perfect balance of self-mockery and indomitable spirit. Also, the animation does a fair bit of lifting with visual story-telling, and I really appreciate that.

Strongly recommended.