Parents' Guide to My Oni Girl

This is a slow and contemplative anime drama about a boy learning to become more confident. For this reason, My Oni Girl might be too leisurely to command attention. The second half of the movie certainly picks up the pace, but for many, it will simply take too long getting there. For viewers unaware of Japanese mythology and folklore, lots about the world building of this film will be a little confusing, as it doesn't try to explain much about the "logic" of the real world and the Oni world, except near the end. But for viewers who stick with it, they will get a somewhat satisfying conclusion after some much needed action and excitement.

The ending, though, is rushed and bit confusing. Some questions (about the spirit monsters, about Tsumugi's mother) are never answered, the Oni world being exposed doesn't come to anything (even though that's what they were worried about this whole time), and Hiiragi and Tsumugi don't really resolve their "feelings" for each other (if they "like-like" each other or if they were always just friends). But the animation is stellar and occasionally quite creative, the adventure overall feels a little epic upon reflection, and the central positive messages are worth rooting for.