Miss Hokusai

One of the finest recent examples of the animated art form, Miss Hokusai is an absolute treat to behold. Based on Hinako Sugiura’s manga series Sarusaberi, the film offers episodic glimpses into the life of ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai’s daughter O-ei (voiced by Anne Higashide), who was herself an accomplished artist, and examines the struggles of artistic genius through the complex relationship of the father and daughter, who the film posits were more co-creators than history may suggest. Conformed to social mores outside the home, within O-ei is as bold and brash as her dad and has no qualms about the popular erotic content they create. Though grounded in reality, the film does allow for some fantastical metaphors for the artistic process, including a marvelous scene in which O-ei has to tame a dragon before she can get it right on paper. Filled with scenes that can only be described as visual poetry, Miss Hokusai is as mesmerizing as the art that inspired it. Winner of four awards at the 2015 Fantasia Film Festival.