Save your money for something good and enjoyable

Too much about the plot just didn't add up, the writing was bad, some of the scenes were cringey and awkward,

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

I really thought this short was more interesting like we get to see a little girl being lost in the woods and meet up with a spirit guy who she spent a lot of years with. As Hotaru gets older, the two of them develop feelings for each other. I was so bummed that Gin touched a human kid and had to disappear because he and Hotaru really loved each other. I nearly did have a lump in my throat with the pair of them finally hugging one another and he completely vanished. I was gutted for Hotaru like she really did love him for who he is, not what he is. I have to say as well in this short at the beginning, there was a lot of beating and one name calling to a child which I didn't appreciate. However the distraction with Gin and Hotaru realtionship did help me not be so pissed off with the guys abusing a child. At least it wasn't out of badness with this anime but it is kinda disturbing and unfortunately realistic so I can understand some people would feel rather uneasy watching this anime. Really good anime, I quite enjoyed it and like for a 45 minute anime, it did the job good 8/10!

"It is sad not to love, but it is much sadder not to be able to love." The quote by Miguel de Unamuno becomes soulful and symbolic when we refer to it as in the context of this amazing anime. It's believed that the genre of romance has grown stiff and it seems very difficult to find a movie that does not deplete of originality and true sensuality, a genre that has nothing fresh to offer and most suggested things are a cliché these days. Well then, I'm truly glad I can say that whoever sports that belief is wrong. The evidence: Hotarubi no Mori e.

What a stunning beauty of an anime. The only shortcomming is that it is...right: short. I wished the beautifull moments, almost dreamlike, could be prolonged and extended. Now for this story itself it is just right I admit any longer and it would have destroyed the spirit of this movie. But simply I wish it was longer, I actually felt a bit sad when it was over so soon

"Hotarubi No Mori E" is yet another fine example of Japanese creativity and talent to make a heart warming story. Some might think that 40 minutes isn't all that long, but in this case, it was more than enough to tell a tale.A young girl named Hotaru gets lost in the woods during a summer vacation in her uncle's mountain lodge. Just when she starts to fear no one would find her, a young man with a mask covering his face appears and shows the way home. But there's something mysterious about Gin, and as it seems, he may even be a forest god in a human form. Hotaru is intrigued, and still, she cannot touch him. Years go by, with each new summer the girl returns to the same enchanted forest looking for this secretive boy. Hotaru feels closer to Gin as time passes, while she continues to grow up. Finally, she will unravel the secret behind mysterious Gin who doesn't seem to grow old, but things will never be same again for any of them."Hotarubi No Mori E" is a perfect exemplar why I like Japanese animation so much. Forest and it's spiritual surrounding represent an important part of Japanese culture, whereas this symbol can be found in many anime originated from Japan, but also in other Asian productions and traditions. An interesting and touching story is told without fireworks and big splashes. Maybe not the best but still solid animation, fairytale characters and a nice story make this anime more than worth watching.