Film review of Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction Part 1: Anime mixes teen drama and aliens

Since that day, the alien presence has triggered government actions that have led to polarization of political activism, violence and destruction, creating an explosive atmosphere around the world.

For best friends Kadode and Ouran (voices: Lilas Ikuta and Ano respectively) and their buddies, the fate of the world pales in comparison to the more pressing problems that shape their lives as teenagers.

Kadode’s father disappeared on August 31 – the day the aliens arrived – and her mother has since become a paranoid germaphobe, determined to move to the countryside with her new boyfriend.

Kadode is also infatuated with her teacher Watarase, applies to his alma mater, and insists that they go on a date once she graduates. Ouran actively supports this suggestion, and even Watarase doesn’t seem to be opposed to it.

In a series of flashbacks, we learn about the origins of the friendship between Kadode and Ouran. Among other things, we are told how the two came to adopt a stranded alien, whom they hid in a stuffed animal, and the destructive consequences of their actions.

No matter how hard they try to lead normal teenage lives, the looming apocalypse inevitably takes center stage – not least when one of them is killed.

The mastery of Asano’s writing lies in how he skillfully balances these two seemingly irreconcilable themes.

Directed by Tomoyuki Kurokawa, the plot unfolds in two full-length animated films that capture the grand spectacle of their independence Daystyle, while populating the drama with fully developed characters, particularly fun-loving schoolgirls on the cusp of womanhood.

The alien invasion hints at the looming threat of adulthood that awaits our heroines, while also evoking memories of the September 11 attacks and the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. But the invaders do not remain a faceless threat for long.

While the military and government disagree about how to react, we learn that the aliens are also splitting into warring factions.

Despite its confusing title Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction turns out to be a brilliantly executed hybrid of science fiction and soap opera that is as captivating as it is almost impossible to categorize.

The cliffhanger of Part 1, which hits Hong Kong cinemas on July 11, will leave audiences demanding explanations that they will have to wait two weeks for until Part 2 hits theaters.