The "Secrets" We Can't Tell in The Secret of the Mermaid Island
I didn't know what the content was about beforehand because I thought I could easily understand it. It turned out not to be so simple. This cartoon movie isn't just for kids.
Using children's voices and appearances, lighthearted and suspenseful descriptions, stunning visuals, and beautiful songs, The Secret of the Mermaid Island expresses the intricate relationships and various facets of the human world. Savoring the worldview of each character in the film reveals that this is by no means a utopian fairy tale. Instead, it uses an extremely cute exterior to present allegories of the dark side of modern society, human vulnerability, and resilience.
The movie reminds us:
This world is no longer divided strictly into black and white. There are far more grey areas in the middle, and it's about how we navigate them, make choices, and reach decisions.
"In the story, whether it is "Momiji's" deep-seated obsession to save a dearest friend, or "Siren's" lingering resentment to seek justice for her companions, both sides are actually defending their own version of 'justice,' but they also end up spiraling out of control and heading toward destruction amidst extreme agony."
People's mistakes and sins all have stories and reasons behind them.
"Because one of Siren's close friends among the mermaids was eaten, she continuously preyed on the islanders until she found the culprit, which simultaneously threw the entire island into panic. At the same time, because Momiji's sibling was accidentally severely injured by Siren, Momiji went looking for the mermaid by Siren's side to save them, boiling her into a soup to grant the recipient 'eternal life.' Behind every secret, everyone carries too many misfortunes and feelings of helplessness, which is ultimately how they become 'villains'!"
It reflects the complex relationships in human society.
There is no 100% black and white in this world.
"At the very beginning of the plot, when Chiikawa arrives on the island and gets seasick, Hachiware hopes to soothe his condition with 'carbonated drinks.' However, when Momiji and their sibling hear the word 'carbonated drink' (tansan), their expressions instantly change! To explain, this is related to the Japanese language. It turns out that the Japanese word for 'carbonated' (tansan) sounds identical to 'size 3 battery' (tansangata). Because Momiji and their sibling's secret is that they both have batteries installed inside their bodies, they showed panicked looks."
The Secret of the Mermaid Island sets up its most brilliant villain trope: "A hateful person must have a pitiful side," which is applied to Siren. Meanwhile, the saying "A pitiful person must have a hateful aspect" appears in Momiji and their sibling.
People are often bound within chains woven by "the obsession of love" and "crime and punishment," leading to endless struggles and revenge—when will this cycle of retribution ever end? Behind the cute Chiikawa exterior lies a reflection of the survival plight of modern people. A trip promising a "huge reward" turns into a thrilling journey of mental growth.
To me, the greatest growth is that Chiikawa sees through the truth of crime and punishment and decides to let go:
"Facing that piece of mermaid scale in the pouch, Chiikawa chooses to let go, letting it sink into the boundless ocean, sealing the truth of this 'crime and punishment' forever within the deep blue. This 'letting go' is a gentle choice made after silently bearing the secret. Just as Chiikawa's voice actor, Haruka Aoki, softly sings in the ending theme song Patting the Desk: 'Whatever happened, I won't particularly ask about it.' In the end, Chiikawa chooses to turn around, return to his companions, and continue toward unknown adventures with them."
It's my first time watching one of Nagano's cartoon stories. I really love this narrative approach devoid of absolute good and evil, which unmasks how so-called "justice defeating evil" is often just a clash of respective "justices" in reality. The ones who pay the highest price and become the greatest victims are always ordinary folks, just like those islanders.
The film offers layers of insights, with even more to uncover.
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