Discover the surreal world of Jinsei as Director Ryuya Suzuki and star Miho Ohashi open up about hand-drawn animation and a subway miracle.
Jinsei is a deeply moving cinematic experience that beautifully captures complex themes through stunning, hand-drawn 2D animation. The film transcends traditional storytelling, blending reality with highly surreal moments that challenge the audience to reflect on their own lives. Its unique aesthetic and profound narrative make it a standout piece of modern animation that stays with viewers long after the credits roll.
Mama’s Geeky correspondent Rachel Tolleson spoke with Jinsei director Ryuya Suzuki and cast member Miho Ohashi to discuss the grueling yet rewarding process of solo hand-drawn animation, the inspirations behind the film’s fantasy-like elements, and a heartwarming, miraculous encounter with fans on a New York City subway.
Ryuya Suzuki & Miho Ohashi Talk Jinsei
Mama’s Geeky: What was the process like drawing the animation yourself, from conception to the final film?
Ryuya Suzuki: During COVID, I made a couple of 15 to 20 minute animes. Through that process, I kind of solidified my style and I thought, oh, if this is my style, I could totally do a feature. That was really all it took. I had the title of the film and that there were going to be chapters and then the rest was all totally improvised.
Mama’s Geeky: Where did you find the inspiration for the surreal, fantasy-like moments in the film?
Ryuya Suzuki: Rather than that, I had this fantasy-like image of animation, so I was doing a lot of realistic things in animation. I just wanted to show a lot of real things through anime, I would say.
Mama’s Geeky: Miho, what drew you toward taking on this role and working on this project?
Miho Ohashi: When I read the script, there was a line that said, let’s live as long as we die. I was really drawn to that line, and I really wanted to say it. I personally have a very strong will to live, and I really wanted people to feel that and feel their own will to live and want to live a long life.
Mama’s Geeky: What do you hope audiences take away from the film when they walk away?
Ryuya Suzuki: As you said earlier, it’s not a film where you can just say, this is the answer. When I started to like films, I started to like films where you can think for yourself. I feel like that’s lessened recently. So I’d like to see a film where I can provide a way to enjoy a film.
Miho Ohashi: I was in New York, for the New York Film Festival, when this film showed. I was taking the subway, and three people stopped me, and said, you’re not the voice actor from Jinsei, are you? Once they found out that I was this character, they had so many questions to ask me. One said, this is my story. Another person said, what is that black object at the end? I asked the director, and he said, it’s a secret. So, I hope that people take this film in their hearts, and it lives with them.
Mama’s Geeky: Director Suzuki, what projects do you want to tackle next now that you’ve finished this feature film?
Ryuya Suzuki: So, I am making something now already. It’s a totally different film from this one, and I want to suddenly just put it out so people can see it all over the world. It’s a secret in terms of what it is for now, but I am locking myself in a room yet again and creating something.
About Jinsei
A man’s journey through life, marked by various names and labels, leads him to unexpected success while confronting modern social issues and personal struggles along the way.
Jinsei opened in select theaters in New York on June 5 and opens in theaters everywhere June 12.
