Summer with Kuro 1990
In the final sweltering summer of World War II, Hiroshima becomes a poignant backdrop for Masao Ito's delicate animated drama Summer with Kuro (1990).
Director: Masao Ito
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summer with Kuro (1990) about?
This animated drama follows young Nobuko, who rescues a starving kitten named Kuro in Hiroshima during the summer of 1945. As World War II intensifies, the family struggles to care for Kuro, whose playful presence becomes a fragile source of joy amid growing despair. The film builds to a quietly devastating climax as Kuro's unusual behavior mirrors the turmoil of the era.
Who directed Summer with Kuro?
Masao Ito directed Summer with Kuro. He is known for crafting deeply emotional animated films that blend historical context with intimate character drama.
Who stars in Summer with Kuro?
The film features voice performances by Taeko Nakanishi as Nobuko and Koji Yada as her brother Makoto.
Is Summer with Kuro (1990) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, this 67-minute animated drama earns praise for its sensitive portrayal of innocence amid war. Its historical setting and emotional depth make it a compelling choice for fans of thoughtful animation and wartime narratives.
How long is Summer with Kuro?
Summer with Kuro runs for 67 minutes.
About Summer with Kuro (1990) — A Heartbreaking Animation Set in Wartime Hiroshima
In the final sweltering summer of World War II, Hiroshima becomes a poignant backdrop for Masao Ito's delicate animated drama Summer with Kuro (1990). When young Nobuko rescues a scrawny black kitten from a murder of crows, she fights to bring warmth and hope into her family's increasingly strained household. With the relentless war tightening its grip, daily life becomes a fragile balancing act—between rationed meals, distant air-raid sirens, and the stubborn will to nurture something pure. As Nobuko and her brother Makoto name the stray Kuro, the tiny creature transforms from a fragile survivor into a fragile emblem of resilience, love, and the fleeting innocence of childhood against the gathering storm.
As August 1945 unfolds, Kuro's playful antics still manage to lighten the mood, but an unsettling restlessness creeps in. The family's ability to care for the pet dwindles under the weight of war, and an ominous change in Kuro's behavior hints at forces beyond their control. Masao Ito crafts a quietly devastating tale of family, loss, and the tender bonds that persist even when the world feels on the brink of collapse. This animated drama transcends its historical setting to explore universal themes of compassion, sacrifice, and the bittersweet passage of time.