Ren is only a boy when he is sent to live with distant relatives after his mother dies.
Upset and angry at the world around him, the youngster runs away and soon collides with warrior bear Kumatetsu, the rebellious heir to the throne of the Beast world, who happens to be on one of his jaunts up to human civilisation.
Deciding to adopt Ren and return to the Beast world, the notoriously lazy Kumatetsu must prove himself worth of inheriting the kingdom by training Ren as his apprentice.
The stubborn boy and bear butt heads during training but form a strong bond regardless. However, when Ren nears adulthood, he starts to become curious about life back in the human world that he left behind.
This Japanese animation is an ode to unconventional families and remembering your roots.
See this stunning animation on the big screen in a unique, pop-up film experience.
This film is rated 12, for more guidance please check the BBFC website.
Relaxed screenings are designed to create a more comfortable and accessible cinema experience for individuals with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other needs that make traditional cinema settings challenging. These screenings involve adjustments like low lighting and freedom to move around, encouraging a more relaxed atmosphere.
“What make’s Ren’s story transcend beyond the run-of-the-mill coming of age cartoon is Mamoru Hosoda’s legendary skill to seamlessly blend fantasy with reality and build each moment into a crucial layer for the next. Like his films The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, and Wolf Children (all of which also won the Japan Academy Prize for their respective years), Hosoda takes us on both a physical journey to a supernatural realm and one of spiritual discovery.”