No real story here. Miss Hokusai is a slice of life movie, which shows slices of a life while not concentrating on any one plot. The film is inspired by the life of the famous Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, but centers on his daughter O-Ei. O-Ei has an uneasy relationship with her father, estranged from the rest of the family. Yet she still follows in his footsteps seeking to develop as an artist herself. This is an historical film, set in the 19th century, though obviously imaged with a touch of fantasy.

There is no action here, except for a few scenes of O-Ei running. The relationships between characters are well developed. As I said we see things through O-Ei’s point of view, so mostly these are her relationships and struggles.

The animation is excellent. The artwork is suitable, though I think the characters could have used a bit more work.

In all it is an engaging film. Miss Hokusai is worth seeing, if what you like is a small, personal movie.