(Places
that
were
anime
to me)
Release: 2024 - Sweden
Directed by: Anders
Häger Jönson
Distributed by: Give a Reason Video
Entertainment
Genre: Documentary / Experimental
Runtime:
100 min
What a wonderful poetic work. It was a bit of a slow burner at first, as I went into it without knowing much beyond that it had something to do with anime. It begins as a Swedish documentary seemingly about anime but soon unfolds into something deeper. A very personal journey that the filmmaker, Anders Häger Jönson, has walked through in life. It’s about his love for anime and his love for a woman who was both close and distant in a beautiful, painful way.
At times I almost felt like I shouldn’t be watching, it’s that personal, like reading someone’s diary. The tone is raw, emotional and surreal, with a strong anime-inspired visual rhythm. As an anime fan myself, I could relate deeply to the journey and struggle Anders portrays.
Three moments especially stood out:
The female
cosplayer who appears throughout, dressed as characters from the
anime being discussed while standing or walking around the real
locations tied to Anders’ story, adds a clever, multilayered and
deeply moving touch to the storytelling.
The darkened room with a TV showing fragments from the anime that shaped Anders’ life creates a simple yet powerful and nostalgic image.
A heartfelt scene at a party serves as the story’s emotional climax, capturing a mix of joy, tension, and a haunted longing that lingers long after the moment ends.
I truly enjoyed watching it. At times the repeated line “Places that were anime to me” made it feel slightly episodic, as if the original concept might have been planned as a series rather than a single feature. That said, the structure adds to its personality, it’s unconventional and personal, something that demands a bit of mental adjustment but rewards you once you tune in.
Overall, I’m thankful Anders chose to share something so intimate with us. This film deserves appreciation for its honesty and experimental storytelling. I hope one day we’ll get a follow-up, to see how life continued for him.
It’s also wonderful that this film exists on Blu-ray. My copy is numbered 17/20, a truly limited edition.
I give this personal documentary a strong 8/10. It’s heartfelt, creative and resonates even more if you’re an anime fan like me. Well done, Anders.
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