
Secret × Heroine Phantomirage! ~We've Become a Movie~
2020

2005
PG-13Director
Takashi Miike
Runtime
124 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetSynopsis
A young boy with a troubled home life becomes "chosen," and he stumbles into the middle of a great war of yōkai (a class of mythological creatures), where he meets a group of friendly yōkai who become his companions through his journey. Now he must fight to protect his friends and free the world of the yōkai from oppression.
Overall Score
Limited
Category Breakdown
LGBTQ+ Representation
The film follows a traditional coming-of-age path for a young male protagonist. It lacks any discernible non-cisnormative identities or same-sex romantic arcs, adhering to conventional heteronormative structures.
Gender Representation
While the female lead shares the protagonist's supernatural perception, the character dynamics largely follow standard adventure tropes. The roles function to support the hero's journey without subverting traditional hierarchies.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
The film uses yōkai as metaphors for 'the other,' providing a wide spectrum of visual and cultural identities. While the human cast is largely homogeneous, these supernatural entities offer non-human intersectionality.
Religious & Cultural Diversity
This is a traditional fantasy tale focusing on bravery and communal friendship. It avoids critiques of Western institutions or specific political ideologies, presenting a world with relatively clear-cut morality.
Disability Representation
The protagonist's unique perception is framed as a 'chosen one' supernatural gift. This leans toward a standard fantasy device rather than providing a nuanced portrayal of neurodivergence or sensory disability.
Strengths
Areas for Improvement
AI Analysis
The film functions as a conventional fantasy adventure that relies heavily on mythological metaphors to provide variety. While the yōkai offer a diverse array of non-human identities, the human elements remain largely traditional and homogeneous. The narrative adheres to established genre tropes, particularly regarding the 'chosen one' archetype and gender roles. It avoids harmful stereotypes but does not actively engage with or disrupt contemporary social hierarchies or identity politics. Ultimately, the film's diversity is found in its supernatural cast rather than its social commentary. It prioritizes a classic hero's journey over a deep exploration of lived human experiences or systemic representation.

2020

2019

2012

2021

2014

2009
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!
Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.