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A young boy named Ren runs away from his uncaring family after his mother's death. Alone and homeless on the streets, he meets a bear-like beast named Kumatestu. Ren follows him to the world of beasts, and becomes Kumatetsu's only pupil.

I compare it to the Disney animated version of Treasure Island. Both films are not their director/company's best works, but both are unique in that they focus on an unusual theme these days: a boy's relationship to his father. The relationship of Kuma and Ren is similar to Jack and Long John Silver in Treasure Island. Both were abandoned by their fathers, and both find a surrogate father and a father's love in another. This theme resonates with young boys, and the adults they become.

The theme is done well here, although the film's structure is a bit off. Unlike Treasure Island, Ren's story extends through his life as a child and too his teen and college years. The movie in the end also relies on an unexpected antagonist, and that aspect although visually striking is weakly done. A subplot with another character who befriends Ren also feels tacked in. The main draw though is the sad, sweet, and almost achingly fond relationship Kuma an Ren develop. Kuma's two friends also play their part, and the movie shows the civilizing power love for father and child can have, despite crudity, bickering, and insults.

However, Wolf Children still remains Hosoda's best film. This one will work better for fans, and for people whom the themes touch.