The two movies I'm comparing, Summer Wars and Digimon: Our War Game, have a nine year difference and yet a lot of aspects are alike. The first thing I want to talk about is the setting. Digimon, a pre-established franchise, is already based off a digital world where the existence of these creatures called Digimon inhabit. Using the Internet as the setting for Digimon is not unexpected.Summer Wars, on the other hand, is set in a realistic present time setting where people use an advance section of the Internet called OZ. According to the movie, OZ is what social networking will be like in a couple of years. The users can create an avatar that can be used for entertainment, business, gaming, shopping, and even health purposes in Japan's day-to-day life. The look of the Internet and OZ is quite similar also:
The main villain of both movies is a virus that wrecks havoc for the inter-webs. Digimon's antagonist is a virus/digimon hybrid called Infermon (named Diaboromon when digivolved) who is eating the internet's information that causes streetlights, cell phones, computers, and other electronic appliances to go haywire. Summer Wars' antagonist is not all that different. The virus is called Love Machine created to take over avatars and eat OZ's digital information as a weapons test drive. Since OZ is connected to pretty much everything, the malfunctions causes chaos for all of Japan. Both villains create impossible situations for the protagonist that not only create repercussions for the safety of the world but makes for a fascinating visual-intake of Internet battles.
Let me make it clear, I am not saying that both movies are identical to each other. The plot of each one is taken into different directions while still maintaining the similar plot devices to move the story forward. The biggest difference between them is the large cast both hold. Digimon uses pre-established characters that people can not automatically jump in and understand. Summer Wars on the other hand, introduces a complete new cast of characters, all being developed in front of the viewers eyes. Digimon, having 50+ anime episodes that allowed the character development needed does not accomplish what Summer Wars establishes in a 90 minute film.
Is one better than the other? I don't think so. These two movies are the result of an exceptional work of double vision. Nine years ago, Our War Game showcased the characters I know and love. From an outsider's perspective the movie alone would leave a lot to be desired for. As an addition to this large franchise this is the perfect fit. Summer Wars is a contemporary movie that, as we have mentioned before here on the site, would be the best way to introduce anyone to anime. In the end both of these fun-filled, action-packed family films carry that Hosoda stamp that are sure to ensure an exceptional entertainment experience.
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