The Case of Hana & Alice

The Case of Hana & Alice

Year: 2015

Runtime: 99 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Shunji Iwai

AnimationComedyMystery

A young Japanese girl, struggling to adjust to a new school, finds an unlikely ally in a withdrawn neighbor. Together, they investigate the puzzling disappearance of an older student, uncovering a web of secrets and unsettling circumstances surrounding the case. Their search for answers leads them deeper into a mystery that challenges their understanding of their community.

Whimsical
Happy ending
Moderately emotional
Medium intensity
Steady pacing
Moderate complexity

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Case of Hana & Alice (2015)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Case of Hana & Alice (2015). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present day

The narrative takes place in contemporary times, focusing on everyday school life, friendships, and adolescent challenges. Events unfold through current-day routines—classes, after-school activities, and social dynamics—without a specific historical landmark.

Location

Fujiko neighborhood, Japan

The story unfolds in the Fujiko neighborhood around a local middle school and its surrounding homes. It captures a close-knit community where rumors swirl about an evil spirit and where two girls form an unlikely alliance. The setting reflects contemporary urban Japanese life, with school corridors and quiet streets shaping the characters’ experiences.

🏘️ Suburban Japan 🏫 School life

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:48

Main Characters – The Case of Hana & Alice (2015)

Meet the key characters of The Case of Hana & Alice (2015), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tetsuko 'Alice' Arisugawa (Yu Aoi)

A fourteen-year-old girl who moves to a new neighborhood with her mother. She is curious and observant, noticing odd desks and a whispered myth about Judas. Her investigation with Hana leads to a deeper understanding of Kotaro Yuda and a longing for belonging in her new school.

🧭 Curious 👀 Observant

Hana Arai (Anne Suzuki)

A neighbor girl with a carefully crafted persona who has been held back due to absences. She harbors a crush on Kotaro and becomes entangled in the Judas legend as a way to cope with bullying and fear. Her revelation to Alice and her involvement in uncovering the truth drive much of the story.

🎭 Performative 🗝️ Secretive

Kotaro Yuda (Ryo Katsuji)

The boy at the center of the Judas myth, the long-time crush of Hana whose fate becomes the focal point of the investigation. He is teased through the rumor, and his interactions with Hana reveal a complex dynamic of affection and fear. He ultimately confirms a pivotal detail that reframes the mystery.

💌 Romantic 🕵️ Mystery

Mutsumi 'Moo' Mutsu (Ranran Suzuki)

A classmate who initially plays along with the Judas story, satirizing the rumor to avoid bullying. Her actions help ignite the class’s dramatic ritual and later reveal the social pressures that fuel the myth. Moo’s behavior becomes a catalyst for the unfolding investigation.

🪄 Trickster 👥 Cliques

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:48

Major Themes – The Case of Hana & Alice (2015)

Explore the central themes of The Case of Hana & Alice (2015), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Friendship

Alice and Hana form a growing trust as they collaborate to uncoverKotaro Yuda’s fate. Their bond provides a sense of belonging amid rumors and social pressure. The theme explores how genuine friendship can withstand fear, manipulation, and the complexities of adolescence.

🕵️ Rumors

The Judas legend drives much of the plot and fuels the students’ paranoia. The girls must separate fact from fiction as gossip spreads through the class. The narrative uses rumor to examine how communities construct identities and how young people navigate rumor-driven decisions.

🌱 Identity

Adolescents negotiate who they are within a social landscape that values appearances. Alice’s curiosity and Hana’s evolving persona reveal how personal growth occurs when fear is confronted and honesty prevails. The story tracks their transition from suspicion to understanding as they return to ordinary life.

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:48

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Quirky Coming-of-Age Mysteries like The Case of Hana & Alice

Young protagonists investigate local puzzles that reveal deeper truths about friendship and growing up.If you enjoyed the gentle investigation and youthful perspective of The Case of Hana & Alice, you'll find similar charm in these movies. This thread gathers films where curious teens unravel local puzzles, blending light mystery with heartfelt coming-of-age stories about friendship and self-discovery.

quirkycuriousyouthfulmysteriousnostalgichopefulreflective

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with a curious incident or local legend that captures the protagonists' attention. Their investigation serves as a framework for character development, leading them to confront personal feelings, misunderstandings, and the complexities of their social world. The resolution often provides emotional clarity and personal growth rather than a conventional 'solved case'.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a specific blend of a light mystery plot with a core focus on adolescent experience. They are united by a whimsical or reflective tone, moderate pacing, and an emotional weight that stems from personal revelation rather than external danger, creating a uniquely charming and thoughtful viewing experience.

Meditative Anime Slice-of-Life films like The Case of Hana & Alice

Animated stories that explore the quiet, poignant realities of school life and friendship.Fans of The Case of Hana & Alice's reflective atmosphere and anime aesthetic will appreciate these movies. This selection highlights animated stories that capture the nuanced emotions of youth, often set against school life, with a steady pace and a blend of melancholic and hopeful feelings.

nostalgicreflectivemelancholichopefulyouthfulslice-of-lifecontemplative

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread often unfold at a deliberate pace, prioritizing mood and character development over complex plotting. The narrative structure is frequently episodic or revolves around a central, low-stakes event that prompts characters to reflect on their relationships and past experiences. The emotional journey is one of quiet realization and acceptance.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared use of animation to create a distinct, often nostalgic or melancholic atmosphere. They feature a steady pacing, medium emotional weight, and a focus on the interior lives of their characters, making them perfect for viewers seeking a thoughtful and visually evocative experience.

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The Case of Hana & Alice Summary

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The Case of Hana & Alice Summary

The Case of Hana & Alice Timeline

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The Case of Hana & Alice Timeline

The Case of Hana & Alice Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Case of Hana & Alice Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Case of Hana & Alice

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