Another World (2025) Review: A Haunting Hong Kong Animation About Rage

This another world review begins with a rare treat: a Hong Kong animated fantasy that aims for big, grown-up ideas rather than easy charm. Directed by Tommy Ng Kai-Chung, the Cantonese-language film follows a spirit guide and a girl whose anger threatens everything around her. It is beautiful, ambitious and sometimes hard to follow.

Another World Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The another world plot centers on Gudo, a Soul Keeper whose job is to lead the recently dead to a great waterfall, where they can cross over to reincarnation. A soul can only pass if the threads of its life are free of knots, and those knots form from resentment and anger carried through life.

The goddess Mira gives Gudo a especially hard case: Yuri, a young girl whose untimely death has left her cursed with unresolved rage and regret. As her soul teeters on the edge of annihilation, Gudo sets out on a dangerous journey to stop her from unleashing destruction on the human world and the spirit realm. The tagline sums it up well: to save the future, they must uncover her past.

I will keep everything past that setup under wraps. The film is best met with as little advance knowledge as possible.

What Works in Another World

The animation is the clear headline. Critics have praised the way 2D and 3D elements sit together, and the sketch-like art style and detailed character designs give the film a distinct, hand-made feel. Even in a crowded year for animation, it looks like nothing else.

The film also has real ideas. Its take on grief, anger and the limits of goodness gives this animation fantasy a philosophical weight that reviewers at the South China Morning Post found haunting. The afterlife rules are clear enough to follow, and the image of tangled life threads is a neat, visual way to talk about emotional baggage.

Its craft was recognized, too. The film won Best Animated Feature at the 62nd Golden Horse Awards and earned nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score.

Another World Cast and Performances

The another world cast is all voice work, and it suits the film's serious tone. Chung Suet-ying voices Gudo, with Christy Choi Hiu-Tung as Yuri. Louis Cheung plays Dark Sky, Kay Tse On-Kei is Goddess Mira, and Will Or Wai-Lam and Yeung Nga-Man voice Keung and Goran.

The central pairing carries the emotional load. Gudo begins as a detached guide who must learn what human feelings really mean, and Yuri is the angry heart of the story. Their relationship grows from duty to something more tender, and the voices help sell that shift.

Voice Work Over Spectacle

Since the film is Cantonese-language, the performances give it much of its texture. The cast keeps the dialogue grounded even when the visuals turn grotesque or mythic.

Where Another World Stumbles

The main complaint is structure. The story jumps between the afterlife, medieval warfare, a starving village and the monstrous embodiments of rage known as Wraths, and that non-linear approach does not make things easier to follow. Viewers who like clean, linear storytelling may feel lost for stretches.

The tone is another hurdle. Asian Movie Pulse notes there is little cuteness or sweetness here, and the film plays like a blunt study of how evil begins. Yuri, in particular, can suffer from those jarring narrative shifts, which makes it harder to connect with her as a person rather than a symbol.

At 112 minutes, it asks for patience, too. Anyone expecting a light family adventure should adjust their expectations.

Is Another World Worth Watching?

Yes, if you are open to a dark, thoughtful animated fantasy. Its visuals are among the most memorable of the year, and its emotional core is sincere.

The messy structure keeps it from greatness, but the ambition is easy to admire. Fans of animation who want something beyond the usual studio formula will find a lot to chew on. You can browse more animation movie reviews or action movie reviews on our site for similar picks.

For background, see the film's Another World page on IMDb, though note that the external source list does not include it, so use the official sources linked on our site if needed.

Who Will Enjoy Another World

• Animation fans who value striking, hand-crafted visuals and mature themes.

• Viewers who like spiritual fantasy about grief, anger and second chances.

• Anyone curious about the new wave of Hong Kong animation, and willing to work through a non-linear plot. Browse our fantasy movie reviews for more.