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Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise is a Japanese animated film directed by Makoto Shinkai and produced by CoMix Wave Films, released in December 2025. It is an adaptation of the Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian manga, which follows the story of Alya, a shy teenage girl struggling to express her feelings for her childhood friend, Masachika.
The film serves as a continuation of the animated series of the same name, also directed by Shinkai. It is an emotionally profound work exploring themes of secrecy, introspection, and the rejection of repressed emotions. Set during winter, the film features stunning snowy landscapes and a poignant atmosphere. Alya must confront her unspoken love for Masachika while retreating into the Russian language to hide her true feelings.
Synopsis[]
Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise is a heartwarming and emotional animated film that tells the story of Alya, a quiet, introverted teenager, who has kept her feelings hidden for years. Returning to her hometown during the winter, Alya finds that Masachika, her childhood friend, is now in a relationship with someone else. As Alya grapples with her unspoken love for him, she retreats into the Russian language, using it as a secret shield to conceal her emotions from others. Set against the serene backdrop of a snow-covered town, Alya must confront her repressed feelings, navigate the complexities of her heart, and find the courage to face the truth about her love for Masachika.
Plot[]
Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise is an emotionally charged animated film that tells the story of Alya, a quiet, introspective teenage girl who has spent much of her life hiding her true feelings behind a veil of secrecy. Having grown up in a small, snowy town, Alya has always felt out of place, struggling to connect with her peers. The one person she has always felt a connection to is Masachika, her childhood friend, with whom she shares a deep, unspoken bond. For years, Alya has secretly harbored feelings for him, but her natural shyness and fear of rejection have kept her from revealing her heart. The film begins as Alya returns to her hometown after being away for several years, hoping to escape the overwhelming pressure of the city and find some peace during the winter holidays. However, her return is bittersweet as she discovers that Masachika, now a young man, is in a serious relationship with someone else. The revelation hits Alya like a sharp blow, and the once-familiar warmth of the town now feels like an oppressive reminder of her loneliness and her unexpressed love. In an effort to shield herself from the painful reality of her feelings, Alya withdraws even further into her shell. She becomes increasingly distant, unable to cope with the overwhelming emotions she has kept hidden for so long. To protect herself, she turns to the one thing that has always given her comfort—the Russian language. Alya, having learned Russian as a child from her grandmother, begins to speak it more frequently, even in her thoughts. The language serves as a form of armor, allowing her to hide her true feelings from those around her. Whenever she feels vulnerable, she retreats into her own private world of Russian words, a world where she can express her emotions without anyone understanding her. As winter progresses, the town becomes a frozen landscape, the streets covered in snow and the nights growing colder. The stark beauty of the winter season mirrors Alya’s emotional state—silent, frozen, and filled with unspoken words. She continues to observe Masachika from a distance, unable to move forward in their relationship, even as he grows closer to his new girlfriend. Alya’s love for him is a silent, aching thing, and the more she watches him, the more it seems like a love that can never be returned. Her heart is torn between wanting to confess her feelings and the fear that doing so would shatter the fragile bond they have left. Through fleeting moments and quiet exchanges, Alya begins to realize that her emotional isolation is not only hurting her but also affecting those around her. Her best friend Emi, who has always known about Alya’s feelings for Masachika, encourages her to be open and to stop hiding behind the Russian language. Emi serves as a voice of reason, reminding Alya that true connection can only happen when one is willing to be vulnerable. But even with Emi’s support, Alya finds it difficult to take the next step. Her journey is one of personal growth, as she learns that in order to truly connect with others, she must first learn to connect with herself and embrace the truth of her emotions. The turning point in the story comes during a heart-wrenching moment when Alya, after days of emotional turmoil, finally decides to confront Masachika. She waits for him on the quiet streets of the town, under the soft glow of streetlights that reflect off the snow. In the cold stillness of the night, she prepares to say the words she’s kept locked inside for so long. But just as she opens her mouth, she realizes that her love for him has transformed. It is no longer the secret, hidden emotion it once was. It is now something she must release, not for him, but for herself. In a tearful but empowering moment, Alya speaks her truth—not in Russian, but in her native language, letting her feelings flow freely for the first time. Masachika, moved by her confession, listens attentively, realizing the depth of her emotions. He shares that he has always cherished their friendship but that his heart belongs to someone else. The conversation is bittersweet, but it is also cathartic. For the first time in years, Alya feels the weight of her emotions lift, no longer burdened by the need to hide or protect herself. The film ends with Alya standing in the snow, looking up at the sky, knowing that while her love for Masachika may not have been returned in the way she had hoped, she has taken the most important step in her life—accepting and expressing her emotions. The town, once a symbol of her isolation, now feels like a place of possibility. The winter may be cold, but it is also a season of transformation. Alya has learned that by embracing vulnerability, she can finally begin to heal and open her heart to new connections and opportunities in the future.
Voice cast[]
| Character | Japanese | English | Russian |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Nana Mizuki | Kira Buckland | Alina Chesnokova |
  |
Kento Yamazaki | Kento Yamazaki | Zach Aguilar |
  |
Aoi Koga | Zach Aguilar | TBA |
TBA
Production[]
Development[]
1. Concept and Origin:[]
The idea for Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise originated from the original manga and light novel series Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian (ロシア語で気持ちを隠すアリヤ, Roshia-go de Kimochi o Kakusu Arya) by Yuki Aoyama. The story, which delves into themes of emotional expression, language barriers, and self-discovery, captured the attention of the anime community due to its relatable characters and emotionally rich storytelling.
The film adapts a pivotal story arc from the original material, focusing on Alya’s inner turmoil as she struggles to hide her feelings in Russian, using her cultural heritage as both a shield and a barrier in her relationships with others. The film’s development began with the desire to bring this delicate narrative to a wider audience, translating the subtle emotions of the story into an animated cinematic experience.
2. Early Development and Scriptwriting:[]
Once the project was greenlit, Kazuo Kuroda, the producer, collaborated closely with Reiko Yoshida, the screenwriter, to develop the story. Drawing from the original material, the team sought to enhance the emotional beats of Alya’s journey, ensuring that the quiet, contemplative moments from the manga were retained while adapting them for the film format.
Reiko Yoshida played a key role in crafting a script that would work within the confines of a 90-minute feature while preserving the original emotional depth. She carefully expanded on the themes of communication, isolation, and identity, emphasizing the tension between Alya’s desire for connection and her hesitation to fully express her emotions in the language she holds dear, Russian.
The film also introduces new character dynamics, including deeper development for supporting characters like Masachika and Emi, who offer Alya support as she navigates her emotional growth.
3. Visual Development:[]
A major aspect of the film’s development was determining the artistic direction and visual style. Kazuo Oga, the art director, worked with the production team to establish the film’s unique look, focusing on the cold, wintery landscape that would symbolize Alya’s emotional isolation. Oga’s experience working with Studio Ghibli’s films brought a signature sense of natural beauty to the environment, contrasting the warmth of the characters’ interactions with the cold backdrop of their lives.
The animation style draws from the simplicity of winter landscapes, where silence often reigns, allowing the internal worlds of the characters to be conveyed through subtle movements and expressions. The decision to keep the animation fluid yet restrained was made to allow for moments of introspection to shine through without overwhelming the audience.
The film’s color palette emphasizes muted, soft tones, with shades of white, blue, and gray creating a visually calming atmosphere that complements the emotional subtleties of the story.
4. Voice Casting:[]
Casting for the film’s voices was a crucial step in bringing the characters to life. Naoko Yamada, the director, was deeply involved in the casting process to ensure that the voice actors could capture the emotional complexity of the characters.
The choice of Nana Mizuki for the role of Alya was based on her ability to convey both vulnerability and strength in her performances, which was essential for portraying the complexity of Alya’s character. The team wanted a voice that would evoke both the fragility of Alya’s emotional state and the quiet resilience that she shows throughout the film.
Similarly, Kento Yamazaki was cast as Masachika because of his soft, earnest voice, perfect for playing the empathetic yet distant character. Aoi Koga as Emi provided the energy and warmth needed for Alya’s supportive best friend, ensuring that their dynamic felt authentic and relatable.
5. Music Composition:[]
The music for Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise was an integral part of the development process. Radwimps, known for their work on Your Name and Weathering with You, was brought on to compose the film’s score. The team worked closely with the directors to craft a soundscape that would enhance the emotional journey of the characters.
The music was designed to mirror the delicate balance of Alya’s emotional journey—subtle, introspective tracks underscore the quieter moments of self-reflection, while more powerful themes convey the emotional breakthroughs and pivotal moments of the story. Kazuma Jinnouchi also contributed additional compositions, bringing a more cinematic and orchestral element to certain scenes.
The integration of music with the animation was an essential focus during the film’s development to ensure the score would heighten the emotional depth of each scene, particularly during Alya’s inner moments of struggle.
6. Production and Animation Process:[]
The animation process for Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise was intensive and required significant collaboration between the animation team and the direction team. The film employed a combination of traditional 2D animation and digital techniques, with careful attention to character movement and background details.
The team at CoMix Wave Films worked tirelessly on producing fluid animations for the characters, making sure that each small gesture and expression could communicate the characters’ internal struggles. The colder, muted color tones of the winter setting were emphasized in both the character designs and the backgrounds, creating a visually cohesive experience.
The winter scenes were carefully crafted to evoke the feeling of a stark, isolating landscape while using the environment to complement the characters' emotional states.
7. Testing and Feedback:[]
Throughout the development process, the film underwent multiple rounds of testing, including screenings for focus groups and feedback sessions with international distributors. This allowed the creative team to fine-tune the pacing, voice performances, and overall emotional impact of the film.
The feedback gathered helped refine the film’s tone, making sure that the emotional complexity of Alya’s story was conveyed to both Japanese audiences and international viewers. Adjustments were made to ensure the film’s themes of isolation, communication, and identity would resonate universally, regardless of cultural background.
Key Themes of Development:[]
- Emotional Depth: Every aspect of development, from scriptwriting to animation, was focused on capturing the emotional journey of Alya as she navigates her feelings of isolation and the cultural differences that shape her life.
- Cultural Sensitivity: The film also paid special attention to the portrayal of Russian language and culture, ensuring authenticity while maintaining accessibility for a global audience.
- Visual Storytelling: Emphasis was placed on creating a visually stunning winter environment that matched the film’s introspective tone, with every scene carefully designed to reflect Alya’s emotional state.
- Character Dynamics: The relationships between Alya and the supporting characters were developed with care, ensuring that they provided both contrast and support to Alya’s personal growth.
Music[]
Main article: Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise/Soundtrack
The music for Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional depth and atmosphere of the film. The film's soundtrack was carefully composed to reflect the delicate themes of self-expression, isolation, and personal growth that the characters, especially Alya, undergo throughout the story. The music complements both the winter setting and the quiet, introspective moments of the narrative, while also elevating the more intense emotional sequences.
1. Composer:[]
The film's score was composed by Radwimps, a well-known Japanese music group renowned for their work on emotionally charged anime films such as Your Name and Weathering with You. Radwimps, led by Yojiro Noda, crafted a score that blends their signature emotive sound with the introspective atmosphere of Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise. Their style of blending rock, orchestral arrangements, and ambient soundscapes proved perfect for capturing the film’s emotional range.
In addition to Radwimps, Kazuma Jinnouchi, who is known for his work on various anime films and television projects, contributed to the soundtrack, adding an orchestral element to certain key sequences. His ability to craft grand, sweeping orchestral pieces made a significant impact on the more intense emotional moments in the film.
2. Themes and Soundtrack Composition:[]
The score reflects the film’s key themes, particularly the emotional tension within Alya’s internal conflict as she struggles to communicate her feelings. The music evolves alongside Alya’s personal journey, shifting from subtle, melancholic melodies to more powerful and uplifting compositions as she begins to understand herself and her emotions.
The main theme, “Winter’s Promise,” captures the essence of Alya’s emotional struggle. The piece begins with quiet, piano-driven passages, invoking the cold, isolated winter landscapes of the film’s setting. As the theme develops, strings and orchestral elements are gradually introduced, signifying Alya’s emotional growth and her eventual breakthrough in opening up to others. The repetitive use of certain melodic motifs serves as a reflection of the inner dialogue Alya experiences as she contemplates her feelings in Russian, a language she uses both as a shield and a medium for her true emotions.
A key moment in the film features a powerful song titled "Through the Cold"—an orchestral-driven ballad with a full choir. This composition underscores one of the pivotal turning points in Alya’s journey when she finally lets go of her emotional barriers. The soaring orchestral strings paired with vocal harmonies evoke the release of her long-held feelings and the warmth she finds through her connection with others.
Another prominent piece in the soundtrack is “Beneath the Snow,” which plays during a quiet, introspective scene where Alya walks alone through a snow-covered forest. The music is minimalistic, with a gentle piano melody paired with soft strings that echo the melancholy and solitude that Alya experiences as she reflects on her emotions.
3. Vocal Songs and Collaborations:[]
In addition to the instrumental pieces, the film features several vocal songs that add emotional weight to key scenes. Nana Mizuki, who voices Alya in the Japanese version, performs a heartfelt ballad titled “Frosted Heart,” which serves as both a character theme and a representation of Alya’s internal struggle with love and self-expression. Mizuki's powerful voice, combined with the haunting lyrics, perfectly captures the essence of Alya’s emotional state at various points in the film.
For the international versions, the film’s theme songs were carefully localized to preserve the emotional weight while making them relatable to global audiences. The English version features a collaboration with Aimer, a renowned singer known for her emotive and powerful vocal style. Aimer’s song “Frozen in Time” becomes the centerpiece of the film's ending credits, offering a reflective and uplifting conclusion to Alya's emotional journey.
In the Russian version of the film, Polina Gagarina, one of Russia’s most famous pop singers, performs a rendition of “Frosted Heart” with Russian lyrics. Her soulful voice adds a layer of cultural authenticity to the adaptation, honoring Alya’s Russian heritage while also connecting with the Russian-speaking audience.
4. Music Integration with the Story:[]
The integration of music into the storytelling is one of the most significant aspects of Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise. Throughout the film, music is used not only to enhance the emotional atmosphere but also to deepen the character development. For instance, when Alya is at her most vulnerable, the music often drops to a soft, piano-heavy composition, reflecting her quiet introspection. Conversely, during moments of emotional release, such as when Alya shares her feelings openly, the music swells with strings and full orchestra, illustrating her growth.
The music also highlights the relationship dynamics between Alya and the supporting characters. For example, during scenes involving Masachika and Emi, the music shifts to lighter, more playful tunes, signaling their supportive roles in Alya’s emotional journey. This contrast between the heavy, introspective themes of Alya’s inner world and the lighter tones of her interactions with others enhances the emotional complexity of the film.
5. Soundtrack Release:[]
The official soundtrack for Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise was released both digitally and physically, including special editions with exclusive art from the film and interviews with the composers. Fans of the film were able to immerse themselves further in the music through the album, which features a wide range of tracks that span the emotional spectrum of the film—from delicate piano pieces to grand orchestral numbers.
The soundtrack received critical acclaim, with particular praise for its ability to perfectly mirror the film’s emotional depth. The combination of Radwimps’ evocative compositions, Kazuma Jinnouchi’s orchestral arrangements, and the vocal performances from Nana Mizuki and Aimer made the soundtrack an integral part of the film’s success.
Key Musical Highlights:[]
- "Winter's Promise" – Main theme, delicate piano-driven melody evolving with orchestral backing.
- "Through the Cold" – Powerful orchestral ballad, key emotional turning point.
- "Beneath the Snow" – Minimalist piano and strings, reflecting Alya’s solitude.
- “Frosted Heart” – Vocal ballad by Nana Mizuki, representing Alya’s emotional conflict.
- "Frozen in Time" – Ending theme by Aimer, offering a reflective and uplifting conclusion.
- “Frosted Heart” (Russian Version) – Vocal performance by Polina Gagarina, localized for Russian-speaking audiences.
Release[]
“Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise” was exclusively released on Crunchyroll on December 12, 2025. This decision to release the film on a single streaming platform reflected the growing trend of anime films being distributed directly through digital services, catering specifically to the global anime fanbase.
Streaming Release:[]
The film was made available in multiple languages, including Japanese audio with subtitles, English dubbed, and Russian dubbed versions. This ensured that it reached audiences in key regions, such as the U.S. and Russia, while also providing accessibility to non-Japanese-speaking viewers worldwide.
Crunchyroll offered early access to premium subscribers a week ahead of the official release, which helped generate some early buzz. However, while the film’s release was well-anticipated, its reception was more moderate than expected, leading to a streaming revenue of approximately $70 million.
Performance and Reception:[]
With a budget that was considered moderate (neither too high nor low for an anime film of its kind), the film's earnings from its streaming release were solid but not extraordinary. Though the film found a dedicated fanbase within the anime community, it didn't capture the kind of mass attention that some other anime films have achieved. The moderate budget was reflected in its production quality—while the animation was highly praised, it didn't have the blockbuster flair that some of the larger studio releases benefit from.
The film earned around $70 million globally, which was seen as a respectable but average performance given its niche storyline and target audience. While it didn't experience the kind of financial success seen by some big-name anime films, it did achieve a respectable place within Crunchyroll's library of exclusive content. This revenue placed it in the mid-range in terms of success, far from being a major hit but also not a failure.
Impact on Crunchyroll:[]
Despite the moderate financial success, the film helped bolster Crunchyroll’s library of original anime films. The service saw continued engagement from its core audience, though it was clear that the film’s appeal was largely limited to those familiar with the source material. The film’s success on the platform can be described as "average", but it was an important release for Crunchyroll as it continued to establish itself as a key player in the anime streaming market.
While Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise didn't break records, it was still a notable success within its specific niche. Fans appreciated its emotional depth and character-driven narrative, and discussions on social media remained active. However, its moderate box office and streaming revenue indicated that the film didn’t reach the broader, more casual audience that it may have needed to become a breakout hit.
In conclusion, the film’s $70 million in streaming revenue made it a solid but unremarkable success for both the creators and Crunchyroll. It was well-received by anime enthusiasts but struggled to expand beyond that group, limiting its overall impact in comparison to other more widely promoted anime films. The moderate budget and its niche appeal contributed to its average financial performance, making it an important but not game-changing release for Crunchyroll.
Réception[]
Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise received a mixed to positive reception from both critics and audiences alike. While the film was praised for its beautiful animation and emotionally rich storytelling, it struggled to capture the broader audience that other more mainstream anime films have achieved.
Critics' Reviews:[]
The film garnered praise for its visual aesthetics, with many noting the fluid animation and the attention to detail in capturing the emotional nuance of the characters. The portrayal of Alya's internal struggles and her journey of self-discovery resonated deeply with viewers who appreciated its realistic portrayal of personal growth. Critics also praised the soundtrack, which effectively complemented the film's emotional highs and lows.
However, many critics pointed out that the film’s niche storyline, focusing on the complexities of communication and emotional repression, limited its appeal to a wider audience. The more subtle and introspective tone might have been hard for general anime fans to fully appreciate, especially those seeking action-packed or high-energy narratives. As a result, some reviewers described the film as “beautiful but restrained, which may alienate viewers looking for more excitement.”
The moderate budget was noticeable to critics, as the film's production quality, while solid, didn’t have the high-profile polish seen in larger anime blockbusters. Some reviewers mentioned that while the animation was pleasing, it lacked the bold visual spectacles that might have made it stand out more in the crowded field of anime films.
Audience Reception:[]
Among anime fans, the film’s reception was more mixed. Dedicated followers of the original manga series enjoyed the deep dive into Alya’s character development, while others felt that the slower pacing and lack of high stakes hindered its overall impact. Fans appreciated the mature themes explored in the film, such as identity, self-expression, and personal growth, but many noted that it was more of a character study than a traditional action-packed anime movie.
The film's $70 million in streaming revenue reflected this mixed reception, with core fans supporting it but broader audiences being less drawn to it. While it certainly garnered a loyal fanbase, it didn't achieve the same level of global hype or mainstream appeal that some other anime films managed.
Rating Overview:[]
- Rotten Tomatoes: The film holds a 72% rating based on critic reviews, with an average audience score of 65%. Many critics enjoyed the emotional depth, but the film's more restrained pace and niche themes led to a more moderate reception.
- MyAnimeList: The film has an average score of 7.3/10 from users, indicating a generally positive but not overwhelming reception.
- IMDB: The film earned a 6.8/10 from viewers, reflecting a middle-of-the-road reception.
Conclusion:[]
In summary, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise received a mixed reception from both critics and audiences. Its beautiful animation and emotionally resonant themes were praised, but the film's moderate budget, slow pacing, and niche appeal prevented it from achieving widespread popularity. Its overall reception can be characterized as average, with a solid but unremarkable performance both critically and commercially, reflected in its moderate earnings of $70 million.
Accolades[]
Despite its moderate success and mixed reception, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise garnered some recognition within the anime and film industry for its emotional depth and artistic achievements. While it didn't break major box-office records, the film received a number of nominations and awards, highlighting its strengths in animation and character development.
Award Nominations and Wins:[]
- Tokyo Anime Award Festival (2026)
- Best Animation Feature Film: Nominated
- Best Screenplay: Nominated The film was recognized for its rich emotional storytelling and how it tackled complex themes of personal growth and emotional expression. While it didn't win in these categories, the nominations highlighted its unique narrative approach in the anime genre.
- Crunchyroll Anime Awards (2026)
- Best Animated Film: Nominated
- Best Director: Nominated (for Director Yukiko Higurashi) Although it didn’t win in these competitive categories, the Crunchyroll Anime Awards nominations underscored the film's visual artistry and its intricate storytelling. These recognitions helped boost its standing in the anime community, particularly within the streaming space.
- Tokyo International Film Festival (2025)
- Best Animated Feature: Won The film received the Best Animated Feature award at the prestigious Tokyo International Film Festival, cementing its status as a standout anime film of the year. This accolade was especially notable because the film's more introspective and character-driven approach was in contrast to the more mainstream action-oriented anime films of the time.
- Annie Awards (2026)
- Outstanding Achievement in an Animated Feature: Nominated
- Outstanding Achievement in Character Animation: Won The Annie Awards, known for recognizing excellence in animation, awarded the film for its character animation, specifically how it brought Alya’s internal emotional journey to life on screen. The animation team was praised for their attention to detail in the way Alya’s feelings and interactions with others were portrayed visually.
- New York Anime Film Festival (2025)
- Best Drama Film: Nominated At this event, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise was nominated for its powerful drama elements, focusing on themes of self-expression and emotional barriers.
- Russian Animation Awards (2026)
- Best International Animated Film: Won
- Best Voice Acting Performance (Russian Dub): Won (for Alya’s Russian voice actress) The film was particularly appreciated in Russia, where it was awarded both Best International Animated Film and a special award for the Russian voice acting performance, reflecting the film’s emotional resonance with the Russian-speaking audience.
Other Notable Accolades:[]
- Film Critics’ Choice Awards (2026): Nominated for Best Animation of the Year
- Critics from around the world praised the depth of character development and the emotional maturity the film brought to the genre.
- Visual Effects Society Awards (2026): Nominated for Best Visual Effects in an Animated Feature
- While the film didn’t win, it was nominated for its innovative visual approach in depicting the protagonist’s emotional journey through symbolic animation.
Cultural Impact:[]
While Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise didn’t dominate award shows or break box office records, it was hailed as a significant film in the anime genre for its portrayal of emotional depth and self-discovery. The film inspired discussions and debates in anime circles about the portrayal of emotional struggles in an often action-heavy medium. Many viewed it as a turning point for more mature, introspective anime films to find their place in a market dominated by high-energy narratives.
In summary, the film, despite its moderate financial success, earned recognition for its artistic achievements and emotional storytelling, winning several awards and receiving numerous nominations at key film festivals and anime-specific award ceremonies. The accolades it earned cemented its place as an important film in the anime landscape, even if it didn’t reach the level of mainstream success enjoyed by some of its peers.
Gallery[]
Main article: Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise/Gallery
Trivia[]
- Inspiration from Real-World Psychology: The film’s portrayal of Alya’s emotional repression and struggles with expressing her true feelings was inspired by real-world psychological theories on introversion and emotional suppression. The filmmakers worked closely with psychologists to ensure the film accurately depicted the internal conflict many people experience when hiding their true emotions.
- Russian Language Influence: The decision to feature Russian as a significant part of the story was based on the director’s own fascination with languages and cultural identity. In the original manga, the character of Alya uses a mix of languages in her thoughts, but the Russian elements were more prominent in the film as a metaphor for Alya’s emotional distance and sense of otherness.
- Character Design: Alya's character design underwent numerous revisions during the production process. The filmmakers initially struggled to strike the right balance between making Alya appear relatable yet distinctively different from other anime protagonists. It wasn't until they emphasized her slightly angular features and intense eyes that they felt her character truly reflected the complexity and emotional weight the film intended to convey.
- Cameo from the Manga: Alya’s cat, named “Mischa,” makes a brief cameo in the background of a scene in the film. This is a direct nod to the manga series, where the cat plays a subtle but important role in representing Alya’s need for comfort and emotional release. Fans of the manga were delighted to see this small but meaningful detail make its way into the film.
- Director’s Cameo: The film's director, Yukiko Higurashi, made a brief cameo appearance as a background character in one of the scenes where Alya is walking through the streets. In true anime tradition, Higurashi can be spotted in a crowd scene, adding a personal touch to the film.
- Soundtrack with Emotional Themes: The film’s soundtrack was composed by Yasuo Asai, who was praised for incorporating elements of Russian folk music to reflect Alya’s internal struggle. The music was designed to blend modern electronic elements with traditional Russian melodies, creating a unique auditory experience that enhanced the film's emotional atmosphere.
- Animation Techniques: The animators employed a special technique known as “emotional framing” to visually represent Alya’s feelings. This technique involved subtle shifts in the color palette, where the background colors would shift depending on the emotional state of the character. For example, warmer tones were used when Alya experienced moments of emotional release, while cooler shades reflected her emotional withdrawal.
- Alya's Name Meaning: The name Alya is derived from the Russian word “aly,” meaning "bright" or "radiant." The filmmakers chose this name for the protagonist to symbolize her hidden potential and inner strength, which gradually emerge throughout the story.
- Initial Box Office Disappointment: Despite a positive reception from critics, the film’s initial box office performance was considered disappointing. This was primarily due to its niche appeal and slow pacing, which led to a smaller-than-expected audience. However, the film later found success on Crunchyroll, where it garnered a devoted fanbase and became one of the most-streamed anime films of the year.
- Influence of Russian Cinema: The filmmakers cited Russian cinema as a major influence on the film’s aesthetic and tone, particularly the work of directors such as Andrei Tarkovsky. The film’s introspective pacing and visual storytelling were inspired by Tarkovsky’s style, particularly his use of long takes and emotional subtext in conveying characters' inner worlds.
- Limited Edition Blu-ray: To commemorate the film’s release, a limited edition Blu-ray was produced featuring behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the cast and crew, and an exclusive short film about Alya’s character development. The Blu-ray also came with a special soundtrack album that included remixes of the film's original score.
- Critical Influences: Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: The Winter Promise was frequently compared to other character-driven anime films such as 5 Centimeters per Second and Your Name due to its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of relationships. However, the film was noted for its unique thematic focus on language barriers and emotional isolation, setting it apart from its contemporaries.
- Sequel Potential: There has been much speculation about a potential sequel or spin-off based on the film's open-ended conclusion. While no official plans have been announced, the demand from fans for more stories about Alya’s journey has led to discussions among the filmmakers about exploring her future in subsequent films or episodes.