Drowned Teens Embark on Spiritual Journey in Fantastical Film

In the film "Dragon Heart - Adventures Beyond This World," directed by Isamu Imakake, two Japanese teenagers, Ryusukue and Tomomi, find themselves navigating the realms between life and death. The story begins as Ryusukue, a junior high student from Tokyo, visits his rural-dwelling cousin Tomomi for summer vacation. During an outing on the Anabuki River, the two are swept away by the rushing current and drown.

At the bottom of the river, they encounter a mysterious old man who informs them of their deaths but offers to bring them back to life if they explore the spirit world and find their purpose in life. Confused but willing, the teenagers embark on a fantastical journey, encountering a series of demons that represent the negative thoughts and evils of humanity, such as doctors disfiguring patients, human traffickers, and the horrors of war and terrorism.

Guided by a beautiful dragon, which is believed to be a protector of the gods, Ryusukue and Tomomi learn to navigate the rules that govern the spirit world and distinguish between good and evil. Through their experiences, they undergo a spiritual awakening, gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of ignoring the pleasures of the flesh to enrich the soul.