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Animated drama

Modest Heroes (2018): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Modest Heroes (2018) movie poster

Modest Heroes is a 2018 animated drama directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and Yoshiyuki Momose, starring Fumino Kimura as Kanini (voice), Rio Suzuki and Machiko Ono. It runs 54 minutes and earned $178,027 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 78/100.

worldwide gross
$178K
Echo Score
78
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Modest Heroes (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
54 min
Original language
Japanese
Studio
Toho
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Modest Heroes About?

The premise of Modest Heroes without spoilers.

This anthology film presents three stories centered on unassuming heroes. In "Kanini & Kanino," tiny creatures inhabit a secluded river, far from the hustle and bustle of the world. Despite their peaceful existence, danger is always present. When a storm carries their father away by the current, Kanini and Kanino bravely embark on a perilous journey to rescue him.

Modest Heroes Themes & Keywords

· 16 tags
  • anthology
  • anthology film
  • animation anthology
  • crab
  • egg
  • samurai
  • anime
  • invisible
  • invisibility
  • animated anthology
  • japanese animation
  • drawn animation
+4 more
  • traditional animation
  • underwater scene
  • anime animation
  • hand drawn animation
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Cast & crew

Modest Heroes Cast & Characters

Fumino Kimura leads the cast as Kanini (voice), with Rio Suzuki as Kanino (voice) and Machiko Ono as Mother (voice). Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and Yoshiyuki Momose; 9 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Modest Heroes

· 5 more
From the directors

More from Hiromasa Yonebayashi and Yoshiyuki Momose

More films directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and Yoshiyuki Momose, best-rated first: When Marnie Was There, The Imaginary, Mary and The Witch's Flower and NiNoKuni.

Ratings

Modest Heroes Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (62).

78 /100

Modest Heroes Echo Score Breakdown

Modest Heroes delivers a visually appealing anthology that showcases Studio Ponoc's craftsmanship, with fluid animation and strong color design across its three segments. The film’s strengths lie in its expressive visuals and effective soundtrack, especially in the concluding short. Narrative cohesion varies; the first segment feels underdeveloped while the middle and final stories resonate more emotionally. Audience reception reflects appreciation for the art and occasional story weaknesses. Overall, the movie offers an enjoyable, though uneven, viewing experience suitable for family audiences.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    The animation quality stands out, featuring smooth motion, detailed backgrounds, and a pleasing color palette that recalls classic Studio Ghibli aesthetics. Reviewers noted the visual style of each segment is distinct yet cohesive, with the final short praised for its striking cinematography. Minor criticisms mention occasional CGI integration issues, but overall the art direction is viewed as a strong point.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    Character work varies across the anthology; the middle short receives commendation for empathetic protagonists and relatable emotional beats, while the first tale’s figures are described as forgettable and difficult to connect with. The final segment’s lone figure conveys loneliness effectively through visual storytelling. Overall, the film offers moments of nuanced performance but uneven character depth.

  • Story & Flow 62

    Narrative cohesion is inconsistent; the opening story is criticized for a thin plot and lack of meaningful stakes, whereas the second segment delivers a grounded, emotionally resonant tale about food allergies. The concluding short provides a more original premise and stronger thematic focus. Collectively, the stories are engaging in parts but lack overall structural balance.

  • Sensory Experience 86

    Sound design and musical cues receive positive remarks, enhancing the emotional texture of each vignette. Visual styling shifts per segment, from watercolor‑like tones in the second story to a minimalist palette in the finale, both lauded for complementing the narratives. A few reviewers note occasional audio level inconsistencies, yet the sensory experience is generally deemed polished.

  • Rewatch Factor 68

    The anthology’s brevity and thematic variety make it suitable for casual family viewing, encouraging repeat watches for its charming moments. The stronger second and third shorts have higher replay value, while the first segment’s weaker narrative diminishes overall rewatch appeal. Critics suggest the film is enjoyable but may not sustain long‑term interest across multiple viewings.

Box office

Modest Heroes Box Office

Modest Heroes grossed $178,027 worldwide.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$178K

US & Canada
$178K
Videos

Modest Heroes Trailers & Videos

6 videos: 2 trailers, 1 teaser and 3 clips.

All 6 videos
Ponoc Short Films Theatre, Volume 1 – Modest Heroes: Official Trailer
  • Trailer Modest Heroes: Ponoc Short Films Theatre, Volume 1 [Official US Trailer, GKIDS - Jan 10 & 12]
  • Teaser Modest Heroes - Ponoc Short Films Theatre (Official) Teaser Trailer
  • Clip Modest Heroes: Ponoc Short Films Theatre, Volume 1 - Official Clip "Life Ain't Gonna Lose"
  • Clip Modest Heroes: Ponoc Short Films Theatre, Volume 1 - Official Clip "Kanini & Kanino"

Seen Modest Heroes?

FAQ

Modest Heroes FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Modest Heroes, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Modest Heroes?

Modest Heroes runs 54 minutes.

When was Modest Heroes released?

Modest Heroes was released on August 24, 2018.

Who directed Modest Heroes?

Modest Heroes was directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and Yoshiyuki Momose.

More films by Hiromasa Yonebayashi

Who is in the cast of Modest Heroes?

Modest Heroes stars Fumino Kimura as Kanini (voice), Rio Suzuki as Kanino (voice) and Machiko Ono as Mother (voice), among 9 credited actors.

How much did Modest Heroes make at the box office?

Modest Heroes grossed $178,027 worldwide.

Does Modest Heroes have a post-credit scene?

No. Modest Heroes has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Modest Heroes in?

The original language of Modest Heroes is Japanese.

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