San Diego Asian film festival opening night film Cells at Work

Genre: Action, Comedy, Family Drama, Sci-Fi

Director: Hideki Takeuchi

Starring: Mei Nagano, Takeru Satoh

Rating: Rating: 4/5

Hideki Takeuchi’s live-action adaptation of Cells at Work! isn’t just a film—it’s a joyful, genre-blending celebration of life, health, and humanity, all set within the microscopic universe of a teenage girl. In the Urushizaki household, high schooler Niko dutifully cares for her widowed father, balancing her own life with his well-being. But beneath her healthy routines, her immune system is waging an epic war against a torrent of invading pathogens. With Red and White Blood Cells working overtime, Niko’s survival—and her shot at teenage romance—rests on their shoulders.

In this inventive blend of biology and storytelling, Cells at Work! spins a wildly entertaining narrative that combines elements of action, family drama, and rom-com. The film’s core is Niko’s story, a heartfelt journey of caregiving, self-discovery, and young love, framed by an intense battle happening within her body. The inner world is vivid and action-packed, reminiscent of Inside Out with a Japanese twist, where every cell plays a role, and every pathogen is a villain in Niko’s quest to stay healthy for her dad and her date.

Mei Nagano, as a sprightly Red Blood Cell, exudes boundless energy and enthusiasm, perfectly capturing the eager determination of a novice at work. Takeru Satoh, known for his role in Rurouni Kenshin, takes on the role of a stoic White Blood Cell, providing a protective and understated foil to Nagano’s character. Together, they form an unexpectedly endearing duo, navigating the perils inside Niko with both humor and heart. Their chemistry is infectious, adding warmth and fun to the film’s high-stakes battles.

Director Hideki Takeuchi is known for bringing imaginative worlds to life, and he does just that with Cells at Work! By merging the high-concept world of anime with live-action, Takeuchi crafts a visually vibrant spectacle where the bloodstream becomes a battlefield. Each cell’s costume is designed with intricate detail, adding a touch of lavish cosplay that brings humor and authenticity to the film’s zany setting. Action scenes are thrilling and gravity-defying, making the body’s defense mechanisms feel like epic duels, while the humor—sometimes raunchy, often slapstick—keeps the tone refreshingly lighthearted.

Beyond the scientific antics, Cells at Work! is a tribute to the human body and the beauty of human connections. With scenes that celebrate caring for loved ones, cherishing youth, and the joys of teamwork, the film transcends its biological focus to speak to something universal. It’s impossible not to be moved by Niko’s relationship with her father, and by the dedication of her body’s “micro-heroes” who fight tirelessly to keep her healthy.

Cells at Work! is an absolute joy—a film that combines educational elements with heart, humor, and high-energy action. Hideki Takeuchi’s skill at blending genres is on full display, making it an unforgettable, entertaining ride that will leave audiences laughing, cheering, and maybe even wiping away a tear.

A vibrant, genre-bending journey through the human body, Cells at Work! is a spectacle for the senses and the soul. This lively adaptation is one that audiences of all ages can enjoy, learning a bit of biology along the way.