You could lazily stream a set-it-and-forget-it classic Christmas movie marathon, as most do during this yule time stretch.

Or, you could check out Satoshi Kon’s Tokyo Godfathers for a change. It stars an atypical cast of “heroes” that go through all kinds of misadventures while wrestling with the holiday spirit.

This 2003 adult anime may have some outdated tropes, but the complex, yet lovable band of protagonists make it all the worthwhile. It stars three unhoused individuals–Miyuki, a teenage runaway; Hana a trans woman; and Gin, a middle-aged alcoholic man. The story follows the three main characters after finding a baby who they decide to take care of and follows them along a series of unusual events.

Oisin Kuhnke, a regular contributor to VG247 claims,”This 2003 anime film doesn’t follow your typical Christmas film beats in a few distinctive ways…The dated aspects come in relation to Hana, who as I mentioned is a trans woman, repeatedly the victim of transphobia and homophobia, which is sometimes presented in a difficult to watch but critical manner, other times just kind of being plain offensive. Yet, for a film that’s 20 years old now, it also has a trans character who’s complicated, garish, loud, loveable, caring, and imperfect, which I appreciate more than a portrayal that seeks to be perfect.”

Overall, you’re left with an emotional, yet lovable story that questions certain outdated moral concepts.

Without spoiling anymore of the plot, there’s a whole mess of strange moments and a series of “chance” run-ins. Overall, you’re left with an emotional, yet lovable story that questions certain outdated moral concepts.

To quote Oisin Kuhnke once again, “Most importantly though, there just really isn’t a Christmas film like it. Sure, there are a number of titles that don’t focus on a nuclear family, but none throws such a concept to the trash quite like Tokyo Godfathers does.”

So, if you’re looking for something different than your Home Alone’s, A Christmas Story’s, or even your Die Hards, we recommend taking a look at Tokyo Godfathers this holiday season.

If you would like to read more of Oisin Kuhnke’s articles and thinkpieces on VG247, feel free to follow the link here.