The arresting beauty of a woman caged

Sunlight dances between the leaves
Neither reach the floor

As a project from the ever popular studio Kyoani, there was no question whether or not the film would be pretty, yet I found myself impressed with it's production value.

A visual marvel from Fujita and Co. I'd be in line to watch, even if I didn't care for the content itself

It's no secret that the staff put their sweat, blood and tears into this when every frame pops off the screen.

Despite being an ocean apart I share a bond with the people who brought this story to life. This is dedicated to the 36 lost in the flames.

I'm Mimico and this is—

Vol 1

The film opens on a young girl, gazing longingly at land. She's framed in a way that presents her as alone. Almost incomplete, in a way.

The composition and layouts are incredibly strong, and they'd have to be to carry an otherwise dialogue-light movie.

In a subtle sequence foreshadowing their dynamic, Amy who is trapped behind a metal grill, opens her window as Violet approaches

Amy is constantly framed behind bed frames and doors, isolating her from the maid. Amy is annoyed by her aura of perfection prompting her to reveal she is also an orphan.

[We fade from Violet's silhouette to a candle being gazed upon, as she thinks of her in a different light]

As Violet comforts her through a coughing fit, the two are finally framed together. Impeccable visual direction allows a lively pace that would be otherwise impossible.

Amy becomes less moody as time passes, becoming closer to Violet, reflected in their blooming friendship. She receives a broach, with a color complimentary to Violet.

Amy asks Violet to escort her to the ball, so she takes her hand, crossing the line.

Obvious as it may be, the impact of these events wouldn't land nearly as well without such masterful character animation. Selling the nuanced gestures and choreography.

Everything comes together to create a dreamy sequence, floating on the dance floor.

Vol. 2

As Taylor is trained as a mailman we see a variety of locations. Lush and detailed, with a strong sense of realism.

Conveying culture and environment with it's own distinct atmosphere goes a long way, especially for a fantasy taking place in a fictional country.

Backgrounds tend to get less praise than animation, for obvious reasons, which is why I like to point them out when given the chance.

Art direction by Mikiko Watanabe, who worked on series such as Hyouka, and Dragon Maid.

The next time we see Amy she's adorned in a long dress with a parasol, not unlike Violet. Her appearance however is melancholy, as she's on her own.

While this contains yuri undertones, it also carries the image of a woman in mourning.

Taylor vows to come back one day and deliver a letter herself, while Amy seems to have found catharsis in receiving it. Throughout the movie the sisters were separated, but in this moment Taylor's feelings reached her.

Even after all that time, the bond they share hasn't died. Despite the distance between us, I can feel the love of the staff through their work. Expressing things that can't be said, because beauty requires no translation.

[Mail carriers don't just carry mail, they carry happiness - Taylor]