Go! Saitama
a review by saulgoodman
a review by saulgoodman
From failure of mosquito extermination to fighting game loser, the bald protagonist is often the victim of situational irony in his physical prowess losing to the mundanity of the modern man. Murata captures brooding nihilism in 2 minutes, pitting a man rivaling God against mortal struggle, and horrendously losing despite his prowess and endeavor. Though, this pessimism is just a facet when observing the beginning and the end. In the process of failure, the greater sense of self-futility and inner turmoil overshadows said theme with a bitter optimism aftertaste. In that, the tedious process of failure is more valuable than the instantaneous outcome of success.
Hiding the line-art designs reminiscent of the original webtoon series with furiously kinetic animation, Go! Saitama! is a clever child. Tending to use small bursts of fluid animation, proceeded by crafty transitions and framing made sense by the incredulous aftermath laid by Saitama's running or the just-as kinetic city.
Though, the only time the constant propulsion is laid to momentary rest is in lieu of moralizing Saitama. A man capable of coldly killing a monster without the blink of an eye is yet simultaneously capable of potentially sacrificing his dream as he helps an elderly lady pass busybody traffic. Though, the introspection kicks back promptly after with its meditation of the classic trolley problem in a renewed light. Rather than holding the reigns of killing one individual or many, Saitama possesses the power to either kill (barely scratch, more like) himself or those aboard the train as he crosses its path. With no greater reason to be a hero than a simple, self-serving one rather than an ethical platitude, this dilemma imposes itself as the most provoking characterization of Saitama thus far in the franchise.
▶ VideoThough, as expected, the hero deters ethics and dilemma in favor of a comedic, chaotic Kubrick-esque one-point perspective sequence. After upholding his sense of ethics and offering his own answer to the ethic dilemma, the end soon welcomes Saitama with an all-knowingly cruel smirk. Despite the brief, yet troubling process, he's met without reward nor merit. His sense of ethics be damned, his humanity a sham, his life a lie. Perhaps nothing else captures the essence of existential nihilism better than these 89 seconds. No deus ex machina can overturn the tragic, comedic outcome as God laughs off-screen.
▶ VideoThe last 7 seconds, on the other hand, tell a different narrative. Foisted with lethargy and numbness at the outcome of failure, perhaps a universal failure that'd result whatever the situation in Saitama's mind, the light shines. Nihilism is rejected in this instantaneous manner and value of life is blossomed once again. Disillusionment of one's life is almost normalized, but rejected at the last moment.
86 seconds of endeavor, 6 seconds of lethargic hopelessness, 5 seconds regaining endeavor and composure. The human condition is ugly and beautiful, tragic and comedic, silent and sound.
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