Humans: the only beings able to change Earth from worse to better; or from better to worse. Combining our survival insticts and our high intelligence, we humans are able to set long term goals depending on our needs - and daily strive to achieve them. We inquire, then we are looking for an answer. This is our nature, this is how humanity manages to have absolute control over the planet.
Spoilers start here
Have we made a good effort so far? The only thing that is for sure, is that we have been trying our best. But have we reduced the number of our needs and questions? Are we able to hypnotize our existential crises, or maybe find the answer we're looking for? Mamoru Oshii decided to create this short, yet fascinating masterpiece, instead of giving answers to rhetorical questions.
We have all met a dog in our life. Dog's nature is easily comprehensible, even to a child. Dogs are one of the simplest creatures; once you approach them with good intentions, play with them or feed them, they will give their heart to you. They are a mirror of your intentions and emotions. And that's the most common reason people adopt dogs, in order to have a guaranteed friend for many years who'll remind them to smile. Most of us find them dumb, and some of their actions funny or disgusting. But, in its "dumbness", once a dog fulfills his temporary need, he's happy. And its happiness is something fundamental many of us are lacking.
In our story, the main protagonist is a common dog who wakes up and takes a walk in the city. He's just a dog fooling around with balls, drinking water from the ground and searching for company.
During his walk, our protagonist spots crows, on the top of a tank-like vehicle. Crows symbolize transformation and change. The city is deserted. What happened to us human beings? Shortly afterwards, the question is answered.
The dog encounters a humanoid robot. It looks lost, emotionless. At first, the dog just wants to play. The robot is hostile. Then war begins - dog's ball becomes a grenade, humanoid uses his gun. Dog wins and looks at the robot's corpse from above, disappointed at it. Then, our friend continues its journey, lonely, strolling down the road.
Conclusion
The humanoid robot symbolizes humanity's whereabouts if we only cared about power, status, solving the unsolvable. Taking into account wars, egoism, greed and technological evolution just for our own convenience while harming the environment, becoming the robot is just a step further from our current situation.
"I can't live without love, and there is no reason to live without love."
Satellite of Love / Glay (insert song)
On the other hand, "Je t'aime" (I love you) are the words the dog wants to say and hear. Though, this short film does not concern dogs, but people. This dog is humanity's hope for kindness, love and peaceful coexistence. But dogs are like mirrors, aren't they? If you treat your fellow man badly, it means you self-destruct.
In the end, the "dumb" dog's pure heart won the fight, while the humanoid robot self-destructed.
There are some things we cannot avoid to evolve mankind, but if we forget the true meaning of life, the little things that make us happy and mentally healthy, our future will not be bright. Try your best and say "Je t'aime" more often. To your friends, to your family, to the world.
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