Introduction
Memories is an anthology movie, based on 3 stories by Katsuhiro Otomo. Though called memories they have no thematic connections or chronology to each other they rather just separate mini movies.
Episode 1 Magnetic Rose Review
Magnetic Rose is a fantastic science fiction story. It's an interesting film, within the anthology because it’s clearly the best, it connects with the title of the film and it’s a bloody masterpiece. It's no secret Satoshi Kon is one of my favourite writer-director of all time. Though he didn’t write the narrative, it's very hard to believe he didn’t contribute towards the actual narrative. So much of the man’s trademarks are so readily apparent that I must conclude he made suggestions for the narrative. He handled the design of the film, which yes is very Satoshi Kon. The man is known as an illusionist, he blends reality with illusions so seamlessly and creates emotions that you never think depict in certain ways. Rose is dealing with dreams, illusions, and commentary on certain attributes of humanity. A lot of the glamour it portrays is disintegrating, one example of symbolism throughout. The Environment is so complex, intricate and sorta lived in. Like giving characterisation to someone just using the environment is a real skill. Of course, this story wouldn’t work if the characters are bland and uninteresting here, that’s not the case. They are a lot of humanity with the cast, in particular Heintz Beckner. One aspect I just love I comment above is making the world feel real but transforming it into something else so phasing from reality to fiction. The animation is fantastic, though not as unorthodox or unique as Cannon Fodder, it's still just a masterclass of animation. The art design is fantastic I love and especially the music was done by Yoko Kanno, this score is so complimentary to the film. Especially because the woman they are finding is an opera singer so they are much unique opportunities to portray this beautiful music. What this crew does in 40min is honestly outstanding, it’s the masterpiece within the anthology.
10/10
Episode 2 Stink Bomb Review
To call this disappointing doesn’t describe it well enough. This isn’t a good film and this following up Rose (a masterpiece), makes it feel worse. In this review, I will describe the good first then the bad. Firstly good, well the animation is fantastic the film's depiction of gas animations, cloud, destruction, density (crowds) etc it's so finely crafted. Furthermore, there is some nice art direction and just from the technical aspects, it's pretty good. Out of the 3 films, it’s the weakest in this aspect. The same can be stated for the cinematography, directing and animations. That stated it's still better than like 90% of anime in terms of animation. I will credit that the concept the film is tackling is interesting. Would have been neat to see this same concept explored in another film but with different characters. However, regarding that concept some aspects, it accomplishes, quite well. One would be the discoordination where panic occurs. The public response and chaotic nature are well done. Furthermore, the pacing was relatively tight, it didn’t make me bored just frustrated mainly. So, the Bad, well to call this protagonist is stupid. Even comparing him to a monkey, would insult the monkey intelligence. I am so baffled this protagonist is a scientist because he is literally so stupid and if this is meant to be a parody it's not funny. This dude really drags the experience and the cause for the plot to occur feels ironic and just a pill causing this much havoc I don’t believe it a lot of suspension of disbelief and the ending I think supposed to be comedic, but I disliked it. It's not a bad watch, but it’s not a good overall call It's average. Thankfully this is the worst one in the bunch as episode 3 is much more interesting.
5/10
Episode 3 Cannon Fodder Review
Interestingly, Katsuhiro Otomo decided to write and direct this one solely himself. I will say after episode 2, kind of hesitant to watch this but honestly a pleasant surprise. The first aspect that stands out would be the art style it's very gritty, unorthodox, and raw and compliments one of the key messages of the film. It’s the most allegorical of the 3 films. So, the plot isn’t too important but more so used to explore this authoritative society or this regime. They have a lot of parallels to the real world prominent would-be Germany and the Nazis. The focus is upon this family and one day of the father, mother and son life. There’s evident war propaganda throughout with posters and the news but overall, just an interesting world. The most impressive aspect beyond the art style is the unique animation technique and that illusion to look like the film is one continuous shot (or long take). Animation has its own limitation when it comes to one-shot, different from a birdman situation, it’s difficult for different reasons. But yeah, executed so brilliant and transitions are seamless. It also drives home the theme it explores. In terms of the pacing, it was fantastic, honestly wish it was longer to explore this world. The characterisation is pretty good, though not the focus it's more society. But I enjoyed those little bits of the old man. Overall, it's a very good, short film, 22min felt it could be longer but a good one to end this anthology.
___7.5/10_ __
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would recommend this anthology, especially episodes 1 and 3, however episode 2, I say maybe give it a shot, but I wouldn’t recommend watching it.
___7.5/10_ __
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