This was a recommendation to me from Jesus Christ himself. Don't ask how. This film shows the artistical and musical awakening of free spirited and open minded individuals willing to make music and art out of nothing. They are driven by primal inspiration alone. Having a background growing up during the chaotic and self-destructed punk movements of Los Angeles during the early 2000s, and having been in bands myself and performing in garages, front yards, and white Christian churches, (they had no idea what kind of band we were when we asked to play as a joke unbeknownst to them) made this film very relatable to me. Our band (we settled for "Hamburger Time" as a name on a whim) never got anywhere, really, and ended with disappointment. Despite that, we were passionate and tried to really say something among the reactionary punks who used the movement to just drink, do nothing, stop showering, and do drugs. Punk turned out a total failure as the message of the 70s and 80s bands was ultimately lost.
The character development in this film is explosive. Many times, the viewers get taken into the minds and imaginations of the characters, as their passions grows with intensity from their love of music. As a result, there is a beautiful and surreal presentation that is artistically inspiring and moving here.
Kenji is a hilariously free spirited individual. He just does things on a whim either for better or for worse. After viewing an unfortunate incident, he becomes inspired to start a band. Still, he and his friends are so clueless about music that I could not stop laughing at their misunderstandings. I was perplexed by the long still shots which became hilarious eventually to me. The fluid and very natural looking animation, background noises, and long shots of him walking and enjoying a view made me feel oftentimes as if I was there standing and walking next to him.
The comedy in here is a highlight for how odd and "in your face" it is. The viewers are in for one of the most bizarre declarations of love I've ever seen. As for the band themselves, no one clearly knows how to play. I've seen this many times, including an incident where a friend of mine got upset when someone tried to teach her how to play drums. Under the context we had of playing punk music, It's just as Kenji says: "that's the point." We did whatever we wanted and created music however we wanted. Be it what it may, the noise of playing without knowing how to creates something new out of their passion for it, and creates a song that takes people somewhere chaotic.
The coming together of talent eventually erupts into a beautiful scene that moves the audience and the viewers. It ends in tears of passion and inspiration; of joy. It reminded me of when I used to play guitar and shout-since I can't sing-and try to make sense of it vocally while looking into the eyes of young audiences mostly of teenagers from broken homes and with no futures, all covered in leather, bright colors, and metal studs.
I'm glad for this recommendation. It moved me and brought back emotions and memories from my youth during those chaotic times when we used to hold shows in backyards until the police would come to raid us. And now, I recommend it to you.
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