Absolute cinema! I rate it a million stars because it has everything you could ever want from a movie. The animation, cinematography, voice acting, music, concept and storyline all blew me away.
'Lost in Starlight' combines both urban Korea and sci-fi technology uniquely and believably, showcasing how technology innovation would evolve and affect both the environment and the people. While some people still hold onto old/retro pieces, the masses utilise the holographic communication devices for convenience and features. They aren't just tacky hunks of metal but are aesthetically pleasing or cool to look at, and just by looking at them, you know the general idea of what their purposes are. Old and new technology are shown together throughout the movie to showcase how the world has progressed in time, because a lot of sci-fi franchises typically only ever show the wacky and cool doo-hickies that have no purpose, it's a really nice change.
What made everything so believable was the animation and cinematography; they made you feel like you were there in the scenes, that you were inside the world of the movie. Every setting seemed as if it would be there in real life because of the ambient aftereffects, and the camera work made it seem as if it was shot with a real camera, not a digital 'camera'. With every single shot, there was a purpose, an emotion behind it. In the very scenes, you can feel what the characters are feeling, whether it be happiness, love, sadness, uncertainty or fear. Many movies feel like there's a disconnect, that the audience is simply watching what is going on, but in 'Lost in Starlight', you feel like you are there watching it all unravel before your eyes. You can observe every tiny movement in the scene, from the background to the foreground, and everywhere seems like it's alive.
The sound effects, voice acting, and music relate to the story and make the world breathe life. The voice acting in this movie is different from most animated movies - while most movies follow the 'they're reading from a script, talking back and forth', Lost in Starlight' makes it seem like they are in a conversation at that moment. You could really feel the connection between the characters as if they were memories of your own. The music is both diegetic and non-diegetic, with the music being one of the character's passions, and having the story conveyed through the music gives another level of depth. It elevates the emotions that you feel in that moment, and it truly awakens feelings from within. The sound effects evoke a sense of nostalgia, yet are something new. It reminds me of the whole 'The future that we were promised' concept around Frutiger Aero. Science fictions typically make technology seem distant and cold, but in 'Lost in Starlight', it feels comforting and cozy.
Without giving spoilers, it's still simple to convey how absolutely wonderful this movie is. You learn more and more about the characters and their relationships at the same time as the characters, and with this, you feel a personal attachment to each and every one of them. You are always feeling like you want more and more of the story, and you can't get enough of it; you're left wondering what's going to happen next, while holding on at the edge of your seat. It's a story of passion, made from passion. You see the characters flourish and grow, being proud of every step of the way. Every single plot point had a purpose, not just for a simple plot twist or to fulfil the trope bingo card, but was there to enhance the already amazing story. This movie wasn't made as a cash grab, but as an experience.
It's an amazing movie to watch on your own, with a friend, or with a lover. By the end of the movie, you will be sure to be grateful for your relationships and cherish the people you love even further.
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