TO-Y

Where to start ... This OVA has many problems, the most obvious of which: its lack of narrative; I don't know if it's because it was aimed at manga fans, or maybe they lacked a budget, but it is clear that the plot is almost non-existent.
the rhythm is extremely inconsistent, having scenes that do not last long and others that simply become boring (The plot is already boring).


but if there is something that stands out: its aesthetics. This OVA has a powerful personality, very characteristic of this type of content in the 80s; The animation, the coloring, even the soundtrack are incredibly memorable. It is ... undoubtedly something that you would see at 3 in the morning and say "wow, this is really aesthetic"

I give it a 7, just for its aesthetics. if it weren't for that, it would have a 5; and if the plot was better, an 8 without a doubt

I only recommend it for people who need inspiration to create atmosphere. outside of it, it is ultra dispensable

I cannot recall at all how I stumbled on this obscure anime movie (OVA?), but I'm glad I did. Coming out at the height of Japan's economic boom, even mid-tier releases had budgets far surpassing what can be done today, and with the freedom of lots of money, TO-Y gets to do a whole lot of crazy stuff. The animation itself isn't anything special, but that doesn't stop TO-Y from being a treat.

The story's a simple one, the lead singer in an up-and-coming punk band being courted to become a pop idol, and the band fighting back against corporate culture. But more than that it's ... a zig-zagging slice of life in the summer of late 80s Tokyo, and this movie thrives off its aesthetic value and musical sense. Tons of great tunes, tons of lovely visuals.

The movie is honestly really weirdly directed, the plot unfolding in an odd roundabout way that's hard to describe, and a whole lot of dialogueless scenes where the visuals tell the plot-- a very welcome development, of course. Near the end of the movie the mix of odd visuals and odd storytelling get downright experimental and the finale is just plain cool.

Check TO-Y out if you have a chance; it's on Youtube and probably will stay that way for good considering how little-known the movie is.

TO-Y has good animation, decent music, a simple story and characters, and overall lacks any staying power. The best thing about the OVA is its animation, while there are some portions that use still’s this is clearly an artistic choice. The music is inoffensive which is a surprise partly due to the counterculture theming of the anime. The OVA focuses less on the music and instead leans more to the dramatic side. This is unfortunate because the characters are not explored deeply and the story leaves much to be desired. It's all rather pointless, nothing changes from the beginning to ... the end. TO-Y is not bad but it's also not something that will keep you wanting more.