Ranked #2680

Connected

Connected is the music video for Ayumi Hamasaki's 2002 single of the same name. Connected was Ayu's first European debut single, and it's easy to see why. Her performance is amazing, and her appeal spreads worldwide for obvious reasons.

Connected follows the every day lives of various people living in a futuristic city as it literally evolves around them. We follow a girl travelling on the subway listening to music, a boy on his skateboard zooming down the street, a chick taking a nap upon a demolished bus, a motorcyclist on his way to pick up his date and many more eccentric characters up to numerous things. The story is fast paced and always moving, which allows it to combine extremely well with everything else presented to you, since every other aspect is also fast paced and always moving. The animation, the sound, the characters, you name it. It all flows together perfectly.

If I was asked to describe the animation in this music video in a single sentence, I'd say it's one of a kind. The art is one of many things that makes Connected a very unique production. It does indeed have that Studio 4°C feel and look about it, and the animation itself is very crisp and colourful and extremely well detailed. Quite simply, the animation and style complete the music video. It wouldn't work nearly half as well without them. It has that kind of magic only Studio 4°C can provide.

Since this is a music video, the sound is only comprised of a song and a few sound effects that can be heard in the background during various scenes. The song itself is very techno-electronic-ish, it's very addictive and blends with the animation with ease to create something quite spectacular. If you've never heard of Ayumi Hamasaki before, if you don't know who she is, then Connected will introduce you to one of the most wonderful Japanese music artists of all time. It's a perfect place to start.

The characters appear to be an odd and lively bunch. Each person seems quite unique and different from the next but the character design remains consistant. Every characters seems to be moving, or on the way to somewhere, which keeps up with the music videos overall fast pace. We don't get to know about the characters, but that works well with the feeling you get from watching Connected. You never really know whats going on unless you stop to think about it.

Never has a music video amazed me so much. It's a thrill ride from start to finish, and every second is eye candy. It doesn't allow you to look away, it really is that stunning. I'm a huge fan of Studio 4°C, and productions like this remind me why. read more