Mar 17, 2021
!!!!<This Review talks quite a few about the characters and other aspects so you might be spoiled>!!!!
Overall: 9/10
Life is just another optimistic girl traveling the streets of Kyoto, along with a fun ensemble of strangers, as she faces a drink-off contest with a mythological drinking god.
A recipient of the Best Animation in the 41st Japan Academy Award, The Night is Short, Walk on Girl is a story about Otome, a raven-haired girl, and her long night of partying filled with alcohol, book fairs, and school festivals. It is also a story about her “Senpai” and his journey in winning Otome’s heart.
Directed by visionary director
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Masaaki Yuasa, this film surely packs a lot of visual flairs. The “out of the box” animation and use of colors perfectly suit the surreal atmosphere that the film imposes, which the director trademarked as his style. Adding to that, it makes it more entertaining by feeding your imagination literal renditions of a figurative speech. The director implied that some parts of the movie were only according to his imagination when he read the novel and realized that he misinterpreted the setting. But in the end, it worked out as it added a little bit of liveliness to a dull place, like what a quiet regular bar would be.
The soundtrack of the film complements the events that happen, including a surprising musical number from a play that resembles the melody of Bohemian Rhapsody. With this, every scene in the movie seems like it is brimming with life. A compelling set of characters is always needed to create a fun film, and this film is no exception. We have a lead female protagonist who influences others to enjoy lives to its heights and a relatable “senpai” that shows how hard it is to socialize. Everyone in here is a unique character, and with the quirky animation, they push the movie to comedic glory.
The rushing set of events will keep you intrigued in the whole story as it gets weirder and more bizarre. The writing reminds me of a few Haruki Murakami works as a lot of strange things start happening, and everything will kind of make sense in the end. Compared to the Tatami Galaxy, this film requires you to take in more, in over an hour versus the 11-episode series.
Juxtaposition is a recurring theme in the film as we see Otome, who is full of life with other people who usually view existence with nihilism and views oneself as lonely. In contrast to loneliness, the film’s central theme is the connection of everyone. Everything and everyone is connected, be it through your actions, to the objects, and to the relationship you bear with your friends or family. Also, time is a fundamental element in the film because the movement of time varies between characters and can be noted as a metaphor for youth. The last act of the film beautifully culminates the past events and brings you to a psychological and philosophical journey that whispers to you, “You’re not alone. Someone cares for you. Live your life to the fullest.”
My brain recalls these from the film during the middle of the night, the time I watched the movie. I engulfed myself in the story and thought that the film was for me. It felt that the title perfectly resembled what I did. “The Night is Short, Watch on Boy” (a reference to myself watching during midnight) is the perfect title as I laugh and catch a cold with the characters in the film.
A surreal and dreamlike animated feature that doesn’t limit itself with the medium and delivers a lasting performance, thanks to the cast and fast-paced story. Yuasa and his team manage to send a heartwarming
message in a visually pleasing way. A solid nine out of ten. As I quote Otome, this film is like the taste of fake Denki bran, filled with warmth from top to bottom. Luxurious and abundant.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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