Oct 18, 2016
As a person who is an absolute SUCKER for these kinds of somber films, as in, i almost always roll on the floor and cry in to a bucket over how oppressive the atmosphere usually is in these types of movies.
But, even so, i think this one hits SUCH an astounding resonance with me and my humanity, so much so that 3 minutes in i already just could NOT handle how well the movie was hitting me, ie what some would call "crying like a b***h. The art style and vibe are effective immediately and the oppressive nature of the atmosphere just come down
...
on you like 10 tons of solid cement and just get heavier as the movie proceeds.
The overwhelming feeling of somber loneliness is a thing that tore me emotionally apart, as it is simply impossible not to feel even slightly symphatethic towards the old man, although that may have something with my irl condition of wanting to cry everytime i see an old man struggle to walk and using a walking stick, struggling to sit down on a bus, and many other ocurances that personally so to say "trigger" my emotional side and makes me just contemplate, just as this short movie does, what the memories of these people are. But, enough about my own connection to the movie.
If i were to be asked, i think the animation and subtlety is this pieces greatest strength. Being able to convey emotion and messages through simple visual cues, facial expressions and pitch perfect pace and direction to back it all up, is somewhat of a lost art in any cinematic piece of media. Not to mention the somber music playing over it, setting the tone fucking PERFECTLY.
Its metaphors and journey of both the effects of time and the continued will to live of a man whose life is seemingly meaningless, as he is lonely, and living under constant need to build new floors to keep living, and seemingly eats the same meals each day, spending his time reminiscing on his past. It truly hits a note within the human psyche wherein you wonder "what would i do if i ended up this way?". And truly, what would you?
Might i remind you of that it does all of this, in 12 minutes
12 FREAKING MINUTES
T W E L V E.
To conclude, if anyone has any time to spare, this movie is a wonderfully sober and thought provoking little experiment that is both beautifully animated and well directed. It is one of the most genuine tear jerking things that, unlike anoha or clannad, isn't what i like to call "emotional pornography" that beats you over the head with forced and sometimes just plain cheesy amount of depressive nonsense. If you want something that is going to make you feel human inside or make you think about the topic of age, meaning of life, nihilism and so on, check out this movie. But i warn you, it is legitimately depressing, so if you suffer from chronic depression, don't watch it.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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