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Title Info
- seen: 1 of 1
- type: mini
- grade: worthy
- people: Ghibli
- made: 1995
- Review created: Recently, but I didn't record the date.
- mod: none
It's a six minute something music video with absolutely no dialog, that screened alongside Whisper of the Heart. So given that it is basically just some pretty graphics, probably recycled from old anime, to go with the music. Well, Ghibli once again demonstrates their total inability to do anything by halves, because this short original animation is pretty cool. The story (acheived without dialog) follows two cops as they participate in a raid on a strange cult-like organisation. In the depths of their lair they find a young woman chained to the wall, greatly weakened, sheltered by her wings. Noticing that something is unusual she becomes a focus of attention, but the two original finders wonder, has she truly been freed?
There are at least three ways to rate this piece. As a true anime the time constraints, and lack of dialog, impose a definite ceiling. As a music video it could be argued it steals too much attention away from the music. However, as an example of how much character, story and action can be placed in a six minute anime it's truly a masterpiece. What can I say, it won't take too long to confirm for yourself that this is skilled work. Although finding the material may be challenging. Also interesting to see bits of design borrowed from other material, with the cult being very reminiscent of the Doroks from the Nausicaa manga.
This is all greatly enhanced by Ghibli animation...and you know what that means. Crisp animation, wonderful color choice, excellent design both in characters, items and background and sweet action sequences and animation. Even in this short material the pacing and staging is masterly. There are some fairly impressive sequences, and the conclusion is quite moving. The worst part is it makes you suspect that there is a lot more to this story. The voices are non-existent, and the music is pleasant and fitting...but I must admit I was too busy enjoying the animation to really concentrate on it.
Words by Andrew Shelton, Web by Ticti, Last Compile: Wed Aug 5 12:39:23 WST 2009