Tokyo Godfathers (2003), A strange winter story.

Directed by: Satoshi Kon, Shogo Furuya (Co-directed) | Written by: Satoshi Kon, Keiko Nobumoto

Award(s)

• Best Animated Film; Mainichi Film Awards
• Audience Award | Best Asian Film; Neuchâtel International Fantasy Film Festival
• Best Animated Feature Film | Orient Express Award - Special Mention; Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival

"Although apt for family consumption, Tokyo Godfathers still keeps one of the director's obsessions: psychologically worn-out female characters, on the brink of despair, even though here the disturbed spirit is not one of the main characters." - Luis Canau (Translated by Carla Graça), Cinedie Asia 

The 2003 film that premiered at the Big Apple Anime Festival (BAAF), which marked it's last festival held as of yet, Tokyo Godfathers is a cozy turn of the reality-mashing flicks driven by fantasy and Romance or straight criminal paranoia. It's a strange holiday story that won't end up in bed time stories as most heroes aren't homeless, burned out,running away and hiding emotional scars while trying to return a baby they found in the garbage...

I have got to admit that I was expecting something mind blowing around every corner being it hallucinations or a play within a play. It wasn't that much saddening as exciting to see this film enlist in a new direction after two successful films. After all, I got the impression Satoshi Kon has a nag for interesting stories that do not necessarily contain the same elements. Despite this they are still some traces that bend toward excessive daydreaming.

Story

When a Washed out alcoholic, A homosexual cross-dresser and a runaway tomboyish girl  find a dumped baby with a note during a garbage search the day before Christmas. They are split between reporting it to the police or personally returning the child to it's parents or having to live with the fact that the baby's parent will be a cross-dresser who longs for a child. It is obvious to say that they chose the latter.

The comical side of the story defined by the strange group dynamic surfaced every now and then were entertaining. But I couldn't shake the fact that the ones paying for transportation fees are unhoused without any means of income (seriously, even I couldn't pay for the trips they made...). 

I also had a major problem with the plot structure of this film. Despite the great middle and unexpected ending it still felt like I was thrown into a movie that started 20 minutes ago It did not share it's predecessors strong plot structure and flawless introductions. The abrut start of the movie which felt like a considerable loss in story development. If it wasn't for the quick development later on and the subtitle character development along the way it would have stuck as a slightly incomplete plot.
As I said before the group dynamic between the 3 individuals drove the story brought adventure together with the events that occurred in this film, filling each others short coming and gradually solving each others issues. The diversity of personality, preferences and moral conduct is dysfunctional which causes 3 close friends to spice up the most normal journey turning Tokyo over the top in the most hysterical situations.

Though this movie wasn't as fantasy indulged as it's predecessors, there was still some hints of it in flash backs and in terms of making a point. I think the influence of Keiko Nobumoto Screenplay writer of such works as  Cowboy Bebop the Movie: Knockin' on Heaven's Door (2001), Macross Plus (1994/1995) and  the anime/manga Wolf's Rain (2003/2004) had a positive outcome on this movie.

Rating
8,5 - An uncanny Tokyo drama
As much as I loved this movie I could not shake the feeling that the lead of this movie could have been improved. Despite that this movie is unlike any drama-adventure I've seen before containing classic anime characteristics while maintaining a steady story. Might not be Satoshi Kon's best work, But it still is one of his greatest.  Comment and send feedback about your personal rating.



M.

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Osarunime.com is officially up!

Awww yes.

If you read my previous post , I mentioned getting a custom domain at the end of April. Well that got delayed... However, I finally finalized the transaction! Brought to you by Godaddy!

Osarunime.com is here! Supposedly it will redirect my old URL to www.osarunime.com together with osarunime.com in 24 hours. Again, for the few that visit my blog regularly;  make sure to comment and share!  Like on Facebook and follow on Twitter.  

Also...

Tokyo Godfathers 

Expect the 2004 film by Satoshi Kon later this day. Visit the Satoshi Kon film hub or subscribe to be informed.

Comment Away!

 

Making Of Tokyo Godfathers 2003 [video inside post]

Directed by: Satoshi Kon, Shogo Furuya (co-directed) | Written by: Satoshi Kon, Keiko Nobumoto
A preview of the 2003 film directed and written by the late Satoshi Kon I'm about to review. The 20 minute video has essential information on the production of this film and it's voice actors.
The video comes with the DVD, it has Japanese audio and Subtitles at choice (though I only uploaded the English one at this time). Tokyo Godfathers was released on the 28th of November in 2003 distributed by Destination Films.

*I was planning on releasing this Yesterday but I had some subtitles problems... Well, three unknown programs later fixed it.

 Leave comments below!

Steam Boy (2004), Otomo's Steam Punk bravery

Directed by: Katsuhiro Otomo | Written by: Sadayuki Murai, Katsuhiro Otomo
Produced by: Sunrise

Award(s)

• Best Animated Feature Film; 37th Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival

"The movie has intriguing ideas about human lives ruled by machines, which is why the technology in "Steamboy" seems promising. Otomo has reportedly been working on the film for 10 years, drawing countless animation cels by hand and also using computer resources; why, with all the effort he put into the film's construction, did he neglect to go anywhere interesting with the plot?  - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Steam Boy, the result of my irresponsible negligence of curfew (to quote a few) and my obsession with 10-11 PM blockbusters. One movie which is embedded in my childhood as the one reminder that cartoon violence is indeed real... in japan. The joint screenplay of both Akira fame writer/director Katsuhiro Otomo & Sadayuki Murai, known for his excellent screenplay in Satoshi Kon-directed films, is remarkably blank though...

SteamBoy is an animated Steam-punk by the book spiced up by anime violence and Katsuhiro Otomo's radical touch which bears similarities to it's predecessor Metropolis in terms of chaos and the characters inept ability to cope with it in times of need and plot twists, which isn't necessarily a positive thing.

Premise

The story of a young impulsive boy James Ray Steam (Anne Suzuki) with gifted knowledge about steam-technology on a genius scale is hunted down by strange men after receiving a package from his presumed deceased father in an accident. The boy find himself caught in a conflict as he finds out the package is the most advanced energy source in the fictional 19th century. Which is in fact, the story in a nutshell. This movie fails to show a significant amount of debt and logic; you are left puzzled with the character's decisions and state of mind. Especially James' father and grandfather who are in conflict with each other. You are expected to draw your excitement out of the countless well animated and thought through escape scenes in the beginning of the movie and the Epic outcome & background battles, did I mention the top-notch quality already?

I was gradually disappointed when the flaws from it's 2001 successors where taken over instead of discarded for deeper plot and build-up. After watching both movies  I was overwhelmed by indecision as to the movie actually ended properly and weather I enjoyed it or mildly liked it. You'd think that screenplay brought forth by the same mind of the well received stories of Perfect blue (1998) & Millennium Actress (2001) would have the means to get the job done with the help of Katsuhiro Otomo no-less, Or is that too much to ask?

Despite all that, I still enjoyed the film. The escape scenes where well thought, the enormous scale of this film could only be described as breath-taking mixed with the insane visuals, the character design was corny yet fitting. The revelation of the secret that started with one Steamball, an immense steam source was well planned and captivating despite the fact that it floated on a somewhat flat story. For what it counts, You could really feel the 19th century which was well portrayed.

Rating

7,9 -  Imperfect steam-punk story
This movie is something I'll remember from my childhood for it's creative concept and sharp-visuals. But the blank going-nowhere plot (which I did not mind back then) drags this animated wonder down with it. I still urges anyone to see this movie because despite it's flaws,  It's still a good time If you do not over think it... or think logically in general. 
If you did see it,  feel free to comment and leave your thoughts




M.

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Ponyo on the cliff (2008), The not so credibly sea adventure.

Directed | Written by: Hayao Miyazaki
Produced by: Studio Ghibli

Awards

• Best Composer; 3rd Asian Film Awards
• Animation Of The Year - Best Film Score; 32nd Japanese Academy Prize
• Ofuji Noburo Award;  63rd Mainichi Film Concours
• Future Film Festival Digital Award - Special Mention |Mimmo Rotella Foundation Award; 65th Venice Film Festival

""Gake no Ue no Ponyo (Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea)," exceeds even "Totoro" in simplicity, with a core target audience about as old as its hero — 5. This is not to say that those who have mastered hiragana (or the alphabet) will be bored, as long as they leave their expectations for the usual Miyazaki film at the door."- Mark Shilling, The Japan Times

The surprising turn of the Ghibli-signed animated Epics filled with young heroes and brave tales to joyful eye-popping adventure was quite well-received in 2008 among critics and younger audiences. Ponyo sure came unexpected to the core-fans of the Miyazaki titles, well at least the  female role is present.


The joyful successor of films like Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind (1984) The award showered Princess Mononoke (1999) ,the Oscar winning Spirited Away (2001), The oscar nominated Howls Moving Castle (2004) all spawned from Hayao Miyazaki's mind does not fail to please an audience. However, even if it became Anime of the year at the prestigious Japanese Academy Awards in 2009 I still think it failed to reach that level we are all acquainted to.

Despite the aforementioned reflection on this film. I would like to clarify the fact that this isn't a bad film. Better yet I was quite fond of it and the clear and vivid visuals are the greatest I've ever seen in terms of simplistic shading, it is hard to loose interest with the waves dancing on the screen with a constant tone of blue. There is nothing wrong with this movie...except for it's lowered target demography which tends to downplay potential story and credible conscientious choices. Keep in mind that I am way to old for this movie, I wish I would have known before hand, should've taken the hint from the trailer...

Story

When a humanoid goldfish like creature escapes from some kind of magical captivity cast upon her and her many dozen siblings by her father , wizard Fujimoto (Jôji Tokoro) to strand on seashore were her life is saved from dehydration by a 5 year old boy Sôsuke (Hiroki Doi).
Realizing the dangerous of human explore to little Ponyo and the consequences of it Fujimoto takes her back suppressing the human DNA she was exposed to which is making her human while unleashing a concentrated power deep beneath the sea that will awaken the next Devonian age with her second break-out attempt and her successful change to a human toddler.
The magical bond between a two beings to young to be determined as love is the center of this film and the core that drives this stories and it's lush visuals. It strikes me as impressive how complicated choices are dealt with such care and simplicity without undermining the estimated intelligent of it's viewers unlike western animation. Like when Sôsuke has to either truly "love" her and make her fully human or leaving her to become sea foam. The destruction and flood of the planet is very present and lively drawn (Fun fact: Hayao Miyazaki himself took the task of drawing the waves in this film. Worked out quite good believe me).

However, when the serious intentions of the movies are downplayed to fit the demographic expectation it took the dramatic punch out of it. I am always used to fully developed content from blood to full-blown heroism, this movie however, does not share these qualities. Sure, I enjoyed the adventures and the amazing escape when the flood was unleashed both underwater and above water (mostly underwater...that was magical). But the overall importance was lost when the pure-hearted decision was milked ad pushed to the foreground too many times. That is all good and sweet for children but it pushed so many amazing things to the background like the kind protective independent mom and the father at sea stuck with many other boots on unknown sea right after he failed to make it to see his family <--- interesting stuff right there, didn't become that interesting in my opinion.

Rating
7,5 - Children's sea adventure
This rating might be unfair mainly because I far exceed the expected age for this movie. But I still think that this movie is good and that a younger audience will fully enjoy it and so will a more sentimental one. The visuals and character are truly great especially the bold mother and her crazy driving skills. But, -and i can't say it enough- it still doesn't reach the Hayao Miyazaki standards that captivated me at an amazing rate.I'm pretty sure that my past self would have rated this 8,9 though. But right now, I don't think I will watch it again...so soon. Will you?



M.

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Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), The un-credited Ghibli breakthrough

Directed | Written by: Hayao Miyazaki
Produced by: Toei Animation

Awards

• Best Short Film; Fantafestival
• Reader's Choice Awards; Kinema Junpo Awards
• Ofuji Noburo Award; Mainichi Film Concours
• Anime Of The Year; 7th Anual Animage Anime Grand Prix 

"The smaller lines are no longer blurry or gray but thin like hairs and jet black. Details pop out where there previously weren't any, especially in the meticulously painted forest backgrounds and immense aeroplanes. And when you watch closely you can actually spot signs of the animation craftsmanship itself. "-Ard Vijn, TwitchFilm

The movie considered as the building stone of Studio Ghibli based of Hayao Miyazaki's own early 7 volumes of the same name.  The story of Nausicaä is one enchanting story to remember and to captivate. A fantasy filled epic that stood for the beginning of an amazing animation studio.


Nausicaä is a pleasant mix of kindness, complex (but very comprehensible) morals and physical conflicts. Attributes shared by great works like Princess Mononoke (1999) , Metropolis (2001)  and many more. The tale of Nausicaä (Sumi Shimamoto) are enchanting and rich with adventure and compassion.

Story

The story takes place in a time that can only be described as a world build from the remnants of a former one. there is a constant reminder of the overall pollution which is slowly taking ground and wittering vegetation and civilization alike while making the air unbreakable (It is noted in the movie itself that breathing the air would rot your longs in minutes.) known as "the sea of decay". The general struggle to prevent the hostile eradication of biodiversity and humanity with it. Our protagonist Nausicaä, the - kind-hearted -bright and brave beyond reason- girl who is princess of  a peaceful village living in the valley of the wind stands in the middle of the mystery of the sea of decay and it's grotesque  dangerous creatures and the meddling of outside forces. Al-thought the emphasize of the concerns of the sea gradually decreases it is still relevant and a major importance to the story.

What more to say? The characters are credible and the oh-so cliché barrier of good and evil is left to the imaginations of it's viewer. An aspect I also found in Princess Mononoke, most wrong doings and violent act are made out of self-preservation or an act of good for its own party. From ideas to invade a peaceful village to burning the sea of decay without knowing its consequences; either way from their perspective it was the logic thing in such times. Though you might not sympathize with it, you can still find the hint of reason behind it.


Rating
9,5 - A captivating Fantasy-epic!
I loved this movie from beginning to end. Even when the few quiet scenes kicked in I could not help but to be pulled back in by the following scenes and plot structure. The visuals are stunning and authentically cel animated enhancing the drawn manga by it's director magnificently. This animated film is a reminder of a great time of animation and innovative features.  I can honestly say that I feel bad for the generation that doesn't know about the existence of such animated genius

And with this I finally end this post, and apologize for the delay. 

M.

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Delayed...

I Seriously hoped to post Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind this saturday but I failed to do so. I'm already working on the post right now and I should be done by Sunday. Please stay tuned by frequently visiting the Hayao Miyazaki Film Hub or Subscribe.
Also, Expect more Hayao Miyazaki films these few weeks.

Check On that page. Don't be shy!

Feel free to comment and give suggestions !