10/10 personal rating :)
Before the title credits even came on, I was hooked by this movie. If nothing else, this film is a visual feast. The animation and character design are refreshingly simple and stylish and the color palette was obviously meticulously chosen to exemplify the atmosphere of Kyoto's nightlife. The setting really stands out, and there are lots of interesting references to Japanese tradition and culture. Still I believe this translates well to an international audience, you certainly don't need to be an anime fan to enjoy this movie.
The main characters, whose names are never revealed, are pretty standard comedic foils; the Raven-Haired Girl is quirky, idealistic, and easygoing, whereas her admirer, Senior/Senpai, is nervous, clumsy, and more pragmatic. The girl reminded me of Amélie quite a bit but maybe that's just the haircut, haha.
The rest of the cast is an ensemble of smaller characters. Their stories are interwoven beautifully through the journeys of the protagonists, and even though most only appear briefly, their personas and stories really come to life. The story of this film mainly explores how these people are connected, so there isn't a strong, complex central story (but that's clearly not what "Night is Short" intended to do). There is a strong emphasis on the serendipity and wonder of nightlife, supplemented by a tasteful helping of magical realism and absurdity. Still, this feels really authentic to the youth experience even coming from me as an American student.
The comedy in "Night is Short" isn't ever dark or mean-spirited, the characters are always given sympathy, and there is such an air of joy and celebration in every corner. It's fast-paced but leisurely, unpredictable but not suspenseful. Totally cliché but this is one of those "faith in humanity restored" type of films to put on when you are feeling low. You aren't going to be emotionally floored by watching it, but if you love it as much as I did, you'll come back to it and force your friends to watch it with you!
Before the title credits even came on, I was hooked by this movie. If nothing else, this film is a visual feast. The animation and character design are refreshingly simple and stylish and the color palette was obviously meticulously chosen to exemplify the atmosphere of Kyoto's nightlife. The setting really stands out, and there are lots of interesting references to Japanese tradition and culture. Still I believe this translates well to an international audience, you certainly don't need to be an anime fan to enjoy this movie.
The main characters, whose names are never revealed, are pretty standard comedic foils; the Raven-Haired Girl is quirky, idealistic, and easygoing, whereas her admirer, Senior/Senpai, is nervous, clumsy, and more pragmatic. The girl reminded me of Amélie quite a bit but maybe that's just the haircut, haha.
The rest of the cast is an ensemble of smaller characters. Their stories are interwoven beautifully through the journeys of the protagonists, and even though most only appear briefly, their personas and stories really come to life. The story of this film mainly explores how these people are connected, so there isn't a strong, complex central story (but that's clearly not what "Night is Short" intended to do). There is a strong emphasis on the serendipity and wonder of nightlife, supplemented by a tasteful helping of magical realism and absurdity. Still, this feels really authentic to the youth experience even coming from me as an American student.
The comedy in "Night is Short" isn't ever dark or mean-spirited, the characters are always given sympathy, and there is such an air of joy and celebration in every corner. It's fast-paced but leisurely, unpredictable but not suspenseful. Totally cliché but this is one of those "faith in humanity restored" type of films to put on when you are feeling low. You aren't going to be emotionally floored by watching it, but if you love it as much as I did, you'll come back to it and force your friends to watch it with you!