A Short Vision

A Short Vision is an irresistible sensation caused by beautiful paintings and brilliant animation. Music is wonderful and aesthetic. But its confusing plot and dubious direction didn't work on me.

This is a film I discovered by accident on YouTube and long may it stay there and be available. I live in the UK and going through old newspapers to see what was shown at the time of its 1950's release here I see no reference to it being shown. I like referencing primary sources because reviews of any given period are important hints as to failure or success for any given film. I can only imagine that given the threat of possible annihilation by atomic means and its X certificate for Adults Only would have put a lot of cinemas off showing it, and also its 6 minutes running time. And the film is horrifying, on whatever criteria you have for the word. The destruction of animals, the dissolving face looking up at the ' threat ' in the sky can still darken the mind with fear, and arguably our minds should be. No spoilers but there are other images that make us ( or should make us ) feel afraid of not only what comes from the sky, but the dominance of inner violence within ourselves. It works as symbol and a dreaded reality, and it is as applicable today as it was back then in the 1950's paranoid world of imminent destruction. As for today imminent destruction can be other than atomic, and it all hinges on our humanity which hangs by a thread.

The film is simply not as emotionally involved as the famous animated films from Japan are (i.e. Grave of the Fireflies and Barefoot Gen). Interesting for a glance at 50's animation but not for an informative viewing of the usage of atomic bombs.