Submittan

My hat is off to Susumu Kimura, who both wrote and directed this gem of a short. The concept, plot and script are spot-on. Every actor without exception gives a superb performance. The setting and cinematography are perfect. 'Submittan' is precisely the right length, not one second too long nor too short. For all this: nine-point-five stars, and very close to a ten, in my view.

But, in common with all too many shorts, the musical score is in-your-face portentious, over-written and loud. It's not a score for a very fine film; it's a score for some kind of video game, and as such, it's as inappropriate as Worcestershire sauce on a hot fudge sundae. I think what's needed is a very lightly scored, minimalist effort that subtly points up the almost static drama. I give the present score four stars.

So, overall, seven stars.