mosurataksaichan

I'm genuinely surprised as to how the other "Theatre of Horror" films have a higher average score than this one. It's self aware, morbidly entertaining, has a meta plot with surprisingly good cinematography and editing. After watching the film I was shocked to see it was directed by Nakamura Yoshihiro (of Fish Story fame). Ikeuchi Mansaku played a good lead role too! Can't say the same for the fake lizard baby!

As I wrote above, this is quite a boring short animation, the only Mark Baker short that doesn't have at least something interesting going on. I don't think he expected anybody to be watching this now though. The animation where the witches bird flies around the tower was a precursor to his wonderfully original art style though, and his quite quirky comedy is displayed a little. Stick to the Village instead, and if you really enjoyed it perhaps you'll enjoy The Hill Farm and Jolly Roger too.

I came across this film per chance, wanting to watch a fairly short feature length film as I was quite tired. I didn't really know what to expect from its vague biography but essentially this is a story about a kind and joyful gay man who ends up dead as a result of many things, mainly being ostracized as an outsider. It is assumed that he is killed by a casual pick-up. His story is retold by his two best friends who had visited him after being sent back to his hometown to live with his father (of whom share a strange relationship). However the story is fragmented and quite confusing just like the true meaning of the film, shedding light on multiple perspectives and multiple random characters. Long scenes of Japanese landscapes or sex scenes tie these narrative scenes together alongside a somber but upbeat instrumental used multiple times. Yes, this film is minimal in its imagery but it has a real personal charm to it, it's narrative clearly rooted in reality. And the final scene, which portrays the dead character moments before his death, has a haunting monologue that truly encapsulates his feelings of loss and hopelessness. Check it out!