Short Peace

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes

Thought I'd jump from the Ghibli festival to an anime at the Japanese film festival. Unfortunately I've missed the majority of it this year but managed to squeeze this anthology in on the last day.

After a brief and trippy introduction we're presented 4 short animated works, using combinations of CG and 2D in a variety of different styles. First of the bat was Possessions, which I thought had some of the more beautiful imagery of the bunch. I've also always been fascinated by the very Japanese idea that objects have spirits as well. It's an idea I've seen a few times before and it's done well here too.

Next up was Combustion presented as a traditional scroll with movement slowly being incorporated and eventually ending up as a more traditional edits but keeping the painterly style. Old school firefighting and a forbidden love with a tragic ending. It's simple and quite beautiful.

Gambo was next, playing out like an old school monster movie. A giant white bear with a good natured spirit who helps fight off a demon terrorising a local village. Some gory stuff here, but I do love the ancient setting.

A Farewell to Arms was last and probably the longest and most developed of the shorts. We see a team cleaning up after some massive war, taking out weapons and robotic fighting machines that have been left behind. The modern style of warfare on display here is really impressive and there's some awesome moments.

Interesting stuff and great visuals.