Liked it more than Powaqqatsi. Where that film just felt like "Koyaanisqatsi but bigger" this feels like a reflection and iteration upon the other two that drives at a clearer message--humanity and machines are converging, as the civilized violence of war, finance, ideology, and technology drive humanity into less and less organic modes of living. This is contrasted against a more subdued Glass score, with more traditional instrumentation compared to the other two films in the trilogy.
This was interesting. The actual plot of the movie plays out like a police procedural horror film a la Se7en, or SAW, or Silence of the Lambs. The primary differences are in atmosphere and design. This movie is grimy, y'all! Tokyo looks dilapidated and cluttered, while simultaneously being stripped bare of life. It reminded me a lot of Pulse in many ways (unsurprising), but the thing I really want to hone in on is the sound design. The film really…
Hoo boy, a complicated film.
The animation is quite nice. The use of different styles for different segments of the story makes the film constantly a treat to look at. Special mention goes out to the rotoscoped breakup/fire-dance sequence, as well as the shadow puppet narrators.
Speaking of, that's my other major kudos - the narrators are charming and really sell the case for reinterpretation that the film makes wrt the Ramayana. Each of them contributes their own details in…
