quick extra note on good representation in media (might include this in the next video): representation is not just about plonking in characters with certain identities into movies. genuine representation extends beyond that and is also concerned with how a work is written, what it looks like, what themes are discussed, what types of imagery and techniques are used - it is meant to encompass the construction of the entire movie. for example, in todd haynes' movie safe, none of the main characters are queer but the film's fictional disease still heavily explores queer issues surrounding the shame and vilification and isolation of queer people during the AIDs epidemic. haynes is able to do an insanely good job at this purely through his own personal experiences, not by the quantity of queer people in the actual movie. most comics are great at representation because they're written from people all over the world who have no filters from corporations or editors and they can speak their mind however they want. the best way to have diversity and representation in art is to have people from diverse backgrounds write and direct their own stories so their thoughts and experiences are relayed to the audience as directly as possible, without whitewashing or corporate interference. it allows them to just be themselves without having to think about expectations and a lot of aspects of themselves are able to arise naturally (although the western roots of how a lot of art is made and was introduced to a lot of cultures still unfortunately has a big indirect influence on how people choose to make things). most "representation" and "diversity" is just putting minorities in films with white peoples' thoughts and perspectives and sensibilities which is stupid. I think naoko's movies are really honest and I imagine they capture her interests, personality and philosophy to life super strongly. representing queerness and neurodivergence in her work tells us a lot about herself whether or not she chooses to do it intentionally or not. that honest expression from someone with a unique perspective is what matters most, not the label that we attach to it.
hahaha I don't think I'll ever have time to make a video on it but I can leave some thoughts! it's my favourite work by imaishi right behind gurren lagann and I think it's his best looking work hands down, 10/10! everything from the weight and energy of the animation to the clever, creative editing and sequencing of images/scenes. the range of different types of action you get to see - guns, mechs, getaways, hand-to-hand combat, explosions, giant monsters - is unparalleled and captured within a super dense 50 mins. the characters arent very deep but have cool enough designs and enough vulgar energy to make them fun to watch and the story takes a backseat but you get it presented as cool subliminal lore dumps instead which gives the world some extra dimensionality. the real story is how characters move around in the environment and how the attack and defend themselves from everything from all sides. the colours and the heavy comicbook inking look beautiful. it abandons a lot of story/plot bullshit a lot of much worse anime OVAs and movies have the bog the experience down and instead focuses on doing the crazy shit that it's best at. one of my favourite movies ever!
I love how unique this film is, especially the faith aspect. It's not preachy or annoying, it feels genuine. I really like it
I actually saw this film 7 times in theatres because it was that good! Looking forward to part 3
thank you!!! part 3 will be dropping tomorrow!!!!!
quick extra note on good representation in media (might include this in the next video):
representation is not just about plonking in characters with certain identities into movies. genuine representation extends beyond that and is also concerned with how a work is written, what it looks like, what themes are discussed, what types of imagery and techniques are used - it is meant to encompass the construction of the entire movie. for example, in todd haynes' movie safe, none of the main characters are queer but the film's fictional disease still heavily explores queer issues surrounding the shame and vilification and isolation of queer people during the AIDs epidemic. haynes is able to do an insanely good job at this purely through his own personal experiences, not by the quantity of queer people in the actual movie. most comics are great at representation because they're written from people all over the world who have no filters from corporations or editors and they can speak their mind however they want. the best way to have diversity and representation in art is to have people from diverse backgrounds write and direct their own stories so their thoughts and experiences are relayed to the audience as directly as possible, without whitewashing or corporate interference. it allows them to just be themselves without having to think about expectations and a lot of aspects of themselves are able to arise naturally (although the western roots of how a lot of art is made and was introduced to a lot of cultures still unfortunately has a big indirect influence on how people choose to make things). most "representation" and "diversity" is just putting minorities in films with white peoples' thoughts and perspectives and sensibilities which is stupid. I think naoko's movies are really honest and I imagine they capture her interests, personality and philosophy to life super strongly. representing queerness and neurodivergence in her work tells us a lot about herself whether or not she chooses to do it intentionally or not. that honest expression from someone with a unique perspective is what matters most, not the label that we attach to it.
I really wanna watch these videos. But I definitely wanna watch the actual film first, so I’ll have to hold off for now.
hmmm video on dead leaves?
hahaha I don't think I'll ever have time to make a video on it but I can leave some thoughts! it's my favourite work by imaishi right behind gurren lagann and I think it's his best looking work hands down, 10/10! everything from the weight and energy of the animation to the clever, creative editing and sequencing of images/scenes. the range of different types of action you get to see - guns, mechs, getaways, hand-to-hand combat, explosions, giant monsters - is unparalleled and captured within a super dense 50 mins. the characters arent very deep but have cool enough designs and enough vulgar energy to make them fun to watch and the story takes a backseat but you get it presented as cool subliminal lore dumps instead which gives the world some extra dimensionality. the real story is how characters move around in the environment and how the attack and defend themselves from everything from all sides. the colours and the heavy comicbook inking look beautiful. it abandons a lot of story/plot bullshit a lot of much worse anime OVAs and movies have the bog the experience down and instead focuses on doing the crazy shit that it's best at. one of my favourite movies ever!
hmmm video on sonny boy?
Im so sorry nickolas I havent seen sonny boy yet :(