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Memories
Studio: Bandai Visual Format: Movie Released: 12/23/1995 Written by: Face 
Memories is an amazing anime vignette, featuring three short films based on totally separate sci-fi parables. Famed Akira creator, Katsuhiro Otomo, takes us on an unexpected journey of astonishing profundity and harmonious imparity through worlds of his own imagination. And although he only directs one third of the film, Memories thrives in it's own byzantine structure; it explores, gawks, ostends, and derides human morality and military chauvinism in a way so clever it reminds me that animation is more than just drawn imagery.
In an interview conducted shortly after the completion of Memories, Otomo said he wanted the film to move along unexpectedly. Considering the draconian content shifts between each episode, it's safe to say he succeeded. The first episode, Magnetic Rose, a splendid tribute to 2001: A Space Odyssey, is without a doubt the sturdy backbone of the film. It recounts the fantastical space adventure of the Corona, a junk-collecting spacecruiser, as the crew responds to a mysterious distress signal coming from a monstrous airship. The second episode, Stink Bomb, lightheartedly follows the life of an unfortunate sap, who unknowingly ignites a nationwide disaster while simply trying to cure his cold. And lastly, episode three, Cannon Fodder, a refreshingly tasty treat via Otomo, chronicles a day of life in a world where the sole purpose of society is to fire gigantic cannons against an unnamed enemy. Otomo unveils a new layer of creativity with each segment, artistically and thematically. Much like Akira, Magnetic Rose is a visually stunning piece of work, detailed, elaborate and never underdone. It's an eerie, ghastly, and supernatural foretelling that will keep you pinned down for its entirety, and to add the icing to the cake is an exquisite score by Yoko Kanno--absolutely astounding. However, Stink Bomb will be the most familiar film with fans of Otomo. His typical artwork and over-exaggerated apocalyptic circumstances are unmistakable products of his handiwork. Frequently, the least discussed and oft-ridiculed, Stink Bomb is much more than it appears to be. In reality, it's a blackly comical commentary, ridiculing what Otomo sees as plagues of society: government, military, society and the people who encompass it.  My personal favorite, Cannon Fodder, is without question the most visually unique, and thematically potent. The art style is an oddly stark adjustment, but nonetheless superb. It's a mix of Ralph Bakshi's work in Wizards with elongated adaptions of Dr. Seuss--to a certain degree. Take note of Otomo's segue camera-work: there are hardly more than a few cuts. But at the center of Cannon Fodder there is an outright statement being made. Much like Roujin Z and Akira, Otomo is suggesting the possibility of horrible futures created by the ever-present and increasingly overwrought government and military influences. Even further beneath all of that is a subtle yet deep comment on human nature. Although, these films could be considered caricatures, there is no denying the haunting accuracy of Otomo's observations.
If you're up for a smart beautiful film that may require a bit of introspection, Memories is the perfect choice. Just recently, it was released on DVD by Columbia Tristar, and includes a special featurette called "Memories of Memories." My recommendation: buy this movie. * * * * * (Excellent) Posted: April, 2004
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