'Time, Forward' is not my favourite type of animated short film and it is a type where the execution has been variable. Despite loving Soviet animation, propaganda has varied in animation and it was not Soyuzmultfilm's forte either (only because they were so good at fantasy, adapting fairytales and folktales, revolving a story around pre-existing classical music, which played to their strengths more). Saw it anyway for completest sake and because Vladimir Tarasov is an interesting director.
Seeing it, 'Time, Forward' is nowhere near Soyuzmultfilm at their best, that it is still not bad at all says a lot about the consistently high quality of their work. Though by propaganda animated short film standards, it could have been a lot worse (it's not 'To You, Moscow' level). Tarasov's unique style is put to good use and his style isn't as jarring as feared, but other work of his such as 'The Path' and 'Contact' represent him a lot better. They are great, this is admirable and interesting enough but something of a lesser efforts.
A lot is great here in 'Time, Foward'. The animation is colourful and atmospheric with some very 70s yet well crafted character designs, complete with Tasarov's usual disturbingly bold colour contrasts and sharp angles. The music gels surprisingly well, not my first choice personally when it comes to music styles to go with the subject, but actually the hard rock song was quite haunting and gave a moodiness that didn't feel out of kilter. Nice use of Mahler as well.
It does have some tension and emotion, namely because of the visuals at their best being so powerful. There are effective moments too, such as the futuristic space battle (it didn't feel like it fitted with everything else but it was visually striking and grabbed the attention).
Having said that, 'Time, Forward' did have potential to be a lot better. While the intentions are good, it does make its point too heavily and come over as on the preachy side as a result. The pace did feel on the over-stretched and dull side, from the story being too slight.
On top of being too slight, the story structurally is somewhat meandering which did give events a surprising vagueness.
To conclude, well intended with admirable elements, not bad at all, but doesn't quite come together. 6/10.
