Meikyû monogatari

A 1987 science fiction anthology film written and directed by three big names in the Anime world before they got big. Yoshiaki Kawajiri would go on to make 'Vampire Hunter D: Bloodline' and 'Ninja Scroll', Katsuhiro Ôtomo 'Akira' and Rintaro 'Metropolis'.

Story #1: "Labyrinth-Labyrintos", which starts and ends the film and of which #2 and #3 are sort of a part of, is a whole lot of random stuff that is at least dark, moody and excellently animated. I take it its aim is to simulate the experience of a child walking through this wondrous world, especially in the context of the ending, which has the kid sitting in front of a TV set, supposedly after watching what we just watched, making the film itself part of this world out of a kid's perspective, a film that could be described as exaggerated and excessive. "Labyrinth-Labyrintos" is fun for the time lasting - which isn't too long - it certainly doesn't overstay its welcome.

#2: "The Running Man" made by Yoshiaki Kawajiri - it's the name that I watched 'Neo Tokyo' for - and the segment didn't disappoint. Naturally the plot is thin, but the narrative style is all the more complex. There is close to none backstory about the main character but in my interpretation of the story the racer got so obsessed with racing and his will power got so strong that he developed supernatural powers. The other option would be that he always had supernatural powers and that's how he survived the races successfully for so long, but I much prefer the first scenario. The sheer plasticity on display in a race that seems suspended in time is exciting to look at. Also atmospherically "The Running Man" succeeds, it feels wonderfully cinematic in that it isn't just a succession of sequences without rhythm. The multi-perceptual style and the content accommodate each other well in that the magical occurrences of the story remain just that, magical and unexplainable.

#3: "The Order to Cease Construction" is an interesting reimagining of 'Apocalypse Now'. Especially in the beginning that's what it looks like and at least the atmosphere maintains throughout and the Francis Ford Coppola film hovers like a shadow over the whole segment, even if after the beginning the literal journey for the main character ends, but the fantastically frightening discoveries never end. Although undoubtedly most viewers will think "2001" when a robot fails to comply the orders of the man because it is programmed to finish the project at all costs, and the robot even threatens the man's life to succeed in doing so.

The animation of #1 and #2 are especially impressive for its age but also #3 is full of details in the depicted technology hullaballoo. Superbly rich and satisfying for its short running time of 50 minutes it is recommended viewing for all fans of moody Animes and technology freaks.

I can't say I always knew why was going on, but I had a good time watching Neo Tokyo.

The first of three short films inside this anthology had more of a fantastical spin than a sci-fi one, the second was a kind of grim and gritty sci-fi story that I think I connected with the least, and then the third and final part was like a blend of sci-fi and comedy. It looked at the madness of a world where robots enforce rules too strictly, having a bit of a Kafka feel, owing to the human protagonist at its centre who's slowly driven mad.

It's short and maybe not the kind of thing that'll stick with me, but I really liked two out of three shorts here, and didn't mind the other. Plus, the animation is surprisingly great throughout the entire thing.

I was lucky enough to obtain this film off an online auctions. And this is my review the film displays three short stories all extremely trippy.

The first one involves a girl, a circus, a cat and a mirror and a parade of very odd animals. This one makes you feel like your on acid at one point.

The second on is called the running man about a psionic race car driver who pushes his limits. Very Cool.

The third one contains probaly the most talking out of all three. itis a grim sardonic comedy about a man who can't stop a robot crew from working. it has a very ironic ending.

I enjoyed these shorts, especially the Otomo one, but the first two were a little too strange for me. I give them extra points for being original and the animation in all three was stellar (I wish more TV anime was as impressive). It just didn't leave as much of an impression as Memories did. But if you're an anime or animation freak, it's worth checking out.

Animated Circus With Racing and Robots

Neo Tokyo Is what happens when your animate for the joy of animation, the story is an afterthought. It's all about the joy of animated fire.

They are 3 stories and they each has their own strength. The first one is cute and has very stylish designed And wonderful backgrounds and the main girl looks super cute with her daddy's pants on.

The second is psychic racing which looks phenomenal has very masculine designs and just wonderful explosion and animated fire.

The third one is the only one that tries to have a narrative and it does it well. A Japanese man that is sent out to close down a construction site run by robots.

Each story is wonderfully animated you can really feel that this was done in that Japanese bubble economy, because everything looks great.

And the third story is my favorite, just looking at these robots that is on the tip of destroying themselves and constantly moving and having Explosions it's so fun to look at.

But it's over quickly and there is no story to make it stay in your mind. You are there for the designs and animation, those are done well. So if you want candy for eyes, watch it.