Taiho no Machi

Memories (3/3) - Cannon Fodder - 6.5/10

The most visually unusual of the three, Cannon Fodder also stands out because it runs for 20-something minutes, while the other two shorts are both approximately 40-45 minutes each. As much as I can gather, it's about the meaningless of war, all done with a futuristic slant that bleakly suggests the human race will never change, and firing increasingly advanced cannons will always just be a thing.

It feels satirical, but not in a truly funny way. It's kind of feel-bad and has a vibe that feels off, but that feels intentional, and I think it makes for an offbeat and sort of fitting end to the overall anthology movie that is Memories.

I saw this 20 years ago and just watched it again recently and enjoyed it thoroughly!

The opening reveal of the city is brilliant, showing how many guns are point externally. To me this implies that every household is complicit in the war against their unknown enemy. This is reinforced by the father refusing to answer a question to his son, indicating he either doesn't know, or doesn't want to tell his son. Also the obvious fact that all members of the family plays a part of the war.

The depiction of authoritarianism is beautifully done in Cannon Fodder. Definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys a short animation about war and propaganda.

It's a very short story compared to the rest. Seems like it's just setting up the world and then ends before you know it, without really telling a story. Not only is it the shortest of the stories, it's also the most slow paced - which isn't to its advantage. The animation is alright, going for a much more European style. Overall it's quite forgettable and felt like it was unfinished.