Memories
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
Memories is a compilation of three standalone short films encompassing different genres. Magnetic Rose In the far reaches of space, after tracing a distress signal to a large abandoned space station, a pair of engineers—Heintz Beckner and Miguel Costrela—find a derelict mansion and decide to explore on foot. Their investigation reveals a dark secret surrounding the fate of Eva Friedel, a renowned opera singer with a tragic history. Hallucinations soon begin to plague them, and they must fight to retain their sanity in order to escape the station alive. Stink Bomb Hapless lab technician Nobuo Tanaka consumes some pills at his laboratory to cure a cold. Unknown to him, however, the pills are actually experimental drugs that enhance his flatulence to a lethal degree. As the toxic gas escaping him kills everyone in his vicinity, he is ordered by his superiors to retreat to the company headquarters in Tokyo. The journey to the city is made all the more arduous as Nobuo struggles with his deadly odor while the police, military, and foreign adversaries are hot on his trail. Cannon Fodder In a fortress city filled to the brim with cannons, a young boy wishes to surpass his father by becoming a revered artillery officer. Despite no proof of an enemy nation, he cannot resist the urge to partake in the daily bombardment routines organized by the city. Whether at school or just before bedtime, he only dreams of someday firing a cannon for the sake of his homeland.
Audience Consensus
Memories is a technically brilliant anthology with highly praised individual segments, particularly Magnetic Rose, yet it suffers from significant tonal and quality disparities between its shorts. While its artistic achievements and thematic depth in certain segments are widely lauded, the overall cohesion and the reception of Stink Bomb create a divided audience experience.
Strengths
- Stunning and diverse animation styles that push the boundaries of the medium.
- Exceptional musical scores, particularly Yoko Kanno's contributions, enhancing the atmosphere and emotional impact.
- Thought-provoking narratives in Magnetic Rose and Cannon Fodder that explore complex themes of memory, isolation, and societal conformity.
- Katsuhiro Otomo's distinct visual style and directorial prowess, especially in the technically impressive "one-take" of Cannon Fodder.
- Satoshi Kon's masterful scriptwriting in Magnetic Rose, blending psychological thriller elements with profound emotional depth.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent quality across the three segments, with Stink Bomb often cited as a significant drop in quality.
- Thematic disjointedness between the shorts, making the anthology feel less cohesive and potentially not living up to the 'Memories' title for some viewers.
- Stink Bomb's humor and premise are divisive, with many finding the protagonist's idiocy frustrating rather than comedic.
- Magnetic Rose, while praised, is sometimes criticized for predictable plot points or underdeveloped characters.
- Cannon Fodder's social commentary can feel heavy-handed or underdeveloped, and its unique visual style may not appeal to all.