Beyond Shinkai
So in a couple weeks, Makoto Shinkai will have his film and interview in London. Poor sods stranded over this side of the pond, like us, can probably take this opportunity and do something else while Shinkai moves on to a new chapter in life as an expat.
“2nd_Life (茗记)” is something that might be it. You can watch it on Youku, or watch it on Tudou. Chinese-based streaming video sites don’t work super great on my home connection, but they do work. YMMV.
This 6-or-so minutes long indie animation is produced by some PRC studio called L-Key. It’s in Chinese with Chinese and English subs. You can also find the soundtrack in mp3 as well as a WMV link (it didn’t work for me) for the video. Coming from a Shinkai fan’s perspective the similarity is clear, but there’s at least a modicum of originality in the expression that makes it credible, at least a little.
Big thanks to Iwa ni Hana for pointing this piece out.
Speaking of which, there’s this other piece on Iwa ni Hana about She and Her Cat which is just delightful. Can I go squeee now? You should go pay the blog a visit.
You are welcome. And thank you kindly for recommending my blog Iwa ni Hana.
The pleasure is all mine; keep that good stuff coming :)
Hmmm… Interesting concept. Some of the artwork definitely reminds me of Shinkai’s work but it doesn’t quite capture my attention as quickly as 5cm did on the first watch.
Yes, very Shinkai, not only in the visuals, but also in the melancholy nostalgia for a past love, and even the piano score.
Also available on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zROCd6qyX_M
(which works a bit better for me).
The ribbon at the end was a nice touch.