Well, somehow I got hacked by famous hacker Sombra and this post was revealed before the solstice ( ≖.≖). Why am I sure that it was Sombra? It's easy, she just left her favourite sign(VCR, semiotics ch). Whatever, let's just continue reading this blog post .
Hi everyone, this is my review for the trailer of new anime movie "Josee to Tora to Sakana-tachi" or "Josee, the Tiger and the Fish". ヾ(＾∇＾)
Let's talk about its genre (W/D ch.4) and what should we expect from this movie.
Firstly, this is a trailer which has many sub-genres (W/D ch.4). Since this is fully animated and painted movie we can say that this is a cartoon. However, it's not just some cartoon. All things were painted in Japanese style: small details, such as limbs, grass, wind, etc, are fully animated. The whole picture gives us some mood, while in cartoons creators usually focused only on characters. So, we can properly say that this an anime.
Also, there are a few more sub-genres that we should mention. (ㆁᴗㆁ✿)
During the first half of the trailer we see how the life of our main character Tsuneo has changed after some incident. He saved a girl who was falling from the cool ground. From this point (1st level, VCR iconography ch) we can say that it also has a sub-genre - Slice of Life. A normal story about disabled girl Josee and her new caretaker Tsuneo. We see Josee as an unpleasant, selfish, impulsive, willful person, who doesn't think about her caretaker. Special mention needs the peaceful music which perfectly fits with our characters' daily routine. The events are going in their own rhythm of line (VCR, Form ch), as we've seen how Josee treats her caretaker the following frames were shown. For example, how Tsuneo had to collect four-leaf clevers, keep distance with Josee and even get outside of her home whenever she wants.
In the end of the first half we may see the characters' development, so let's talk about it ( ͡• ͜ʖ ͡• )
We see how Josee gets used to Tsuneo, during their trips to parks, oceanarium, cinema and other interesting places. Moreover, Josee talks about her true wish. She wants to go to the ocean. However, it's just a wish since she can't walk. Little by little, Josee opens up to him, while Tsuneo doesn't get mad about her actions or wishes. He even bought / created that little fish shaped lamp.
As it was mentioned before there is music playing along, however it's actually a song - "Sea of Hearts". The lyrics appear during the "bonding" moments, especially, when Josee tells about her wish. The lyrics show Josee's inner world and her true desires. The lyrics and music together make an ideal composition for this trailer(VCR, form ch).
In the deep calm sea, I imagined idealism
I wished so much it hurt, I could never forget
Ah, when I stand still right here, I remember
I really didn't even know the taste of tears
When I laughed with you
I want to swim in my imaginary world
I have to mention that the composition of this scene is perfect. Shades and lights are shown from lamp's perspective, no more other sources of light. The angle from which was shown that scene just streghthen the effect from the source of light. In terms of overall perspective we can see that every detail has its own mass and place on the frame. These carpets are shown in this position in order to show the right perspective and that everything has its own space.
Let's go to the second half of the trailer. As I like to call it - the drama/romance part of the movie (⋟﹏⋞)
In the beginning we see that the whole composition has changed. They made a transition from bright colours to dark. The song has ended, it's raining, gloomy weather, main characters are staying on that bleak beach. Moreover, they ended up fighting cause Tsuneo doesn't understand feelings of the person whose wish is to go to the ocean, while it's his daily routine.
Not only the colours have changed but the whole atmosphere as well. From this frame we can clearly see how shades perfectly show it. No sources of light as well. We don't even see Josee's face but hear a few words in this gloomy room.
Caretaker, one final job for you.
From these and further scenes we can say that this movie has two more sub-genres, such as romance and drama. After the whole time spent with Josee, Tsuneo just can't accept that he won't be her caretaker anymore. Then, we see a few frames from their trips together and hear words from Tsuneo that he will be her caretaker no matter what. Let's not forget that he has a friend who is in love with him and after she learns that Tsuneo likes Josee, she fell into pieces.
Moreover, during the second half the second song plays in - "Blue Waltz". The mood of the music is calm and romantic at the same time. The combination of piano of a few bowed instruments makes it sound how it was intended in the first place. Since it's called "Blue Waltz" the tempo is appropriate (three to four quaters). Even in the final scene of the trailer, our main characters dance in the Waltz tempo. Talking about lyrics, we can claim that this beautiful song has deep meaning (VCR, form ch).
Just hope and hope even if you are reborn
I want to sing and touch the uncertain future
The taste of tears flowing down my cheeks is a promise someday
Just be in love and be vague
Somewhere far away, beyond this night, dyed blue
Now, let's dig a little bit deeper (2nd level, VCR iconography ch). Why Josee is a tiger (signifier -> icon, UCR, semiotic) and why the author chose fish (signifier -> icon, UCR, semiotic)?
(> 囗＜?)
Well, from the Japanese culture some of you might know that tiger (Tora in Japanese) is the symbol (signifier, UCR, semiotic ch) of scariness. Even though there is no any single tiger in Japan. Some sources say that knowledge about tigers came from Chinese culture. In many Korean, Chinese and Japanese novels tiger plays a role of the animal whom people should be feared. As we know, Josee's character fits the tiger's role. Ironically, tigers are one of the best feline swimmers. But Josee can't walk and swim. Josee even drew a picture of the tiger.
In order to understand why she plays such role, let's look into Tsuneo's character. From the trailer we know that he almost "lives" in water. He is a college student who's dream is to explore ocean. From this description we may assume that he is a fish. However, it's just because he loves ocean. It has more deeper meaning. In Japanese culture Koi Fish is the symbol (signifier -> symbol, UCR, semiotic ch) of luck and fortune. Often it associates with perseverance (signified, connotation, UCR, semiotic ch). Now, it's obvious that Koi Fish is a good symbol in which japanese people believe as well as in the tiger.
Now we can say with confidence that Tiger can't exist alone (signifier -> index, UCR, semiotoc ch) in this movie (3rd level, VCR iconography ch). The Fish (Tsuneo) is here to bring luck to this poor Tiger which can't walk and swim. But why Fish? According to Japanese legend, Fish which climbed the waterfall bravely transforms into a Dragon. Dragon is the only creature that can withstand Tiger. Togerther they form a famous symbol (signifier -> symbol, UCR, semiotoc ch) - yin-yan. It means that no matter how scary can be a Tiger and no matter how small and weak is a Fish. In the end everything can be changed. The little Fish may become a strong Dragon which will surpass the Tiger. With the help of the Fish(Tsuneo), the Tiger (Josee) may become stronger and maybe even make his dream true. Just as this trailer ends.
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