A community of little people lives dangerously in a bathroom. They regard the human who occasionally uses and cleans the bathroom as a Goddess. When she washes herself, they enjoy the rain of droplets and the food that comes with them, but their fierce enemy is the mould that causes destruction and diseases to the little people and they need to organise a resistance waiting for the Goddess to come and clean the mould.
“Shady Side” is screening at Japan Filmfest Hamburg
One day, on a mission looking for food, shy Fein and fearless Victory are caught in a fight with the mould particles and Victory is taken by the enemies. When Fein and Tim venture in the aircon vent on the ceiling, they discover Victory is now on the mould side, boasting they are people like them and fighting for life in the bathroom too. A battle follows but when the Goddess re-establishes peace, the animosity vanishes like … mould in the sun.
“Shady Side” is a 10 minute film, animated and directed by Mio Hiruma who has done also everthing else but music and voices, and it's a little gem kicking with enthusiasm and vitality. The best thing of it is the simplicity of the traits, augmenting the essential quality of a doodle. Nevertheless, the animation is engrossing, highly entertaining and ultimately dramatic.
The look of the characters, moving on a simply sketched background, is fun too. Like in an old school manga, they have curly long hair, floating new-romantic coats and a strict code of honour.
Such a simple plot is given life and theatrical feel and regarded as seriously as if it was a matter of life and death. “Shady Side” is a storm in a teacup; friendship camaraderie, betrayal, community, belonging, collaboration are only few of the ingredients of this micro-epic adventure.
Music by Hayashiyu is a big part of the fun and the climatic effects. Classic piano mixed with electronic beats and funky rhythms give the story a different, more interesting depth. The dubbing is excellent too. The only things to be adjusted are the English translation and subtitles, easily fixable.
Great energetic entertainment and raw talent on show.
