Shigeru Motoki, professionally known as room 29-Q, presents a second feature starring his adventure-loving ball-toting titular character from the Tsumurin series. Independent freelancer Motoki utilizes the magic of 3DCG (3D Computer-graphics) to bring to life a “Rolling Ball sculpture” going on yet another fascinating adventure.
Tsumurin, Presenting a Gift to Master Funkoro is screening at Japan Filmfest Hamburg
The animation begins with Tsumurin rolling down a maze of bamboo poles stacked high above the forest canopy, filled with the humming backdrop of chirpy birdsong. The cutesy rolling ball navigates a series of physics-based obstacles where every movement elicits a beguiling shift in the textures of the environment. As the voyage tumbles along from high up the forest and into the subterranean underground, Tsumurin's motive for its journey is revealed as he approaches his friend Master Funkoro with his two sons.
True to its title, the plot of the short is essentially Tsumurin presenting a token of gratitude to his friend Master Funkoro. In this instance, it is a collection of golden tchotchkes; a strange choice for a gift, that effectively adds a touch of quirkiness and intrigue to “Tsumurin, presenting a gift to Master Funkoro.” The second half then follows Master Funkoro and his children who return the favor by obtaining an object of Tsumurin's desire.
While lacking a textured narrative, the cutesy and charming piece by room 29-Q makes up for it with fluidly crisp visuals that flow from one scene to another like the mechanical orderliness of pushing domino blocks. The textures and lighting of the animation were rendered to perfection, and minute details can be observed glistening from the surfaces of the characters and the many fancy apparatuses that dot the scenery. The strategically placed alternation of wide shots and close-ups come together to show off the picturesque graphics in a flattering light.
However, there is no escaping the fact that the entire 8 minutes of this production gives the impression of a video game. It has various hallmarks of side-scrolling platformers like “Leo's Fortune” and “Limbo” amongst others, features that would not translate well to a big screen viewing in a theatrical setting.
At its essence, the creativity and imagination of Shigeru Motoki shine through in his adept technique of world-building in which ambiguity and eccentricity chart the course for unique character development (it is not explicitly mentioned what type of creatures Master Funkoro and Tsumurin were), offering a formal introduction to the whimsical land of a rolling ball structure traversing the mighty forest looking for its next escapade.
