Review: A Few Moments of Cheers

I watched A Few Moments of Cheers at Scotland Loves Anime and found it a pleasantly engaging and slightly emotional way to pass the hour.

It’s the behind-the-scenes story that adds an extra twist.

A Few Moments of Cheers is made by 100studio and Hurray! The latter, Hurray!, normally makes music videos. The plot is about a student determined to make his mark as an artist by making music videos who decides he MUST make a video for a singer he meets on a rainy street.

Director Popreq refused to go on camera for the recorded interview after the piece, appearing as a voice wave on the big screen instead. One of the director’s stated drawbacks of making a feature-length film rather than the usual music videos Hurray! makes is that he had to work with other people and prefers to work alone, remotely, at home.

In fact, Popreq made A Few Moments of Cheers using the open source software Blender, sometimes an iPhone and with a relatively low-end motion capture suit so that he could play almost all the characters himself!

Look and feel

A Few Moments of Cheers has a unique visual style that blends 3DCG animation with hand-drawn elements, creating a distinct aesthetic that sets it apart from traditional anime.

The character designs are soft and expressive, focusing on natural movement (which we now know was mainly the director animating over his own motion capture) and realistic proportions. Backgrounds are often rendered in a painterly style, with pastel colours and detailed textures that evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

The film’s overall feel is gentle melancholy and quiet introspection. The animation is deliberately paced, allowing for moments of stillness and reflection. At times, there are bursts of energy with some frantic cycling, but these are in contrast to the usual pace.

The soundtrack, featuring acoustic guitar and piano melodies, complements the visuals with its understated beauty. While there are moments of humour and lightheartedness, the film’s emotional core is rooted in themes of loss, longing, and the search for connection.

In essence, A Few Moments of Cheers offers a visually and emotionally rich experience. Its unique blend of animation styles and its introspective narrative creates a beautiful and thought-provoking film even if its perhaps entirely selfish to Hurrays! collective interests.

Plot overview

A Few Moments of Cheers tells the story of Kanata, a young artist struggling to find his place in the world. He forms an unlikely partnership with Orie, a former musician turned teacher, who he tries to reignite herpassion for music. Together, they embark on a journey of creative collaboration, culminating in the production of a music video that encapsulates their shared experiences and emotions.

While simple in its premise, the plot explores deeper themes of artistic expression, self-discovery, and the power of human connection. It delves into the challenges aspiring artists face, the fear of failure, and the importance of finding your voice. The film’s impact lies in its ability to resonate with viewers emotionally, prompting reflection on their own creative pursuits and relationships.

While the narrative may not be action-packed or filled with dramatic twists, its quiet introspection and genuine portrayal of human connection leave a lasting impression. A Few Moments of Cheers is a film that celebrates the beauty of artistic collaboration and the enduring power of music to heal and inspire.

Overall

It’s more than an hour long music video. A Few Moments of Cheers isn’t thrilling, but it’s emotionally engaging and worth your time.

🍻 Sponsor: Cheers, Dusk Wave Arts and Barheim, the beer tower defence game, for enabling our Scotland Loves Anime trip.