I was able to watch Kurayuaba on the big PictureHouse screen at Scotland Loves Anime. The official listing was for Kureyukaba + Short, with an e after the r, rather than a. However, if you had to look at the letter through grimy goggles, I imagine they’d be impossible to tell apart.
Looking at things through grime and fog is very much the aesthetic of this steampunk (or, as I suspect, as Shigeyoshi Tsukahara, the director, might prefer ‘charcoalpunk’) anime.
Kurayuaba was crowdfunded so that a good idea could be made into a full-length film. It feels like there was a good idea here, but perhaps it’s not enough to stretch to a full-length film, and there’s not enough money either.
I really liked several key themes and the overall plot in Kurayuaba. Still, too often, we had surreal moments, sometimes as black and white film asides, where weird things happened, the script sort of waved a dismissive hand, and events moved forward without us.
Kurayuaba look and feel
Kurayuaba is a visual marvel when it works well that seamlessly blends different animation styles to create a truly unique aesthetic. The film utilises a combination of 3D CG and hand-drawn animation, bringing a sense of depth and realism to the environment. At the same time, the latter adds a touch of expressiveness and fluidity to the characters. This hybrid approach results in a captivating visual experience that feels familiar and refreshingly new.
However, there are times when all this bravery and cleverness just feels like a gimmick to cover budget or plot holes. These traps spring up without warning.
The bustling cityscapes are filled with intricate architecture, bustling crowds, and a vibrant sense of life. Light and shadow are striking, creating an atmosphere and depth that draws the viewer into this meticulously crafted world. This is important as ‘The Dark’ is a key plot point and a setting that is heavily featured.
The overall feel of Kurayuaba is one of mystery and intrigue. The film’s muted colour palette, combined with its haunting soundtrack, creates an air of suspense and anticipation.
The flip side, as noted, is when there’s just too much mystery to follow what’s going on. We saw that in the short played at the start of the Scotland Loves Anime experience. It’s a good start, followed by a dose of wtf and a punchy ending.
With its deliberate pacing and emphasis on subtle movements, the animation style further enhances this sense of mystery. It’s a film that invites viewers to immerse themselves in its world, to unravel its secrets and discover its hidden depths. It’s frustrating when you can’t do any of this.
Plot and characters
Kurayuaba presents a fascinating plot that blends mystery and adventure within a unique setting. The story follows a detective investigating a series of disappearances in a town built around a vast underground network. This subterranean world, known as “the Dark,” is a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers where strange creatures and forgotten technologies coexist.
As the detective delves deeper into the Dark, he uncovers a conspiracy threatening the town’s fragile existence. It’s a shame the audience isn’t encouraged to like the detective in the early scenes, leaving him looking like a child-exploiting coward.
The film’s characters are diverse, each with their quirks and motivations. The detective himself is a world-weary but determined individual, driven by a sense of justice and a desire to uncover the truth. He is aided by a young, energetic girl, his guide and informant in the Dark. Other notable characters include a mysterious masked woman connected to the underground world and groups of eccentric gangs, police and pilots of strange and wonderful contraptions.
While the narrative may not be filled with explosive action, it maintains a sense of intrigue and suspense.
The film’s ending, while somewhat open-ended, provides a little resolution, leaving room for further exploration of this unique world.
Overall
While Kurayuababoasts a visually stunning and unique world, its slow pacing and somewhat opaque plot may leave some viewers unsatisfied.
The film’s deliberate storytelling and focus on atmosphere prioritise world-building over a tightly-paced narrative. While the mystery at the film’s heart is intriguing, its resolution may feel underwhelming to those seeking clear-cut answers. Ultimately, Kurayukaba is a film that prioritises style and atmosphere over a gripping narrative, making it a visually impressive but narratively underwhelming experience for some.
🍻 Sponsor: Cheers, Dusk Wave Arts and Barheim, the beer tower defence game, for enabling our Scotland Loves Anime trip.
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