I've thought about this film a lot in the past year since I first saw it. Softly steps on very big subjects. Dealing with the universe, aliens, mysterious illnesses and ecological concerns, it could so easily be schlocky and ineffectual. Ishii captured the essence of a Pure Moods tape and transforms it into an engaging tranquil science fiction narrative. It tells a story mostly in the form of sounds, textures and a dream-like atmosphere. Giving details only when completely necessary; truly an immersive film experience. He creates a magical environment using only visuals present in reality. No crazy effects, just the transcendental cosmic beautify of what exists in nature.

A film in tune with all the elements, and all the greater secrets of the universe that we may never understand.

It's strange how a film can feel so massive, so astronomically dense, yet so elusive and nebulous, like a rain-cloud atop a mountain. It is all-encompassing, completely immersive to the point where it feels like you're floating in it, each moment lingering as you pass through, or as it passes through you.

I have a deep newfound appreciation for stones and mushrooms. Such beautiful things they are.

And the score is something else...like the soft primordial crooning of ancient dolphins and aliens guiding me gently to a peaceful sleep. That's where I'm going right now.

on cosmic (in)significance and miracles of proximity. flows in reverse from the mundanities of these teenagers’ lives to the loftiest peaks of cinematic abstraction effortlessly. the rediscovery of a boundless soul through bodily harm; not the atoms but the spaces between (the sublimity of negation). the only thing humans can give to the earth is blood (but what wonders it bestows in return). marvelous

”i’m not scared about the boundaries anymore”

This is the movie Makoto Shinkai has been trying to make for 20 years.

This basically hits 95% of my narrative concerns, is pretty aesthetically gorgeous, and has a fucking amazing score. Hypnotic and languid, ennui squeezes out of every frame, this is so unbelievably fantastic.

Pre-Y2K anxieties and teen melodrama merge in a sparse, dream-like state; what should be cold and unpleasant is strangely warm and inviting. Pure aesthetic brilliance, hypnotic, nostalgic gold. This is nu-gaze cinema before it even existed. Feels like it just appeared into existence fully formed. 

Plus it has dolphins.

Fire in the sky. Reversed weathering with you, and make it vaporwave. Ethereal music muffled behind a body of water, the night swallowed by moon, pillars of light in a rainforest, image layered on image evoking a form of nostalgia that is so distinct, so oddly personal. Amazing, such a transcendental experience. Very much surprised to see a man that is so dedicated to annihilate our eardrums would craft a masterpiece as soothing as this, Gakuryu Ishii is an artist that is truly capable of doing anything he wishes. Thank you Kudos and Evie for the recommendation.

From water to disquiet. The movement here is qute something. Elemental horror all the more chilling by how good Ishii is in position it in terms that are both specific everyday without sacrificing his general malaise.

I'll try and write more on this soon on an imminent rewatch. one of the most subtly massive films ever made, probably. it fits the universe in the palm of its hand.

emitted strong cosmic vibrations that sent me back in time to playing everblue 2 on the ps2 as a child

big brain mode activated
         🧠
🖖👁👄👁👍

content warning: the film emanates strong bisexual energy™. however, gays and straights can enjoy it also

really liked this. slow and dreamy goodness. would love to see it outside of a 360p youtube rip

so beautiful so mysterious. the relationship of humans to the earth and the (lack of) boundaries between them explored through a coming-of-age narrative that gradually turns into something more cosmic. the score is mesmerizing

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWrQfyjgw84/?igshid=7c46tuhojfhf

I remember when this had 5 reviews on here. 300+ reviews now and STILL NO BLU RAY RELEASE

This whole movie is a mood, and I was vibing with it. The story is surreal and interesting, it is shot very well, the score is phenomenal, and the ending actually hit me pretty hard, in a good way. This is not your average sci-fi film, so I don't think it's for everyone, but I'd definitely recommend it. Luckily there's a very solid stream up on YouTube right now.

This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.

as i'm so used to scifi/supernatural themes being utilised in a certain way, for this movie to purely make use of natural visuals was really refreshing.

it was slightly difficult to look past what the characters were lacking at first but it becomes irrelevant as the heart of the movie gets clearer

tfw a strange illness and climate change are happening at the same time and no one ever understands what you’re saying anymore and you start feeling nothing but a strong pull to another planet, or realm, or wherever you belong 
🐬you’ll see me whenever you wish to meet me🐬

This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.

The only good superhero origin movie