After seeing her jump onto a subway at the last second and getting her ankle crushed between the doors, Nishi reconnects with his high school sweetheart, Myon. Nishi is still very much in love with Myon, but is shocked to learn that she is engaged to another man. Nishi agrees to meet Myon's fiancé at her family's Yakitori restaurant, but members of the Yakuza storm the joint and murder Nishi when he tries to stop them from raping Myon.
Nishi, now dead, wakes up and meets a constantly shapeshifting god, who mocks him for dying. The god tells Nishi to walk into a portal and disappear from existence, which Nishi rejects, choosing instead to sprint past the god and reanimate. With a new outlook on life and knowledge of how the Yakuza are going to attack him, Nishi kills one of the Yakuza with his own gun, fleeing in a stolen car with Myon and her sister.
Acclaimed director Masaaki Yuasa's debut film, Mind Game's constantly shifting visuals tell a story about living one's life without regrets that is unlike any other.
Synopsis
Our tale revolves around Nishi, an under-confident manga artist with an unfulfilled affection for Myon, his childhood friend. Their reunion, after years, leads to a series of absurd yet mind-bending events. Caught in an unwanted confrontation with Myon’s disdainful fiancé and his delinquent brother, Nishi is shot, his departure from life placing him in a surreal dimension.
However, refusing the idea of death, he stages a miraculous comeback. This propels him along with Myon and her sister Yan into a fantastical voyage aboard a stranded whale. Their adventurous exploration in a pulsating alternate realm heavily impacts their outlook on life, love, and their overall existence.
Review
Welcome, anime enthusiasts! Today, we dive into the trippy, psychedelic, and absolutely surreal world of ‘Mind Game’. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill anime. It’s a piece of art that pushes creativity and imagination to unfathomable depths.
Coming from the ingenious mind of Masaaki Yuasa, ‘Mind Game’ is framed in a mesh of vivid artistry, including a blend of hand-drawn and digital techniques. It’s like a vibrant, animated canvas come to live that’s bound to capture the eyeballs while challenging your perception of traditional story-telling. The spectacular color shifts and strategic utilization of light and shadows are honestly a visual feast!
Moving onto the story, ‘Mind Game’ is aptly named. It compels us to ponder over the conundrum of life, love, and our fears. While the plot seems absurd at first glance, it skillfully weaves into a profound narrative. The events, although seemingly unrelated, blend together into a captivating symphony of emotions and philosophies.
The characters are so well crafted! Each one of them carries their raw, authentic aura. From Nishi’s evolution from a timid dreamer into a bold explorer to Myon and Yan embracing life’s unpredictability, ‘Mind Game’ is a stirring exploration of humanity.
Audiowise, the movie is, to say the least, a sonic banquet. The composition, timing, and integration with the visuals are like the perfect cherry on top of this psychedelic cake! ‘Mind Game’ is an audio-visual spectacle that needs to be experienced first hand to truly understand its genius.
Summing it up, ‘Mind Game’ is not for mundane viewers. It’s a wild ride for those daring enough to step out of their comfort zones. This anime will make you laugh, reflect, ponder, and much more. It’s a kaleidoscope of emotions, one that’s worth owning in your collection, for the sheer experience it delivers.
Verdict
So, Anime Critic’s verdict? Buy it, rent it, or stream it? Well, ‘Mind Game’ is a commendable work of animation that demands multiple viewings. If you admire art, creativity, and aren’t afraid of venturing into ambitious narratives, buy it. For those who wish to dip their toes in without full commitment, a rent or stream should be satisfactory enough. But, do remember, ‘Mind Game’ is an anime film requiring your utmost attention and receptivity. Enjoy this mind-bending artwork and let your imagination run wild!
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