The character design in the film is stunning. Most memorable for me is the final scene, which features a moth alien-like humanoid creature with beautiful symmetrical patterns cascading down each side of their body. Once again, we exchange eye-contact but for a longer period. In the next frame, I find myself part of the sea of spectators staring right at them. The short film then ends with this beautiful character smiling – the only time any form of direct emotive expression is shown. I find myself particularly hypnotised by the way Tamagawa captured their eye movements.
There is a supernatural undertone to the short film seen through the various unidentifiable creatures. They aren’t scary in the traditional sense, but because they are so unfamiliar to the human eye, I immediately fixate on them. The distinct lack of overt communication adds to the ominous aura. The ominous undertones were further amplified by the steady-paced xylophone music that accompanies the short film “Mallet Quartet Fast” by Steve Reich.
At the end when the moth being shifts their focus to the side, it seems like a reaction to something. We don’t know what, though. Their smile, however, does not carry an ounce of malice. The ambiguity of that exact reaction elicits a sense of suspense, leaving us alone with that question as the credits roll.
It has been a long time since I’ve watched anime that made me feel the way PUPARIA did. The art style and character design remind me of Princess Mononoke by Studio Ghibli - a personal early favourite of mine. As in Princess Mononoke, the characters are stoic, leaving space for contemplation once the film is over. Both also use similar imagery of flora and fauna to deliver the creators’ messages of a dying earth and an appreciation for nature. PUPARIA was completely hand-drawn, much like the works of Miyazaki himself, further drawing similarities between the two. Its unconventional art style, which deviates from the norm of modern anime, paired with an equally impactful story, also reminds me of the more recent Netflix-created manga adaptation, Devilman Crybaby.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are strictly the author's own and do not reflect those of CENDANA. CENDANA reserves the right to be excluded from any liabilities, losses, damages, defaults, and/or intellectual property infringements caused by the views and opinions expressed by the author in this article at all times, during or after publication, whether on this website or any other platforms hosted by CENDANA or if said opinions/views are republished on third party platforms.