Drawn by the names behind its production like a moth to the flame, I stumbled upon Memories which is technically three discrete films. This time I'll talk about its first "part" which is Magnetic Rose. It has quite a pull that gravitates towards me. Let's just say it's different than the other parts because of the dream team consists of Satoshi Kon, Yoko Kanno, and last but not least Koji Morimoto.

Details

• Directed by: Kōji Morimoto (Magnetic Rose)
• Produced by: Atsushi Sugita, Fumio Samejima, Yoshimasa Mizuo, Eiko Tanaka, Hiroaki Inoue
• Screenplay by: Satoshi Kon (Magnetic Rose)
• Based on: Magnetic Rose by Katsuhiro Otomo
• Music by: Takkyū Ishino (opening and closing credits), Yoko Kanno (Magnetic Rose)
• Edited by: Takeshi Seyama
• Production company: Studio 4°C (Magnetic Rose, Cannon Fodder)
• Distributed by: Shochiku
• Release date: December 23, 1995
• Running time: 113 min
• Country: Japan
• Language: Japanese

Synopsis

From MyAnimeList:

From Katsuhiro Otomo, acclaimed creator of Akira, comes an animated masterpiece: three short stories all put together as a series of Memories. Part one is titled Magnetic Rose, a science fiction tale that tells a chilling story of love, loss, and the unwillingness to forget. Part two is titled Stink Bomb, a tongue-in-cheek story of a chemical researcher who is just looking for a way to get rid of his cold... so why is everybody around him dying? Part three is titled Cannon Fodder and is an introspective tale about modern wars and simply following orders. Music conducted by Yoko Kanno, Jun Miyake, Hiroyuki Nagashima, and Takkyu Ishino.

Story

I actually have planned to watch Magnetic Rose for such a long time, but sadly I never had the time or motivation even though it's very short for an animation with that magnitude. After the first scenes had passed, what ensues is a unique experience, achieved with blurred lines of dreams and reality, a signature style of Satoshi Kon's approach to duality. The present and the past are shown to be interceding, which helps to make the film even more authentic to its theme.

Magnetic Rose is in concept a sci-fi film, but the way the plot unfolds and thickens is just like a thriller film. I love how calm it seems at first but increasingly becoming more and more taunting and gripping. With a short running time of 44 minutes, the pacing is perfect by evoking the suspense and never a dull moment passes. Minutes into the film, I was completely mesmerized by its immersive storyline. I have to say, Kon makes the best psychological trick. As the viewers, we are not given a full view to the show, rather a limited capacity that renders us the same just like the characters. We don't even know what is going on. The ending is also very satisfactory. It wraps up gloriously and left no stone unturned. Yet at the same time, it is also open-ended and helps to make the film even more mysterious.

Visual

When each key aspects of this particular piece of work is examined, the visual is one of the most defining features. Just like its plot, Magnetic Rose has this kind of evocative aura. It's misty, grimy, and really takes us into the space. The technological design, architecture, color tone, and even the cinematography are stunning to say the least. Combined with the character design which I will talk later, Koji Morimoto really brings out the dread. Just like the protagonists, we are not sure if what we are seeing right now is a reality or just figment of our own memories.

Magnetic Rose doesn't need fancy things or flashy effects to give us the feeling of confusion. The wild color tone swing from one scene to another also create the eeriness in the air. Imagine finding yourself a lush beautiful garden in the middle of a derelict space station. Creepy.

Audio

The queen of composer herself fabricates the suite for Magnetic Rose. True, I feel the chill down to my spine even in the first scene. The haunting orchestral piece and the Madame Butterfly soprano voice really amplify the uneasiness. Yoko Kanno again delivers a great performance with her ever-changing style and mood, making each minutes passes with high tension and fear of unknown. Absolutely splendid work.

Characters

Being short in running time doesn't necessarily make Magnetic Rose less interesting or undeveloped. While some characters are just passerby, the central figures are quite fleshed out. Heintz with his vulnerability and weakness makes us think what really happen in the past of the man of his stature. And most importantly, Eva, the main antagonist who is actually quite complex even though she is only shown near the end. The character design is also pleasing to my eyes because of its degree of realism. There are no big-eyed short lolis or anything close to that regards.

Conclusion

Magnetic Rose blew my mind away with its masterful display of perfection. While some characters are left underdeveloped, the ones whom we regard as main characters really stand out. I would gladly say that with its short running time, Magnetic Rose has carved a legacy in my mind for years to come.