Theta

Seizure inducing, be careful.

The short film format is perhaps the most difficult.  To create a world, convey a story and to leave the user wanting more while at the same time giving them a sense of the story being resolved is a difficult proposition in 90 minutes, much less 8 minutes (the run time of Muramasa.)  That is precisely what Muramasa does.   Story: 10 There isn't much story you can fit in 8 minutes.  Fortuneately the samurai genre is well suited to this, there is no need to explain a story as old as time.  Motivations are simple for warriors; power.  The protagonist, an unnamed... See full review

While Mei-chan is playing in the backyard one day, she befriends a baby neko-bus with a piece of caramel.  The Konekobus repays the favour that night by taking Mei to a clandestine meeting of forest spirits.  Things get scary when the Konekobus disappears like the Chesire Cat, but it's not long before Totoro shows up and new friends are made. It's a shame Studio Ghibli never released this original short, because it should be required watching for anyone whom enjoyed My Neighbour Totoro.  Obviously there's not much story to develop in 15 minutes, but Mei To Konekubasu delivers more... See full review

It is easy to see the connections between Eve no Jikan and this early work by Studio Rikka.  It is very similar in theme, set, and setting.  While it shows the potential that later Studio Rikka films have, Mizu no Kotoba is still pretty rough around the edges.  Watch Eve no Jikan first, if you like that then give this one a try.