Comedy - Reviews

I see that some of the other reviewers didn't understand the concept behind the clever title and the historical subtext. In the dark ages it was not only books on science that were burned but also an books that brought pleasure of any kind. Making any books with comedic content rare and illegal. Laughter was considered a sin by the puritans but the mass slaughter of people with different religious beliefs in the name of god wasn't. True demons lay within mankind's hearts.

I highly recommend this short yet very enjoyable anime! And here it is:

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SPOILERS BELOW:

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It's ironic that a demon ate them in trade for a book that would make him smile and a laugh. LOL =D

STORY
A short but unforgettable legend-like story with an intriguing beginning, appropriate pacing and great closure. Despite some obvious logical contradictions and historical inaccuracies, the story still looks fresh and unique.

ANIMATION
Very artistic, using mostly pale-white and black colors that give the anime a foggy and somewhat melancholic appearance. However, there are two things that feel absolutely out of place: the ridiculous look of English knights and that the Black Swordsman reads his book right to left, although the story takes place in Ireland. I know, those are minor flaws, but they are quite noticeable considering the short length of the OVA.
Besides, I have a mixed feeling about the way the Black Swordsman is drawn: he looks more like a poet rather than a medieval warrior. On the other hand, that undoubtedly makes him very elegant.

SOUND
The soundtrack is only one song, but what a song - "Ave Maria"! Not only it adds a lot to the atmosphere, but you simply can't go wrong with music like that. Also, the voice-acting is superb.

CHARACTERS
Well, there are only two protagonists, and the short length doesn't leave any room for character development. However, you can't help but admire that VERY cute, brave little girl, and flegmatic yet deadly Black Swordsman.

OVERALL
Despite some imperfections in details, the OVA leaves a very good impression in general. In fact, it's one of the best shorts I've ever watched, and I highly recommend everyone to give it a try.

Pretty good for what it was, if you have 10 minutes to spare then I'd say go ahead and watch it. The animation is very bleak and gothic (an art syle I personally love, but maybe not for everyone) and the eerie classical music matches the tone and setting of the story perfectly. And speaking of the story... I was kind of confused. It probably has some deep inner meaning that I'm not aware of, something along the lines of the title being "comedy" while the story itself couldn't be more different, but I've tried to make sense of it like this: 

The girl narrating the story to us, the viewer, reveals that the black swordsman whispered to her that if she ever told anyone about what she'd asked him to do, he'd kill her. And yet by telling this story, 15 years later, she's done just that. Which is why maybe, at the end, when the swordsman is sitting in the tree with the book the girl gave him as payment, he laughs.  Because he knew that she was going to defy him. How? The girl never told us what the book she gave him was about, probably because she didn't know herself, she just though he'd be interested in it. Maybe the truth is that the book told their story (revealed the future) and realising that the girl was going to defy him, the swordsman decided to bring about this ending and accept her request anyway because it amused him.

This explains the contrasting "comedy" title and why he was laughing in the tree, but I might be completely wrong and who knows? Maybe the story isn't that deep. Either way, it all felt a bit "meh" to me, so I ended up giving it a 4 because there have been shorter anime which I've enjoyed more than this one (e.g. Pale Cocoon, though to be fair that's over 20 mins long.)

Overall though, if you like musing over deeper meanings like I do, then I'd recommend just watching this and trying to work out what the hell it really means. And if you don't like doing that, then you'll probably be disappointed, but... stick around for the art style, the music, and the swordsman's voice actor (who does a great job of sounding hot with only a few (most of them disturbing) lines.)

Kisegi is a short piece of moody vampire stuff. It is a very short story, told in the format of an old folktale or campfire story. There isn't much in the way of plot, the characters are not developed, the animation good but not out of the ordinary, but luckily, the piece is all about the atmosphere.

Like many works of this length, Kisegi relies on its soundtrack (Ave Maria, that's about it) and narration. These deliver in spades. While there is no emotional connection to anything, the sound manages to make it memorable. The choice of Ave Maria is inspired, and a beautiful contrast to the dark tone of the animation. This is a classic trick, yet proves itself effective to the extreme. The narration has a simple and rich quality to it which makes the tale come alive.

Really, there isn't much more to write about. It is worth ten minutes of your time, especially late at night.

"Comedy" (2002) is a unique and thought-provoking, renowned for its innovative and artistic approach to animation. This short film delves into themes of art, existence, and the contrasting natures of light and darkness through a visually stunning narrative. Set in a gothic, medieval Europe, it follows the journey of a traveling playwright who encounters a mysterious, silent girl in a situation that blurs the lines between reality and illusion, challenging the protagonist's perceptions of his world and work.

Highlights and Shadows

• Artistic Expression and Animation: "Comedy" is a masterpiece of animation and visual storytelling. The OVA's unique art style, characterized by its detailed backgrounds and fluid character movements, creates an immersive and atmospheric experience. The use of light and shadow plays a significant role in the narrative, symbolizing the underlying themes of the story.
• Depth of Theme: Despite its short runtime, "Comedy" manages to explore deep and complex themes. It raises questions about the nature of art, the power of storytelling, and the dualities of light versus darkness, reality versus illusion. This philosophical exploration adds a rich layer of meaning to the film, inviting viewers to ponder long after the end.

Faint Brushstrokes

• Accessibility and Pacing: Given its dense thematic content and abstract storytelling approach, "Comedy" might not be easily accessible to all viewers. The pacing and narrative style, while artistically intentional, can be challenging to follow, potentially leaving some audiences feeling disconnected from the storyline or the characters.
• Narrative Clarity: The OVA's abstract nature and reliance on visual symbolism over explicit dialogue can lead to interpretations that vary widely among its audience. While this ambiguity is a strength for those who enjoy dissecting and discussing art, it can be a barrier for viewers seeking a more straightforward or coherent narrative.

A Canvas of Contrasts

• Symbolism and Interpretation: "Comedy" excels in its use of symbolism, from the stark contrasts of its visual palette to the nuanced details of its characters' interactions. The film invites multiple interpretations, each viewing potentially offering new insights into its complex themes.
• Aural Landscape: The OVA's soundtrack and sound design complement its visual artistry perfectly, enhancing the atmospheric and often surreal experience of the narrative. The careful selection of music and sound effects contributes significantly to the overall mood and thematic depth of the film.

Conclusion "Comedy" (2002) stands as a testament to Studio 4°C's reputation for producing works that are not only visually stunning but also rich in meaning and artistic value. While its abstract storytelling and dense thematic exploration may not resonate with everyone, the OVA offers a compelling and visually mesmerizing experience for those willing to engage with its deeper questions about art, existence, and the nature of reality. For viewers who appreciate animation as a medium for philosophical exploration and artistic expression, "Comedy" is a brief but memorable journey into the complexities of the human condition and the transformative power of storytelling.