Midori

I wrote this for a class, which explains why it's a bit more analytical/spoiler-filled. Warning: do not watch this.

Midori is sort of a difficult film to make sense of, because so much of it is insane and disgusting for what appears to be the sake of it. There is little rhyme or reason to most of the events and decisions the characters make, and I couldn't tell if it was trying to be deeper than it appeared or just bad, although I'd lean towards the former. Most of the characters are just evil monsters who want to make Midori miserable, although she shows weakness in her inability to even attempt to leave the situation and willingness to jump into the arms of the first person to show her a little decency, even if he's not too good himself. The dwarf is like the serpent from the Garden of Eden, luring in the innocent with promises of good things before turning out to be as bad as everyone else.

Stylistically, I understand that its mean to shock, but I found it difficult to appreciate the bizarre violence and sexuality throughout. It wasn't really frightening, just distasteful. Animated by one man, it's pretty lacking in that department, with mediocre, inconsistent art and very little fluidity, although the music had some definite high points.

I wasn't sure what the story was trying to say. Until the dwarf appears, it's mostly a series of unprovoked, cruel happenings, as everything Midori cares for is abused, including herself. The dwarf helps her and seduces her, and after some troubles is about to leave with her with everybody more pleasant than before until he reveals it was all a sham and they all really still hate her for no reason. As a different sort of entertainment, it was interesting, but I have a hard time coming up with any real redeeming features of it.