Everything I watched & read last week - 13/10/26

Manny Labram

5 hours ago

2 min read

Flow, 2024

Having recently begun Blender tutorials, I was recommended this film as it’s made entirely on the animation software. And oh my lord, this movie was made for me. I adored everything about this film: the nostalgic, low-poly animation, the cats and capybaras living together in harmony, the nature, the mysticism, the dialogue, the way the characters are true to their species, the symbolism and message.

I went into this film not knowing anything about it, bar a cat is the main character. Flow is an incredibly moving adventure that mends the soul and reminds us all of the importance of coexistence.

Overall rating - 10/10

Moonlight, 2016

After 10 years of procrastination, I’ve finally seen what all the fuss is about. This film right here… It hits deep. A poignant story of self-identity.

What I enjoyed most about Moonlight is how the cinematography really feels like a gangster movie. The slow pans, the location. Even the abundance of dark-skinned Black actors initially made me feel like the film was heading in a familiar direction. So, it took me by surprise when, despite those gangster-movie elements, I realised this was, at its heart, a romance film with some gritty undertones. And I think the fact that it remained a story about love rather than violence made it all the more special.

Big shout-out to the cast, too. Amazing performances across the board.

Overall rating - 8.5/10

Berserk, Volume 9

A little over the half way mark of Berserk’s Golden Age Arc, and the story has started taking a more pessimistic turn (probably the only way to describe every Berserk volume).

Guts’ vagabond escapades come to an end, as do Griffith’s ambitions and dreams - though in a far grimmer fashion. Also included are visceral action sequences, tragic character backstories, and a whole lotta graphic sex - try not to read this on the tube.

Overall rating - 8/10

Jujutsu Kaisen, Volumes 21-22

With these two volumes, I’ve finally overtaken the Jujutsu Kaisen anime! The Culling Games are progressing in a thrilling but steady fashion. It’s nice as a mix of characters are getting their time to shine - one of them being Maki. Truth be told, I’m loving her development. She’s getting more confident and growing stronger (she’s already plenty strong) with every encounter.

I preferred volume 22 over 21, but still, two very good entries.

Overall rating - 8/10

The Legend of Hei, 2019

Keeping up the pattern of emotionally resonant stories with a side of action, but this time by way of Chinese animation - incoming The Legend of Hei. A surprisingly heartfelt adventure, the tale follows Xiaohei, a young wood sprite, as he finds a new sense of belonging alongside an unexpected ally.

With its whimsical world, expressive characters and incredibly fluid animation, The Legend of Hei delivers shades of Studio Ghibli, both in its aesthetic and storytelling. Perhaps the only thing missing was a little more unpredictability?