Kick-Heart

Kick-Heart is a 2013 animated short movie directed by animator and director, Masaaki Yuasa, and produced by Production I.G., an anime production studio renowned for bringing aesthetic dimensions and heart-touching storylines to their animated series. The movie contains a unique blend of surreal imagery and intense emotions that revolve around the life of a pro-wrestler and a nun.

In Kick-Heart, Tatsuhisa Suzuki gives voice to the lead character, Maskman M, who underneath his wrestling persona, is a man named Romeo, juggling between his wrestler image and a seemingly normal good-guy character. Romeo is unlike any other protagonist, filled with distinctive personality traits – he ardently loves professional wrestling and also holds a secret crush on a nun, Juliet, voiced by none other than Takako Honda. Between the wrestling ring and a monastery, the narrative twirls around amalgamating complex yet fascinating human emotions and predicaments.

Joining the lead cast is Wataru Takagi, who has voiced a cast ensemble of unique side characters, enhancing the plot with his versatility. As a whole, the cast of characters are well-rounded and relatable, building a bridge between reality and fantasy while keeping viewers engaged all the way through.

The animation, a distinctly recognizable characteristic of Kick-Heart, is a fresh breath of air infusing vivid colors, wild imagery and fluid but off-beat movement transcending the boundaries of typical anime. This is an experimental venture that pushes the envelope and speaks to the heart of independent animation enthusiasts. The art direction and the background set-up is a true visual spectacle reflecting thought-process, feelings and emotions of the characters.

The narrative, albeit being brief, is layered and deep holding dual storylines, veiling and unveiling Romeo’s two lives. The ever-shifting perspectives and changing elements in Romeo’s life deliver a penetrating look inside human desires, dreams, vulnerability and the will to fight for what one wants.

The added layers of comedy with its dark and subtle humor add an additional degree of entertainment, setting a poignant yet an unconventional tone to the proceedings. From ironic circumstances to the funny interludes, the comic elements come off as authentic and appealing that serve as icing on an already interesting cake.

Furthermore, the tender love story that brews in the background builds an emotional depth to the overall narrative. Coupled with the beautiful score that aligns with scenes making the transitions smooth for viewers, the music enhances emotions, tension and nostalgia. It emphasizes the drama and helps ground the overly surreal plot-line.

However, Kick-Heart is not confined to just visual aesthetics or a moving narrative. At its core, the movie is about passion, dreams, love and self-discovery. It diligently moves the narrative from shadows to the light, from artifice to truth, from pain to joy, and from despair to hope. The story explores passions that bound individuals, dreams that keep one moving forward and the essence of accepting who you are. It effortlessly brings these themes to life instilling a sense of empathy and understanding in the audience.

Hence, Kick-Heart can be called a visual and narrative poetry in motion. The short yet surreal narrative unwinds not just a story but a flood of emotions and realities that is not often seen in conventional animation movies. Despite running around 12 minutes, the movie delivers a profound, marvellous and otherworldly experience to the viewers. The unconventional storytelling and superb animation give the movie a personality of its own which challenges the viewers to appreciate the beauty in its absurdity.

In closing, Kick-Heart is more than just an animated short film. It is a piece of art that breaks free from the constraints of regular animation, pushing boundaries and exploring human emotions in ways that enchant, amuse and touch the viewers at the same time. It's a must-watch for those who wish to dip their toes into the vast sea of non-traditional animations and for those who enjoy stories that offer more than just surface level amusement.