Tatsumi

Tatsumi, a Japanese animated feature film produced in 2011, showcases a vividly fascinating exploration into the life and work of manga artist, Yoshihiro Tatsumi. A labor of love directed by Eric Khoo, the film is an enchanting blend of quintessential biography and adapted narrative from Tatsumi's oeuvre. The voice performances are led by Tetsuya Bessho and Motoko Gollent, who bring the characters to life with a poignant dramatization of the written material.

The film offers a non-linear narrative, interweaving episodes from Tatsumi's life with five of his short stories - "Hell", "Just a Man", "Good-bye", "Occupied", and "Beloved Monkey". Set in post-WWII Japan, these stories, in true 'gekiga' style, embark on explorations of gritty urban life, existential crises played out in underbellies of society, the despair born of the socio-economic grind, and fleeting moments of joy. They effectively mirror the contrasting and often contradictory aspects of human existence.

The film delves into Tatsumi's struggle as a young artist in the shadows of manga-genius, Osamu Tezuka. Yet he perseveres and emerges as the creator of 'gekiga', a term coined by Tatsumi himself, which literally translates to 'dramatic pictures'. This new genre visually cued serious narratives, not just for children but also for adult audiences - a departure from mainstream manga that was primarily focused on lighthearted and playful content. Gekiga’s depiction of reality’s grime, misery, and forlorn desperation was an eye-opening divergence into the shadows for the contemporary reader and is brought to life in this film.

The seemingly simple yet highly evocative animation style of the film preserves the originality of Tatsumi's work while allowing it to breathe and move in a cinematic space. The color palette is largely muted and dark, reflecting the gritty 'gekiga' style that the movie celebrates. This is counterbalanced by the artistic touch of the animators who skillfully use light, shadows, and the interplay of colors to enhance the visual impact.

The film also explores Tatsumi's personal life, his artistic evolution, his relationship with his brother, the city he loved, and the woman who supported him. The segments from Tatsumi's life give the audience insight into his inspirations and experiences, helping them to understand the forces that shaped his groundbreaking works.

Tatsumi, with his candid narrative and sublime animation, casts a mesmerizing spell that evokes various emotions. It breathes vibrant life into characters and explores the depths of their experiences, while keeping its roots firmly grounded in the raw and visceral world of 'gekiga'. Even if one is not familiar with Tatsumi's work or Japanese manga, in general, this film will strike a chord with its universal themes and human experiences.

Tetsuya Bessho brings a touching sensitivity to the character of Tatsumi, imbuing his performance with a mix of vulnerability, determination, and creativity. Motoko Gollent's contribution also deserves appreciation for bringing to life the women in Tatsumi's stories with nuance and empathy. The rest of the voice cast compliments the narrative and carries the intense emotional thematic threads convincingly. The screenplay does an exceedingly proficient job of harmoniously uniting distinct stories and temporal narratives.

A significant aspect of the movie is its atmospheric soundtrack that underscores the melancholic tone of the film and augments the emotional depth of the characters' experiences. The music serves as an effective component to the film's narrative fabric, amplifying the tension, emotion, and atmosphere within individual scenes.

In conclusion, Tatsumi is a masterful cinematographic tribute to an influential figure in the manga industry. It provides not only a glimpse into the artistic path and personal life of Yoshihiro Tatsumi but also immerses the viewer in the world of 'gekiga'. It’s a film that exists in the intersection of art, history, and intense human drama, showcasing the transformative power of storytelling, making it a truly engaging experience for both fans of the artist and newcomers to his work.