Night is Short, Walk on Girl (2017)
Let the magical mystery mayhem ensue.
HBO Max
An animated film directed by Masaaki Yuasa, based on the novel by Tomohiko Morimi.
How to read this review:
Very simple: Should you watch this movie? Who is it for?
How To Watch this movie & a little cheat sheet on Japanese words/customs etc. used in the film.
Basic review, a bit more in depth than #1, but no Spoilers.
In-depth review, with spoilers.
A Link to the bulletin board for some fun little extras and questions I had.
With this method you can read as far as you want to without spoilers, and come back after you’ve watched the film. You’re welcome.
Night is Short, Walk on Girl (2017) poster by Spikysky
Let’s begin with recognizing that this film is an anime. Anime comes in many genres, this one being a fun and heartwarming rom-com. If you like the movie Amelie, or the show Adventure Time (especially S6 E7, also directed by Masaaki Yuasa), then you will like this movie. It will pick you up, make you smile, and I highly recommend it. You do not need to read the novel it is based on, nor watch the show previously made by same the novelist and director.
How you should watch this movie, AKA the whole Subbed vs Dubbed debate. The answer may surprise you: Either way is just fine!
I do recommend you watch the dubbed version at least once because there are a few scenes where the dialogue is fast, the characters talk over each other, and a lot is happening on screen.
Below is an explanation of some Japanese terms, items, etc. used in the movie. I think having a bit of knowledge on these things enhances the experience, so please look it over!
Senpai means Upperclassman or someone older than you, mentor, etc.
Kohai means… Underclassman? Is that a word? Someone who is your junior.
Using -san at the end of a name is like using Mr. at the front of a name. So when a character says director-san, it means Mr. Director. (not used in this movie are -chan and -kun which if you are curious, you can look them up.)
A Kotatsu is a low table with a heater underneath and a blanket that surrounds it, so you can sit with your legs under the blanket all cozy. The ice kotatsu… pretty sure that was like made up for this movie, I have never seen anything like it. But I don’t know everything, maybe it’s referencing something!
A Daruma is a paper-mache doll in the form of a monk. It means good luck and perseverance, so it is often used as a sign of encouragement.
A Tengu is a mischievous mini-god. It literally means celestial dog or heavenly dog. He is usually depicted as red, with a long nose and wings. In the film there is a character that calls himself a self proclaimed Tengu, and I honestly don’t get it. This character has been seen in the director and author’s previous works (Tatami Galaxy) where he was like a matrimony god? So maybe it ties to that?
Egg Sake is a hot drink made from egg, sake, and sugar.
At one point the female lead throws this purple ball at her senpai and he eats it saying “Oh sour!” Yeah, that’s a pickled plum. I like it in onigiri, but I think people eat it plain and there’s like plum flavored candies and such.
Koi! We all know them, they’re fish! Well, these fish are symbols of love in Japan because the word koi also means love. The word ai means love as well and is more common, but they are making an obvious pun in a certain scene (you’ll know it when you see it). This scene, if you watch the sub, it just… translates koi to love normally and you don’t get the pun (unless you know Japanese)! In the English dub, they make it really apparent that it’s punny in a way that captures the original if you didn't know that koi=love and fish. I’m sure there are other puns in this movie, but my Japanese is very limited and I couldn’t find anyone pointing them out so that’s all you get.
Otome (for the subbed version) means maiden or virgin girl. Of course the creepy old man says it.
The Review.
I am sitting at a bar as I write this, drinking a cocktail, trying to channel our main character. This film makes liquor and cocktails and beer look like a magical liquid made to warm you up and inspire the night. It is the image a child has of that mysterious adult drink, and Night is Short is the mystical tale that follows like a locomotive of intoxication.
Simply put, our nameless leads traipse into the night of the Kyoto streets to drink and find (or create) their destiny. Not your typical coming of age story, the beautifully animated environment envelops comforts you as the characters overcome their obstacles. While the details may be hazy due to all the liquor in your system, it is certainly a night you will never forget.
The story begins at a wedding celebration that The Black-haired Girl and her Senpai are attending. The wheels begin to turn as we learn that Senpai has been in love with this girl for a year. He has been attempting to Biden her (see image below), making her think that it is fate they keep running into each other.
“Bidening” from New Girl (Hulu) They are also at a wedding in this scene… interesting…
Of course, The Black-haired Girl is clueless to this scheme and is just living her life. She leaves the party to go to a bar alone (you go girl) that sells cocktails for 200 yen??? Y'all. That’s 2 dollars. TWO AMERICAN DOLLARS. And the magical mystery mayhem ensues. If you don’t want spoilers, just stop here and watch the movie. If you don’t care, or have already seen this film, please continue. To number 4.
4. “This isn’t my story, but hers. In a world full of actors trying to cunningly maneuver themselves into the lead role, she was the star of that night without even trying. She didn’t realize it then, and she probably still hasn’t. This is a chronicle of her majestic journey through an alcohol-steeped night and my distress at failing to secure the lead role and making do with my existence as a pebble by the wayside. Wise readers, relish both her cuteness and my stupidity; savor the exquisite and subtle flavor of life, not unlike that of almond tofu. I hope you will cheer her on.” Excerpt from the novel by Tomohiko Morimi (2006) Night is Short, Walk on Girl
Like the novel, the focus stays on our unnamed Girl, following her footsteps as she walks to where her destiny awaits. Her Senpai in tow is a foolish, but well-meaning young man who questions himself constantly. In tow are a plethora of well loved side characters, old and new friends of our main characters. As you follow along you can’t help but root for not only the Girl and her Senpai, but all the others following through the night.
If not now, when? Night is Short is a movie about action. Moving forward, taking chances. Why not start a guerrilla musical to find a fated love? Why not hijack that musical to create a fated love? Yes, this story is full of absurdities and tall tales that all turn out to be true, (Denki-bran is a real alcohol btw, it means Electric Brandy). It also tells a tale of young people doubting themselves, inspiring others, accomplishing the seemingly impossible. Underneath the pop style art, the puns, the ticking clocks; is a genuineness that cannot be missed.
Fast moving, yet seemingly never-ending in a tight 1 hour and 30 minutes, this crazy train may have overwhelmed you. That’s okay, take a step back, think about what stood out to you. Every time I watch it, there is something different. This most recent time has been about connection. Everything is connected. Books, musical theater, myths, gift-giving, stealing, they all connect us. Sickness is proof of that, as we have all unfortunately discovered. Human touch or even close proximity is enough to catch whatever is brewing inside another person’s body. It’s actually comforting in a way. We live in a society because we need other people. In sickness and health, in love and hate, confusion and clarity. I am grateful for that reminder.
If you want more little things- questions I was left with, fun facts, please click the link below to be taken to the bulletin board. XOXO
“Those who are alone must act.”
I always see something new in this movie that’s too cool for school