Introduction Memories is an anthology movie based on 3 stories by Katsuhiro Otomo. Though called memories they have no thematic connections or chronology to each other they rather just separate mini movies. Magnetic Rose directed by Kji Morimoto and screenplay by Satoshi Kon but story Otomo Stink Bomb directed by Tensai Okamura and written by Otomo Cannon Fodder written and directed by Otomo himself. Episode 1 Magnetic Rose Review Magnetic Rose is a fantastic science fiction story. Its an interesting film within the anthology because its clearly the best it connects with the title of the film and its a bloody masterpiece. Its no secret Satoshi Kon is one of my favourite writerdirector of all time. Though he didnt write the narrative its very hard to believe he didnt contribute towards the actual narrative. So much of the mans trademarks are so readily apparent that I must conclude he made suggestions for the narrative. He handled the design of the film which yes is very Satoshi Kon. The man is known as an illusionist he blends reality with illusions so seamlessly and creates emotions that you never think depict in certain ways. Rose is dealing with dreams illusions and commentary on certain attributes of humanity. A lot of the glamour it portrays is disintegrating one example of symbolism throughout. The Environment is so complex intricate and sorta lived in. Like giving characterisation to someone just using the environment is a real skill. Of course this story wouldnt work if the characters are bland and uninteresting here thats not the case. They are a lot of humanity with the cast in particular Heintz Beckner. One aspect I just love I comment above is making the world feel real but transforming it into something else so phasing from reality to fiction. The animation is fantastic though not as unorthodox or unique as Cannon Fodder its still just a masterclass of animation. The art design is fantastic I love and especially the music was done by Yoko Kanno this score is so complimentary to the film. Especially because the woman they are finding is an opera singer so they are much unique opportunities to portray this beautiful music. What this crew does in 40min is honestly outstanding its the masterpiece within the anthology. 10/10 Episode 2 Stink Bomb Review To call this disappointing doesnt describe it well enough. This isnt a good film and this following up Rose a masterpiece makes it feel worse. In this review I will describe the good first then the bad. Firstly good well the animation is fantastic the films depiction of gas animations cloud destruction density crowds etc its so finely crafted. Furthermore there is some nice art direction and just from the technical aspects its pretty good. Out of the 3 films its the weakest in this aspect. The same can be stated for the cinematography directing and animations. That stated its still better than like 90 of anime in terms of animation. I will credit that the concept the film is tackling is interesting. Would have been neat to see this same concept explored in another film but with different characters. However regarding that concept some aspects it accomplishes quite well. One would be the discoordination where panic occurs. The public response and chaotic nature are well done. Furthermore the pacing was relatively tight it didnt make me bored just frustrated mainly. So the Bad well to call this protagonist is stupid. Even comparing him to a monkey would insult the monkey intelligence. I am so baffled this protagonist is a scientist because he is literally so stupid and if this is meant to be a parody its not funny. This dude really drags the experience and the cause for the plot to occur feels ironic and just a pill causing this much havoc I dont believe it a lot of suspension of disbelief and the ending I think supposed to be comedic but I disliked it. Its not a bad watch but its not a good overall call Its average. Thankfully this is the worst one in the bunch as episode 3 is much more interesting. 5/10 Episode 3 Cannon Fodder Review Interestingly Katsuhiro Otomo decided to write and direct this one solely himself. I will say after episode 2 kind of hesitant to watch this but honestly a pleasant surprise. The first aspect that stands out would be the art style its very gritty unorthodox and raw and compliments one of the key messages of the film. Its the most allegorical of the 3 films. So the plot isnt too important but more so used to explore this authoritative society or this regime. They have a lot of parallels to the real world prominent wouldbe Germany and the Nazis. The focus is upon this family and one day of the father mother and son life. Theres evident war propaganda throughout with posters and the news but overall just an interesting world. The most impressive aspect beyond the art style is the unique animation technique and that illusion to look like the film is one continuous shot or long take. Animation has its own limitation when it comes to oneshot different from a birdman situation its difficult for different reasons. But yeah executed so brilliant and transitions are seamless. It also drives home the theme it explores. In terms of the pacing it was fantastic honestly wish it was longer to explore this world. The characterisation is pretty good though not the focus its more society. But I enjoyed those little bits of the old man. Overall its a very good short film 22min felt it could be longer but a good one to end this anthology. 7.5/10 Conclusion In conclusion I would recommend this anthology especially episodes 1 and 3 however episode 2 I say maybe give it a shot but I wouldnt recommend watching it. 7.5/10