A thorough review of "We are Aliens!" What is the appeal of Minna no Uta?

"We are Aliens!" - The appeal of Minna no Uta and its background

"We Are Aliens!" is a short animated film that was broadcast in June 2014 as part of NHK's "Minna no Uta" series. This work was created by two talented creators, Yoji Kuri and Naoko Yoshino, and made a strong impression on viewers in its short two-minute run. In this article, we will explore in detail the appeal and background of this work, as well as its evaluation.

Overview

"We Are Aliens!" is a one-episode short animation that was broadcast on NHK Educational TV. Although it is very short, only 2 minutes long, the content is deep and makes the viewer think a lot. The original work is listed as "Other", which indicates that the "Minna no Uta" series is a unique format that combines original songs and images.

Background

This work was produced by two creators, Yoji Kuri and Naoko Yoshino. Yoji Kuri is known as a pioneer of postwar Japanese experimental animation, and his unique style is highly regarded both in Japan and overseas. Meanwhile, Naoko Yoshino is an illustrator known for her colorful illustrations and storytelling, and her work is beloved by many fans. The collaboration between these two has produced a work that is extremely unique both visually and in content.

Story and Themes

The story of "We Are Aliens" is simple: aliens come to Earth and assert their existence. However, the underlying theme is very profound. The film asks questions about how humans should perceive their existence and how they should relate to others. Through the existence of aliens, viewers will be forced to think about the meaning of their own existence and their relationships with others.

Visuals and Music

The visuals of this work strongly reflect Kuri Yoji's unique style. The images combine abstract shapes and colors, creating a very strong visual impression. Furthermore, Naoko Yoshino's sense of color is added, making the whole work even richer. The music is an original song that is a feature of the "Minna no Uta" series, and matches the visuals beautifully. This music resonates deeply with the viewer's heart, further enhancing the theme of the work.

Evaluation and impact

"We Are Aliens!" has been loved and highly praised by many viewers since it was first broadcast. It was especially praised for the way it portrayed deep themes in a short amount of time. This work is also considered a unique piece within the "Minna no Uta" series, and is supported by many fans. Furthermore, this work has attracted the attention of animation enthusiasts both in Japan and overseas, and has led to a reevaluation of the talents of Kuri Yoji and Yoshino Naoko.

Recommendations and related works

If you enjoyed "We Are Aliens!", we also recommend the following works. These works will also attract viewers with their deep themes and unique visual beauty.

• "Goosh the Cellist" - A masterpiece by Yoji Kuri, it is a wonderful fusion of music and animation.
• "Naoko Yoshino's Picture Books" - Naoko Yoshino's picture book series is a collection that allows you to enjoy her sense of color and storytelling.
• "Minna no Uta" series - NHK's "Minna no Uta" series has many other fascinating works. In particular, "Great Old Clock" and "Hands to the Sun" will deeply move viewers.

summary

"We Are Aliens!" is a work that depicts a deep theme in just two minutes, leaving a strong impression on the viewer. Created by two talented creators, Kuri Yoji and Yoshino Naoko, this work is positioned as a particularly unique piece in the "Minna no Uta" series. Visually and content-wise, this work is extremely rich and will make viewers think and be moved. Please give it a watch.