Cross Road

"Woaah, what an amazing preview! When will it air?" "Dude, it won't... that was a 2min one-shot." Probably the most common reaction after watching these commercial cuts, and certainly the utter sadness for Shinkai fans. Those who are already familiar with his projects, might have notice that from times to times companies from all kind of services come and asks him for short movies that will be used as commercials. All these movies have a optimistic and uplift forward-thinking look to them, caring some kind of moral or sense of ethics. In this case, this could easily fit as a preview for a cute boy-meets-girl slice of lifeanime, character driven, one of those series that develop into a deeper drama/romance. Even though this is just speculation, it's awesome to see how a short commercial was able to incite all these thoughts, when it's main focus is to sell things not make you ...feel. Well, that's Japan for you. Not just thoughts though. As a classic Shinkai production, some might feel also emotional affected by these short movies. Mainly because it shows situations many of us can relate and sure have gone through something similar in the past. Besides from Shinkai, for this one-shot we also have Masayoshi Tanaka (AnoHana, Kannagi, Mushishi, Toradora!) and Yuu Yamashita (Azumanga, Bleach, InuYasha, Usagi Drop) for the Key animation and character design, and Ayane Sakura (Love Lab, BokuwaTomodachi, Endymion -Index, Joshiraku) for Miho's voice. While we wait for another cinematic production from Shinkai-san, watching these short stories is a great way to unwind and refresh your artistic masterpieces battery. -As for the standard MAL rankings, there's no use in further digressing about them. Story: 6/10 - Art: 8/10 - Sound: 8/10 - Character: 6/10 - Enjoyment: 9/10 Character and story gets an 6 due to the lack of development, obviously. Artwork and sound 8 for the astonishment they always are. And enjoyment sure is a 9, even though it only lasted 119 seconds.

Once upon a time, Shinkai Makoto made a name for himself overnight with a 25 minute independent short. Following his playful debut work "She and Her Cat, the poignantly existential "Voices of a Distant Star" cemented his place as a storyteller and opened the doors to the industry for the fresh young auteur. Fast forward a decade or so, and now he has amusingly been hired to create a commercial for a cram school company. The result is surprisingly touching as a bite-size narrative, and reminds us why Shinkai Makoto is a master of the short form storytelling. The impact "Cross Road" achieves in twominutes is greater than what lesser anime reach in thirteen episodes. Now don't get me wrong, Makoto's films, which have continually matured visually and thematically, continue to awe and inspire, but I can never shake the feeling that his longer, later works lack the fresh rhythm, and hard-hitting punch of his early masterpiece "Voices". His highly personal, contemplative themes emphasizing separation, chance and circumstance, alongside his lingering sentimentality over unresolved threads of life, are most effective in short bursts. When given the "freedom" of movie length run times, his pet themes can on occasion become overwrought and melodramatic. Hence, it is with this two minute commercial short that the defining elements of his unmistakable style shine through most powerfully. When pushed to the limits with this constraining format, Makoto makes every single shot count down to millisecond duration, woven together with flawlessly timed editing over inspirational music. By condensing time and space to an extreme, Makoto is able to rapidly draw parallels that tightly entwine two characters who otherwise don't meet until the very end, as well as increase the weight of their every action. Such economy is epitomized by a brief moment in the story (that only lasts a second or two), perhaps to be considered the climax, where a shot of the school door opens, cuts to the female protagonist in thought, then cuts to a close-up twist of her pen, and to a wide shot of a classroom full of students, all to the high point in the accompanying vocals -- that culminates in the protagonists striving to fulfill their dream -- is absolutely uplifting and brilliant in a way that defines Makoto at his very best. The animation, the movement, the choice of shots, the timing from one shot to the next, the context leading up to and following this magical moment, it's all so indelibly appealing. More amazingly, every beat, every moment of these two minutes are nearly as breathlessly spirited. Some seem to think this would be better as a movie or a series, but in my view, if it were prolonged any more than it was, it would lose so much of what makes it so potent as it exists: a refreshing two minute tale that eliminates the burden of a longer, mundane chronicle of life told so many times before and so many are familiar with. Our imagination fills in the gaps, the details, the happenings in between, and the ever after, and that makes it more than it could ever be in elaboration. Will they get into the U? Will they end up together? Does it really matter? Any extension would be the start of something else far beyond what this set out to be. "I sought to find something great, and while it may not have been what I expected, I found something... or rather, someone." As such this simple tale began and concluded. Like a classy, expensive dessert, "Cross Road" is a slice of life that comes in a small portion. And that's what this short really is -- a collection of perfect little images telling a perfect little story, which incidentally is a the perfect little commercial. Someone should remind this guy to make more short films.

Can you imagine the emotions that can be conveyed in just two short minutes of animated advertising? Allow me to tell you about a masterpiece that exceeded all my expectations, captivated me, and left a long-lasting aftertaste of admiration in my mind. "Cross Road." Yes, that's the title of this animated work that overturned my perception of what quality advertising is. Despite its miniature size of timeline, it left an imprint on my soul comparable to the impact of classical masterpieces. Animation. This precious gallery of visual impressions was crafted with such mastery that it seemed as if each frame was a work of art. From meticulouslydetailed backgrounds to the dynamic movements of characters, the entire timeline breathed life and energy. I cannot fail to mention the musical accompaniment, which envelops each frame like a mantle of magic. The music in this short marvel film seems to be infused into the bloodstream, creating an incredible harmony with the visual experience. Now, let's consider criticism, although it seems almost inappropriate in discussing this work of art. But for formality, let's express some thoughts. Moments where the animation could have become slightly more exciting and tantalizing - were cut short. However, I sincerely believe that the creators aimed to focus on the brevity and power of each minute in this way. Thus, "Cross Road" is the embodiment of art in animated form. In just two short minutes, it left its mark on my perception and gifted excitement comparable to multi-episode epics. Rating? Clearly, a perfect ten out of ten.

Merchandise

Links may contain affiliate references

Studio

Producers

Themes