Tekkonkinkreet really taps into the feeling of 'otherness.' Part of that stems from its unique production: directed by an American, scored by a British band, etc. But really, it's about two kids, Black and White, alone in a strange city. They've only got each other for company, yet the landscape around them is constantly changing, and their bond is continuously tested by every new gang that appears in "their" town.
Of course, the film isn't just about these two kids. We see Treasure Town through the eyes of the law enforcement, including social worker Sawada, and the yakuza, including business magnate Snake and reluctant assassin Kimura. The story leaves you wondering how much each person is influenced by the changing town, and how big a part do they each play in it?
Treasure Town itself is a fascinating location. A blend of pan-Asian locations; Tokyo here, Kowloon there, a little statue of Ganesh just around the corner. Other people have pointed out just how consistent the worldbuilding is- when the brothers ride the train roof, you could potentially figure out where they are in the city in each cut. This city is the third main character, and it changes just as much as the young duo.
The story isn't perfect, and I can imagine people taking a strong issue with its unclear delivery, especially towards the finale. While it's clear enough, even a cursory glance at its Wikipedia article does a better job conveying the characters than the film itself.
To me, it doesn't matter. This is a film about outsiders, by outsiders, seemingly for outsiders. I'll always appreciate that.
P.S. if you ever wanna listen to the soundtrack, hope you don't mind buying it on Bleep. Better than nothing, I guess.
Manga A Real Outsider Film
First review, here we go.
Tekkonkinkreet really taps into the feeling of 'otherness.' Part of that stems from its unique production: directed by an American, scored by a British band, etc. But really, it's about two kids, Black and White, alone in a strange city. They've only got each other for company, yet the landscape around them is constantly changing, and their bond is continuously tested by every new gang that appears in "their" town.
Of course, the film isn't just about these two kids. We see Treasure Town through the eyes of the law enforcement, including social worker Sawada, and the yakuza, including business magnate Snake and reluctant assassin Kimura. The story leaves you wondering how much each person is influenced by the changing town, and how big a part do they each play in it?
Treasure Town itself is a fascinating location. A blend of pan-Asian locations; Tokyo here, Kowloon there, a little statue of Ganesh just around the corner. Other people have pointed out just how consistent the worldbuilding is- when the brothers ride the train roof, you could potentially figure out where they are in the city in each cut. This city is the third main character, and it changes just as much as the young duo.
The story isn't perfect, and I can imagine people taking a strong issue with its unclear delivery, especially towards the finale. While it's clear enough, even a cursory glance at its Wikipedia article does a better job conveying the characters than the film itself.
To me, it doesn't matter. This is a film about outsiders, by outsiders, seemingly for outsiders. I'll always appreciate that.
P.S. if you ever wanna listen to the soundtrack, hope you don't mind buying it on Bleep. Better than nothing, I guess.