Review of Memories

In 1995, Studio Madhouse made a film that was split into three completely different stories with three different directors. Needless to say, this is odd and different. What stands out is not just that, but the musical direction each film seems to compliment the stories it is involved with so well. Part one (Magnetic Rose) is a creepy science fiction story about a ship and the crew in space responding to an emergency beacon and a space station that is reminiscent of the old Alien movies. Part two (Stink Bomb) focuses on an average salary man being the focus of a mass bio-threat and the militariesover-the-top reactions to the situation. Finally Part three (Cannon Fodder) is more or less a story about humans living in a dystopian future where they are basically born and bred to follow orders and fire cannons.

Stink Bomb is the weaker of the two by far with a comedy aspect that is almost insufferable at times. Cannon Fodder is a marvel in direction and camera work, but a slow story overall. From start to finish, Cannon Fodder never once has a camera break in the scene. Magnetic Rose is on another level than the other two. With almost prefect direction and pace, and even some CG elements put in that still holds up in modern times, Magnetic Rose almost redefined the space sci-fi drama. A reviewer could say Stink Bomb was a bit of a bomb, Cannon Fodder was ok as a film but inspiring, and then Magnetic Rose is perfect.

Focusing on Magnetic Rose, from start to finish, the audience is entranced with the environment. What is in that space station? Are they going to be alright? Why is the fully orchestrated opera music so good and creepy at the same time? Basically, this is really the only film out of the three that will be retained in any memories.

Together, Memories falls pretty short, but as a stand-alone for Magnetic Rose, a must watch. The atmosphere, music, direction, and so-on are all done so well it leaves the viewer on the edge of the seat.