Oh boy, this is going to be one difficult review. I seriously have no idea how to properly criticise this one like I do with other movies, hence the absence of a rating. The thing with this movie is: you’ll either be drawn into its atmosphere, or you’ll be bored to tears; that’s basically it.
Angel’s egg is more of a piece of art than a movie, with its biggest weapons being its eerie music and slow but subtle storytelling. Don’t expect to get any explanation about the questions that are asked through the course of seventy minutes. This movie provides a setting with lots and lots of mystery, and it leaves it to the viewer to add his or her own explanations to them.
On the other side, though: if you’re not interested in the setting, or aren’t affected by the atmosphere, this will be some of the most boring hours that could have been possible, simply because there’s nothing else in there. The plot moves slooooooow, and it really relies on connection with the viewer.
Personally, I liked this movie, though; especially the atmosphere and the subtle character-interactions. I especially liked trying to find out their reasons for acting, even though I still can’t bring the thoughts it provoked into words. Be sure to expect lots of biblical references, put into a different context, and a very lonesome and quiet setting. If you like artsy stuff: go for it. If you expect action: stay far and far away from this and go and watch something like Steamboy or anything similar.]]>
Angel's Egg
I found this movie difficult to review because it’s tought to assess what you don’t understand! I must have seen it three or four times but my only conclusions were “hmm…great music…”, “great animation quality for its time…” and ultimately “Oshii likes to be cryptic, doesn’t he?”
Like you said, it’s interesting as a piece of art but quite a lot of people will find it obtuse and boring. Any chance of a licence? I doubt it. This is a very intriguing but not particularly marketable piece. I don’t blame you for leaving out the /100 rating: heaven knows I wouldn’t know how to score it either.