On Your Mark (1995)

6 1/2 minutes. That's a record for Miyazaki. But despite its length and the fact that not one word was spoken during its entire duration, this short music film still managed to show the magic that's seen in all of Hayao Miyazaki's feature-length films.This short film is accompanied by a song of Chage and Aska's. When I think of a film about two policemen teaming up to help give freedom to a girl with wings, my choice of music would have been very different from what was given. But it worked! The music went great with Miyazaki's animation and the storyline itself.Boy, if this was turned into a real feature-length film, how great would that be? Lots of questions would be answered and we'd have a better background on our characters and the story itself. But I guess the beauty of this film comes from the fact that it still managed to deliver a whole set of emotions even if it was just under 7 minutes.Some may find that their understanding of the film changes after a succeeding viewing, and I think they're right. This film definitely deserves more than one viewing, as to better understand the concept of the film.Viewed on: May 4, 2011

So how could a short, 7 minute anime action/music video get so much attention and high score? Hayao Miyazaki is the answer. Two futuristic/alternate reality policemen become involved with an unusual prisoner, a girl with wings. Realizing that she must be set free, they set a course of events to free her. No words are spoken by the characters. And no need to sit for 2 hours worth as to why the girl has wings, or why the police decided to do what they do. It would make a great movie, I'm sure, but it's to the point subtlety is what make this interesting, what it's meant to be. The music that plays isn't bad. And Miyazaki leaves his usual trademark with someone flying.It isn't the most perfect short I've ever seen, but I'm glad I watched. If your a fan of Miyazaki, anime, or anything animated and out of the ordinary, hunt for this.

On Your Mark is a quasi-movie that has everything except words, and that's just the way it was meant to be. Being a little under 7 minutes long, you'd think that it couldn't offer much in the way of content, but it's simply a monumental achievement. The song "On your mark" by Chage and Aska is the only accompaniment to the masterful sound effects throughout the animation.As with most anime, though, you may have to watch it multiple times to absorb all that's thrown at you, but since it's so short, this is easily done. The story follows two soldiers' experience after a raid on a violent cult headquarters. What they discover hidden away in the back, however, will change their lives and the way they think forever. You'll laugh at some of the sound effects, and maybe a tear will be shed with the ending. On Your Mark is of the caliber of such movies as "Macross Plus", and even better that "Mononoke Hime". One that should be remembered always.

On Your Mark is a music video created by Miyazaki Hayao for a song by the popular duo Chage and Aska. It tells a story (of sorts) which is a little confusing, owing to how it does not follow a linear time-flow, and has no dialogue. However, the stunning visuals and amazing sound-effects enable the viewer (even if unfamiliar with Japanese) to create their own story. Definitely more entertaining if you are familiar with Miyazaki's work, as certain motifs (the face of the angel, flight, etc.) reappear from his earlier work.I frequently show people unfamiliar with Japanese animation my copy of this video to change their opinion of what is possible in animation, which usually helps removed those negative pre-conceived notions people pick up from American animation. I have created a number of anime fans with this method.