Interlude
“A Labyrinth of Dreams”
Prepare for a plot twist, anime zealots! The anime world isn't exactly hurting for tales of apocalyptic doom and humanity's frantic scramble to turn back the tide. Some of these doomsday dodgers work wonders, while others just perpetuate a Groundhog Day-esque plotline where we're simply slapping snooze on the apocalypse alarm clock. Case in point: the compelling, yet perplexing, rollercoaster that is Interlude, a 3-part OVA that is as chock-full of mystery and suspense as it is laden with—let's call it – gratuitous fan service.
But don't be hasty to swipe left on this one. Like an underdog in an epic shounen showdown, it could be the dark horse that defies expectations. We've got a gem that might have been unfairly given the cold shoulder, or perhaps the masses were spot-on to give this a pass. Either way, I took one for the team and plunged headfirst into this enigmatic rabbit hole.
Are you yearning for an anime that fuses the enigmatic allure of mystery with the pixelated heart-flutters of a dating sim? Call off the search, my fellow otaku, because Interlude is ready to sweep you off your feet! Within this trilogy of OVAs, you'll traverse the thrilling landscape of suspense, drama, and romance. But be warned, this isn't your run-of-the-mill dating sim fest. It's not all blushing faces and cutesy pick-up lines; this anime is ready to shatter your preconceptions and serve up a buffet of surprises. Buckle up, folks; we're in for a wild ride!
Ah, Interlude, an anime miniseries that's as mysterious as a ninja in a smoke bomb! Born in 2004 and from the creative womb of director Tatsuya Nagamine, Interlude is a three-episode OVA tour de force produced and stamped with approval by Toei Animation. Picture this: a narrative pirouetting through parallel universes, following the tumultuous lives of three women, woven initially into a visual novel by the unsung heroes at Longshot.
After this intriguing interactive fiction dazzled the Sega Dreamcast universe in March 2003, it pirouetted onto the PlayStation 2 and Windows, proving its versatility beyond the console realm. Spurred on by this success, Toei Animation whipped up a tantalizing three-course OVA, which waltzed onto SkyPerfecTV in 2004 and pirouetted onto DVD shelves a year later.
The folks at Kaleidoscope Entertainment served up an English dub, and Geneon Entertainment played courier across the English-speaking realm. In April 2011, it landed in Crunchyroll's lap, free to stream with English subtitles, where it continues to baffle and bewitch to this day.
Don't let its modest beginnings fool you. "Interlude," the visual novel-turned-anime, is a captivating cocktail of rich narratives and spellbinding plot twists. Each 40-minute episode is like a roller coaster ride in a labyrinth: intense, perplexing, and over before you can say, "What just happened?"
Now, let's pause and address the Snorlax in the room: Interlude's less-than-stellar 6.37 rating on MyAnimeList and its popularity rank languish at a pitiful #5411 (it keeps dropping). I know numbers aren't the be-all and end-all, but in this case, they're the smoke signals hinting at a broader concern: Interlude's mixed reception. The core of the issue? A narrative as tangled as a plate of udon noodles and just as many loose threads; “Hey Alice,” are you ready to jump down this rabbit hole?
As we delve into the enigmatic labyrinth of Interlude, we follow a typical high school protagonist who finds his humdrum life suddenly veering off the rails as peculiar dreams and inexplicable phenomena become his new routine. Then, cue the mysterious girl from an alternate reality—because, let's be honest, what's an anime without a cryptic, otherworldly lady? As they embark on a journey to unravel their reality, we're served an existential platter of questions that would make even Descartes do a double take.
The narrative of Interlude is like a Rubik's cube on steroids, pushing you to question the very fabric of reality. With every episode, another veil is lifted, and another puzzle piece falls into place, all set against the chilling yet captivating backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world straight out of a Van Gogh fever dream.
Interlude kicks off with all the power of a samurai's sword strike but ends up entangled in its labyrinthine plot like Naruto lost in the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Our protagonist navigates an eerie realm where bizarre dreams and reality-rippling events disrupt the monotonous rhythm of high school life. His friends surround him, namely the hopeless, romantic, and overzealous Mariko Tamaki, or Tama.
Tama is your typical loud and energetic anime character who will do anything to keep her man, who's unnamed in the anime but in the credits is named Akio Fuyuki, from falling by the wayside or into another woman's breasts. In this case, those breasts belong to Izumi Marufuji. The daily lives of Tama and her antics keep Akio in a state of bliss and romantic confusion until...
The first two episodes set the mystery wheel spinning, only for the final act to hastily tie up loose ends in a hasty 15-minute sprint to the finish line. It's akin to a ninja using the Body Flicker Technique—fast, disorienting, and leaving some viewers dazed and confused. Yet, the mind-bending concept of an alternate reality, coupled with our protagonist's exploratory journey, is like catnip to anime fans, keeping us hooked from start to finish.
Unfortunately, all that catnip can tire out a viewer, so we should explore the lore of Interlude. The world, or reality as we know it, means all humanity will perish. The anime doesn't directly state the leading cause of the calamity, but it is inferred to be tied to negative human emotions.
Miyako Saegusa and Ikuo Fuyuki created the Pandora Project. They are the sister-in-law and brother of our main protagonist. Miyako is also the older sister of Mutsuki, which somehow makes Mutsuki and Akio family by marriage.
However, not through blood, so when Tama storms into the room and yells, "That is Tama's job," and you grind on your not-your-brother's groin, it is a fan service move to indicate that everyone knows each other while constructing the mystery of the school counselor in the first OVA.
The roster of Interlude is populated with well-crafted characters that add layers to the narrative. Masakazu Morita lends his voice to our nameless hero, navigating a twilight zone of surreal experiences. Aya Watsuji, brought to life by the talented Hōko Kuwashima, plays our guide to the bizarre. Characters like Izumi Marufuji, Maiko Tamaki, and Mutsuki Saegusa add spice.
Despite the limited OVA run and complex plot, the intricate dynamics between characters craft a rich tapestry that keeps viewers engrossed.
Our dear director, Nagamine, who has lent his magic touch to fan favorites like "Dragon Ball Super Movie: Broly" and "One Piece Film: Z," took a wild detour into the uncharted territory of experimental storytelling with "Interlude." In this daring endeavor, he gets some things spectacularly right, while other aspects fall short.
The crux of the intrigue in "Interlude" lies in the strange and enigmatic dreams and encounters the protagonist experiences. These dreams are not just a way to move the story along; they are an integral part of the plot, providing glimpses into surreal landscapes and distorted realities.
The monologues that appear at the beginning and end of each OVA also aid in understanding the anime. Aya and Mutsuki are the opening and ending monologues in the first OVA; Izumi and Mutsuki are the opening and ending monologues in the second OVA; and Tama and our protagonist round out the third OVA. As the story of "Interlude" unfolds, it slowly reveals more about the featured monologues and how they are connected to the world.
The art and animation used in the show create a dark and eerie atmosphere that fills the viewers with a sense of fear and suspense. Despite some scenes hinting at its age, the quality of animation is considered high in standard, with vibrant and fluid action sequences. The CGI effects in Interlude are also noted to fit thematically and aesthetically nicely.
The art directors for the anime series "Interlude" were Kentaro Akiyama (episode 3), Makoto Shimizu (episode 2), and Makoto Suwada (episodes 1 and 3). Eisaku Inoue was in charge of character design. Most of his designs I’d consider mid-range, with the exceptions of Buta and General being the most memorable.
The surreal and abstract narrative of the show questions the reality of the world it depicts. The complex symbolism and metaphors used in the show may remind older fans of the anime Big O. As it was released in 2004, the animation, alongside classics like Samurai Champloo, Elfen Lied, and Monster, Interlude, can hold its own.
Unfortunately, animation can do so much, and because of the show's abstract nature, it has received mixed reviews. Some fans love the complicated and mysterious plot, while others find it too confusing. The subjective appeal of the show means that people have different opinions about it, which is reflected in its rating on AniDB.
Nonetheless, "Interlude" is a testament to the anime genre's diversity and storytelling. It invites viewers to embrace its enigmatic nature and engage with its unconventional narrative, offering a cerebral challenge that rewards those who approach it with an open mind. Overall, "Interlude" is a unique anime with an intriguing storyline. Although it may not be well-known, fans of the genre will appreciate its distinctive charm. Give it a chance, and you might fall in love with it.
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