A visual essay which spans the arc (alluded to by the rainbow symbolism?) of childhood's innocence and fears to adult cynicism and desperation, Yume nevertheless ends on a note of hope and optimism. Along the way, we are introduced to the cultural, artistic and technological influences of contemporary life. While it is difficult to choose any particular episode in this collection as a favourite, I would have to pick "Sunshine through the Rain" and "The Tunnel" as the 2 dreams that I consider to Tobe the most memorable - both in terms of content as well as intent. I also feel that these two dreams hold the central theme of the film together.
In "Sunshine through the Rain" a young boy realizes that actions have consequences.The boy gives in to temptation by disobeying his mother. In the aftermath of this indiscretion, he is given an option - beg for forgiveness to avoid death. "The Tunnel" is an excellent study in guilt - the consequence of a man's actions. While the boy in "Sunshine" is given an opportunity to make amends for his actions, no such option is available, nor will ever be, for the survivor in "The Tunnel". He has to live, forever,with guilt knowing that he was responsible for the death of his platoon. His rationalization and justification of his actions may have been sufficient for the dead men but his own guilt - symbolized by the tank-dog - knows that he knew that he was sending the men to their death and that he will never be able to convince himself the way he was able to convince his men. He would never be able to undo the damage he had done.
In essence, the thread that runs though the film is one of actions and consequences. "Windmill Village" ends the essay on an upbeat note that it is possible to aspire to a better life in spite of ourselves. "The Blizzard" reminds us to not give in or give up when all the odds are stacked against us. We can be strong and aspire to a better life if we want to.
In "Sunshine through the Rain" a young boy realizes that actions have consequences.The boy gives in to temptation by disobeying his mother. In the aftermath of this indiscretion, he is given an option - beg for forgiveness to avoid death. "The Tunnel" is an excellent study in guilt - the consequence of a man's actions. While the boy in "Sunshine" is given an opportunity to make amends for his actions, no such option is available, nor will ever be, for the survivor in "The Tunnel". He has to live, forever,with guilt knowing that he was responsible for the death of his platoon. His rationalization and justification of his actions may have been sufficient for the dead men but his own guilt - symbolized by the tank-dog - knows that he knew that he was sending the men to their death and that he will never be able to convince himself the way he was able to convince his men. He would never be able to undo the damage he had done.
In essence, the thread that runs though the film is one of actions and consequences. "Windmill Village" ends the essay on an upbeat note that it is possible to aspire to a better life in spite of ourselves. "The Blizzard" reminds us to not give in or give up when all the odds are stacked against us. We can be strong and aspire to a better life if we want to.