A Few Moments of Cheers Review

Fully CG anime, compared to that of Western studios, evokes a sense of a bygone era. There’s a peculiar disconnect that often comes with watching it: the animation rarely feels fluid enough to be convincing, as it overlays traditional anime visual styles onto 3D models, often failing to look quite right. However, we are reaching a point where studios are beginning to embrace unique visual styles in creating CG anime. Recent examples include Trigun Stampede and A Few Moments of Cheers. Running at just over an hour, A Few Moments of Cheers delves into the process of creating art, the emotions conveyed by the artist, and how people connect with art. It’s a truly wonderful experience—creative, beautiful, and deeply resonant.

Kanata Asaya, a high school student, discovers a passion for making music videos. What begins with simple edits on his smartphone grows into a commitment, eventually leading him to purchase an expensive computer with multiple monitors. One evening, he encounters a street performer whose music stirs something powerful within him; he’s so moved that he dreams of creating a music video for this performer. In an intriguing twist of fate, he learns that his new teacher, Yu Orie, is the very performer who has since set aside her music career to become an educator.

Kanata is an ideal protagonist for this film—a young creator filled with life, passion, and an insatiable drive to make art. His creative energy stands in sharp contrast to the other artists around him, like his teacher, Yu Orie, who is nearing the end of her artistic journey. She’s written a hundred songs, yet her music reached only a few hundred listeners. Faced with the harsh reality of a stagnant music career, Yu Orie had to take a “real” job, leaving her dreams behind.

The struggle of creating art that may never be seen or appreciated by others is a constant challenge. In film, only a select few filmmakers achieve major recognition. For instance, only 75 directors or directing teams have won Best Director at the Oscars, even though thousands of directors have made films since the award’s inception. However, creating art solely for recognition can be a toxic pursuit. Art should be an expression of personal feelings or ideals, and having an outlet to create and express is important. Even if only one person connects with our art, that connection itself is powerful.

The animation, however, may prove divisive. The film is fully 3D-animated, a contentious choice for many anime fans. Personally, I find 3D animation to be hit or miss, but in A Few Moments of Cheers, it worked for me. Does it resemble a video game at times? Yes, it does. However, the film’s unique art style is undeniably captivating. Pastel colors create a vibrant and colorful visual experience, and combined with creative transitions and dynamic camera work, they make for a visually engaging film.

A Few Moments of Cheers is a wonderful journey through the world of art. It’s one of the most visually appealing CG anime films I’ve seen, with a story that resonates deeply with the creative side of life. A Few Moments of Cheers left a lasting impact on me, and I know it will stay with me for a long time.

★★★★1/2

Played as part of Scotland Loves Anime 2024 / Natsuki Hanae, Mariya Ise, Yuma Uchida, Fūka Izumi / Dir: Popreq / Bandai Namco Filmworks

About the Author

Robert Ewing

Author

Rob is a freelance film critic and writer who specialises in Anime and Asian cinema. I have adored film since a young age, having watched films that were far too old for me, such as RoboCop, Die Hard, and Hot Tub Time Machine, to discovering the heights of foreign cinema through films like Headhunters and Battle Royale. Growing up with such a diverse catalogue of films that I cherished sparked my desire to discuss them. This passion eventually led me to become a reviewer. Dissecting films, speaking to filmmakers I admire, and showcasing the best of Asian and anime cinema is how I live my best and truest life.

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