Genius Party Beyond is an anthology film containing five different short stories from five different Japanese animators, all produced by Studio 4°C. The film is a follow-up to the first Genius Party anthology film, which was released in 2007.
The first story, directed by Mahiro Maeda, is titled "Hotta-rin no Gyakushuu" (Hotta-rin's Revenge) and tells the story of a boy who seeks revenge on the bullies who tormented him and his grandfather. The story is a blend of classic anime and modern techniques, with fluid animation and detailed backgrounds.
The second story is "Moondrive," directed by Kazuto Nakazawa, and follows a young woman who is haunted by her past as she travels through a futuristic city. Nakazawa's signature style is on full display in this story, with intricate and complex urban sketches.
Shinya Ohira's "Toujin Kit" (The Hand Model) is the third story in the anthology. This story is a chaotic explosion of color and movement, as a group of people search for a missing hand model.
Tatsuyuki Tanaka's "Dimension Bomb" is the fourth story, and takes place in a gritty, cyberpunk world where a group of hackers attempt to steal data from a powerful corporation. The animation style is sleek and modern, with a focus on technology and futuristic environments.
Finally, Koji Morimoto's "Gala" closes out the anthology with a visually stunning abstract piece that combines music and animation in a mesmerizing way. The film features a variety of surreal and dreamlike images, creating an immersive experience for the viewer.
Overall, Genius Party Beyond is a celebration of creativity and experimentation, showcasing the range and talent of some of Japan's most renowned animators. Fans of animation, both traditional and modern, are sure to find something to love in this eclectic collection of stories.
