The indie animated film Jinsei, the work of the new filmmaker Ryuya Suzuki, is preparing for its theatrical release in June with the imminent launch of its first trailer. The narrative follows a single protagonist over a century, exploring his identity through disparate reincarnations, such as a J-pop idol or an oracle, with the voice of rapper Ace Cool. After its screenings at Annecy and other festivals, where it accumulated accolades, the film solidifies Suzuki as an emerging voice in independent animation.
An Auteur Project: Traditional Animation and Multitasking Roles 🎨
The technical aspect of Jinsei is a case study in self-management. Ryuya Suzuki completed the feature film's production in just 18 months, personally taking on most of the key creative roles. This included animation, character design, storyboarding, and even composing the soundtrack. The result is a completely hand-drawn film, an aesthetic choice that prioritizes artisanal expression and reinforces the director's unified vision, avoiding the compromises of an industrial pipeline.
One Man for a Hundred Lives? The Envy-Inducing Productivity 😲
While many studios struggle to meet deadlines with teams of dozens of people, Suzuki decided it was simpler to do everything himself. Animation, music, direction... in less than two years. One wonders if he sleeps or has a clone in the closet. His protagonist lives a hundred lives, but the director seems to have needed only one to execute the work of a small studio. An uncomfortable reminder for those of us who justify delays for a simple color change.