Sol Levante is a 4-minute long experimental short film directed by Akira Saito and produced by Netflix in collaboration with Production I.G. studios in Japan. It was released in March 2020 and is the first hand-drawn anime film to be produced entirely in 4K resolution. The film's title means "rising sun" in Italian and "east" or "sunrise" in Japanese. It is set in the heart of traditional Japan, featuring a group of artisans who specialize in ancient dyeing techniques. The film focuses on one of the craftsmen, who is tasked with creating a new color for their art. The craftsmen use ancient techniques, such as painting with indigo wheat gluten, to create unique and vibrant colors.
Sol Levante's animation is stunning, with detailed and fluid hand-drawn art. Every frame is filled with vivid and bright colors, making the film a visual treat to watch. The art style is a perfect blend of modern Japanese animation and traditional Japanese art, with the background and scenery being reminiscent of ancient Japanese paintings. The film is an excellent representation of the beauty of Japanese culture and art; it is evident that great care and attention to detail went into its creation.
The film's music is also brilliant, fitting perfectly with the story of the craftsmen, their methods, and their ancient, mystical world. The music adds another layer to the film, which enhances the viewer's experience.
One of the most significant technical achievements of Sol Levante is that it was produced entirely in 4K resolution, making it a groundbreaking piece of animation for the industry. Netflix and Production I.G. used the latest technology to create the film, allowing for the incredible detail and precision seen in each frame. The film's visuals would not have been possible to produce even a few years ago, making Sol Levante a testament to the progress and technological advancements of the industry.
Overall, Sol Levante is a must-watch for animation enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty of art, music, and culture. The film's short length enhances the experience, as it provides a glimpse into a world that leaves the audience wanting more. The visual and audio experiences are captivating, and the unique story of the craftsmen's ancient trade adds depth to the film. By the time the film ends, viewers will be left in awe of the unique and mesmerizing art form that is Japanese anime.
Sol Levante is a 2020 animated movie with a runtime of 4 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.
