Harmony

Harmony is a captivating and intellectually stimulating feature released in 2018. The movie is an aesthetic blend of futuristic elements intertwined with evocative and deep emotional narratives. Directed by Michael Arias and Takashi Nakamura, the film presents an intriguing excursion into a bleak yet fascinating world that constantly challenges our understanding of reality, ethics, and human consciousness.

The movie is a blend of mystery, science fiction, and psychological drama, set in a utopian future where technology has strolled to unimaginable lengths. Harmony, in its core, seeks to explore the delicate delineation between the quintessence of life and artificiality, pushing the boundaries of human consciousness and technology.

Harmony delves into a post-apocalyptic world that has healed from its scars under the watchful, omnipresent guidance of medical technology. This utopia, despite being exceptional regarding health and longevity, pays a high price by compromising on individuality and the basic freedom of choice. The viewers are led into this world through the eyes of three young women, Tuan, Miach, and Cian, all who confront the restrictions and regulations of this sterile euphoria in their contrasting ways.

Tuan, the primary protagonist, is a high-ranking official in the Global Health Organization, the world's leading health institution. Despite her high status, Tuan is emboldened by a hidden rebellious streak, which keeps her at odds with the puritanical norms of the new world. Miach and Cian are childhood friends of Tuan, with each of them having their personal experiences, beliefs, and outlooks that either align or conflict with the world's ethics.

The movie builds the tension and intrigue around a mass suicide attempt across the globe, an incident that threatens the very fabric of this utopian world. As Tuan dives deep into the investigation, she uncovers hideous secrets and conspiracies that compel her to question the very essence of this supposed paradise. From here, the plot spirals into a darker territory of secrets, manipulation, and high-stake power plays, leading to a riveting climax that leaves viewers beguiled.

Harmony presents a richly intricate narrative but is just as commendable for its impressive animation and visual storytelling. While the narrative scale of the film is grand and global, Harmony manages to maintain an intimate, almost claustrophobic, imagery throughout. The animation beautifully renders the futuristic world with intricate details, from the sprawling cityscapes to the personal corners of its inhabitants.

Furthermore, Harmony has successfully managed to set a unique mood and pacing of the story through its phenomenal choice of colours and a gripping background score. The colours set a melancholic yet intense tone throughout the film, highlighting the stark contrast between the robotic, emotionless outer world and the intense, passionate inner-world of the central characters. The music underscores the film's progression, accentuating the emotion, tension, and coming-of-age themes within the movie.

In conclusion, Harmony is not just another science fiction thriller but a thought-provoking display of how the human spirit strives in challenging constricting norms. It successfully combines the excitement of a mystery thriller with the intellectual exploration of technological dystopia, delivering a memorable movie experience. The thought-provoking narrative, coupled with the visually impressive animation, makes Harmony a must-watch for fans of animation, science fiction, and psychological drama.