Stone

About This Movie

So, Stone (1975) is a pretty fascinating piece in the realm of Japanese independent animation. It’s originally titled Stone No. 2, and the way it captures the essence of nature is something else. The animation feels fluid, almost like a dance between the stones and their surroundings. You really get this sense of harmony in the visuals, and the pacing is, well, meditative. There’s a certain surreal quality to it, with landscapes morphing effortlessly – it makes you think about the relationship between the mundane and the extraordinary. It’s distinct from the commercial stuff of its time; it’s raw and speaks to the creative freedom of independent animators. Definitely worth exploring if you're into animation that challenges the norm.

Stone has had a somewhat elusive distribution history, often hard to find in good quality. Early VHS releases are particularly scarce, while later digital versions don't quite capture the original's texture and tone. Collectors have shown interest due to its unique animation style and its place in the evolution of indie animation, but finding a quality print remains a challenge.