The Plant of Waterside

About This Movie

The Plant of Waterside is a fascinating dive into Yuko Asano's early foray into stop motion animation. The film has this dreamy, ethereal quality, with an atmosphere that feels both whimsical and oddly introspective. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the viewer to really soak in the intricate details of the three-dimensional works that emerge. It's not just the animation that's intriguing; there’s a sense of exploration in the themes, almost like a visual poem. The practical effects are charmingly rough around the edges but add to the film's unique character. It's definitely a distinctive piece from its time, showcasing an artist’s growth and experimentation.

The Plant of Waterside seems to have had a somewhat limited release, which makes finding it in any format a bit of a challenge. It's not widely discussed among collectors, but there’s a certain niche interest in Asano’s approach to stop motion that can spark conversation. Expect to see some varying quality in available prints, but its unique style and atmosphere make it a worthy piece for collectors who appreciate the evolution of animation during the mid-80s.