🌼5, 10, 25 Minute Video Recommendations🌼

 

Hey y'all! 💓 Like I mentioned in my previous post, I'm currently stuck at home so to pass the time I've watched a bunch of videos. There's no shortage of bad news, bad takes, or bigotry and while I'm not against facing reality, I'd be lying if I said that being constantly exposed to that type of media didn't impact me. I'm not here to wag my finger in anyone's face on what they're consuming but I know I need to step away from it every now and then to indulge in some feel-good stories instead. For those who can relate, I wanted to share a five, ten, and fifteen-minute pick-me-up that can be viewed at any time of the day when your schedules allow for it for when you need a burst of energy 😊

Five-Minute Short: Strawberries Will Save The World

Directed by Yoko Okumura, Strawberries Will Save the World is a love letter to her mother, Yuko Okumura, and her fascination with strawberries. Mrs. Okumura opens up on why she loves the little red fruit, how they bring her joy, the passionate communities that share her enthusiasm, and how she believes that the happiness a strawberry can deliver is enough to save the world. From the sound design, animation, music, and overall presentation, Yoko's warmth and affection for her mother are always present. And the energy radiating from Mrs. Okumura is endearing and contagious. This short documentary is an absolute favorite of mine and never fails to make me smile. I hope it brings you as much delight as it's given me 🌟

Here's a screenshot of Mrs. Okumura responding to a tweet I posted wishing her well! I was thrilled by the interaction!!🍓✨ Yoko Okumura has other projects available on Vimeo as well. Please show support for her and her work! 🦋

Ten-Minute Video: Bidoof's Big Stand

This adorable short follows the little bidoof-that-could as she tries to figure out her place in the world. After seeing a trainer bond with their lucario, the bidoof is determined to embark on a journey with them. The trainer accepts but initially fails to see the bidoof's worth and relegates her as a tm-machine instead. The animation rivals Pixar in its score, dynamic gestures, and expressions, and the style was a refreshing change from the aesthetics of the anime series and its movies. I'm excited to see if the Pokemon Company will produce more shorts in this manner but if not - this was a fun little treat!

Twenty-Five Minute Episode: Gokinjo Monogatari 

ご近所物語
(Gokinjo Monogatari/Neighborhood Story)
50 episodes
PG-13

Before the Black Stones and "Lonely in Gorgeous", Ai Yazawa was already a prolific figure in the world of shoujo manga throughout the nineties - Gokinjo Monogatari (Neighborhood Story) being one of her most famous series which was later adapted into an anime due to popular demand. The series features Mikako Kouda, a sixteen-year-old fashion student, and her journey toward fulfilling her ambitions of creating a notable clothing brand. We follow Mikako as she encounters romance for the first time while going on fun adventures with friends. Negative reviews on the series comment how Neighborhood Story is not like Nana or Paradise Kiss and they're right. This series was intended to be a lite slice of life story geared towards preteens and young teenagers meaning that the drama in Yazawa's other works is absent. I love the series mentioned earlier but it really is nice to sit down and watch a cozy show where my favorite characters aren't depressed, or constantly self-harming through the poor choices they make throughout the chronology. Neighborhood Story is ideal if you want a good laugh and appreciate the fashion statements made throughout the episodes

I hope y'all enjoyed the video and/or series recommendations! I would love to hear if anyone has any suggestions of their own 😊 Thanks again for visiting, I'll see you soon 💖 Teapearls signing off ✌⭐