Paradise Lost (Shinsekai Yori AMV - AWA Pro 2016)

[EnQuatre]

This is a passion project of mine that I've been working on since June. Shinsekai Yori is one of my favorite series, and for my next project I really wanted to edit a story-based drama video that could capture some of the magic and atmosphere of the anime. This ended up being my entry for AWA Pro this year!

I'd say that the central theme is one of repeated loss and loneliness. One of the aspects of Shinsekai Yori that really sends a shiver down my spine when I think about it is just how much has been lost by the end of the series. Not only is Saki's village a fragile, fearful community, but so much of what human beings accomplished--great cities, wonderful art, endless libraries of knowledge and history--has all been long forgotten in this world 1000 years in the future. Somewhere above Saki's village, dead satellites still orbit the earth, yet below them everything is as dark as though the planet has gone back to sleep after a brief glimmer of life... all because people developed supernatural powers before the human soul was truly ready to wield them...

I could go on for ages. If you haven't seen the show, you really should!

[Kionon]

Howdy fellow person in/from Japan. I have not seen this anime, but I'll look into it. I'll edit this to give me view of the AMV after I have had a chance to view it (at work, can't play it, but can post).

[Pwcagal]

Hi EnQuatre!! I really really loved this entry in Pro. Like what you said, it gave me chills and is really beautiful. The hang up for me is that since I haven't seen the series I don't really understand the plot. It seems like it's a love and loss between the main girl and her hometown which is destroyed, her childhood girlfriend and maybe also another guy? The timing looks really good to me, like you hit a lot of notes dead on. Only other thing I'd say is that around 2:45ish the pacing seems like it drags a little? The song doesn't really help you there but there was a little inconsistency with which notes you were choosing to put cuts on. It made it feel a little uncomfortable to me. But honestly, really beautiful!! I really like your videos and can't wait to see what you do next!

[EnQuatre]

Um, Kionon, Fuyuki City is not a real place... haha...

pwcagal! Hi! Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for the feedback!

This is probably the most soft/minimalist song I've tried to edit to so far, so that definitely made pacing things a little difficult... The overall sense I'm getting too is definitely that viewers who haven't seen the series end up a little confused...! It is really a great show and I highly recommend it, but its plot *is* super complicated and it was quite the (fun) challenge to try an piece a story together from it.

I'm looking forward to new stuff from you myself!

[Kionon]

Oh. I am disappointed. :/

But not by the video. Good work. :3