Jo Jo in the Stars (2003)

Jo Jo in the Stars Review

Jo Jo in the Stars is a 2003 British animated short film directed by Marc Craste. It is an overly depressing, but artistic movie.

In a bleak and desolate world, a small creature seeks out the woman of his dreams: a high-flying circus performer with a cruel and possessive ringmaster. Eventually, one of the two becomes disfigured and the two continue their romance through prison bars. Yes, this movie is extremely dark and brutal, a bit too much if you ask me. Some of the scenes here are just downright excessive in their torturous and depressing nature.

With that being said, the theme of love persevering despite all odds was powerfully explored through the poetic main relationship. The movie also benefits from outstanding technical aspects. The minimalist dialogue was excellent, but the score ranges from haunting to simply beautiful in its romantic and epic overtones. The animation is done in black-and-white and it’s very artistic, especially in superb imagery, excellent character animation and fantastic world building.

Jo Jo in the Stars is overly bleak and depressing in its tone, but the central romance was beautiful and the film is gorgeously artistic.

My Rating – 4