In The Little Prince’s small planet, the days may be tedious/repetitive to “adults”; but to those who want to see life a little “deeper”, nothing there is really repetitive – e.g. every morning is new, brings new possibilities, etc.
In a way, this is what “An Sadit na Planeta (The Little Planet)” – by Arjanmar H. Rebeta – wants to tell, by telling the tale of a man (Arjan himself) who keeps waking up on a small blob of a planet. He complains that this planet is too small; but this planet says it’s only as small as Arjan’s way of seeing.
Depending on your take on such Papelmeroti post-it messages, you’d react to this film differently, too.
Now, as for me, is “An Sadit na Planeta (The Little Planet)” worth watching?
PROS
- Qualifying as experimental (shot entirely with 360-Camera), this is a good was to spend a few minutes than, say, watching hours of Tulfo (LOL).
- Contains a simple message (arguably makes sense in the time of XOVID-19).
CONS
- VO-dependent; meaning if you can’t distinguish who’s talking, you’re fucked. Incidentally, Arjan IS the man; and he IS the planet. So…
- The “selling factor” is the film’s limitation – e.g. you only have this small amount of space to shoot/see. Meaning, you basically only have one man twisting and turning as your character.
- Acting’s… limited. He gets up, lies down, stretches, climbs, bikes, etc. If you want more, then this isn’t for you.
IN THE END
That it’s a short, short film works for “An Sadit na Planeta (The Little Planet)” because, really, it’s really only like a “motivational quote” given animation. Yes, the approach isn’t well-trodden (particularly in the Philippines); but this preaching is what bogs this down. Now… if this isn’t an issue for you, you’re sure to like this one…
“An Sadit na Planeta (The Little Planet)” is part of the 17th edition of Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, running until September 5 ktx.ph (https://www.ktx.ph/).
