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Combustible is a 2013 animated short film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo. The film is set in Japan during the early 20th century and tells the story of two childhood friends, Owaka and Matsukichi, who are reunited after many years. The film begins with a young Owaka and Matsukichi, growing up in the small town of Jurokoku. Matsukichi is a lively and adventurous boy, always eager to explore and have fun. Owaka, on the other hand, is a shy and reserved girl who spends most of her time weaving traditional Nishijin fabrics with her mother.

One day, Matsukichi discovers a book of matches and becomes fascinated by the idea of fire. He starts to experiment with lighting things on fire, which eventually leads to a tragic accident that leaves him badly burned and nearly dead.

Years later, Owaka has become a skilled weaver and has moved to the city to work at a Nishijin workshop. One day, she receives a letter from Matsukichi, who is now a successful businessman and has come to the city to reopen a local theater. The two friends are finally reunited and reminisce about their childhood memories.

As Matsukichi begins to rebuild the theater, he becomes obsessed with creating a grand spectacle of fire and light that will dazzle the audience. He hires a team of pyrotechnic experts to build a massive contraption that will shoot flames and fireworks into the sky. But as the day of the grand opening approaches, Owaka begins to worry that Matsukichi's obsession with fire is leading him down a dangerous path.

Combustible is a visually stunning film, with breathtaking animation and intricate attention to detail. The film beautifully captures the atmosphere of early 20th century Japan, with its vibrant colors, bustling city streets, and traditional architecture. The film's use of fire and light is particularly impressive, with stunningly realistic depictions of flames and explosions that are sure to leave viewers in awe.

At its core, Combustible is a story about the danger of obsession and the importance of friendship. Matsukichi's obsession with fire and spectacle leads him down a path of destruction, ultimately endangering himself and those around him. But it is Owaka's steadfast loyalty and devotion to her friend that ultimately saves him from his own destruction.

Overall, Combustible is a beautifully crafted and emotionally powerful film that is sure to captivate viewers with its stunning visuals and heartfelt story. Whether you are a fan of animation or simply appreciate a good story, Combustible is a must-see film that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Combustible is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 42 minutes.