Overall

Vision Vision

Originality Originality

Technique Technique

Impact Impact

"Breaking News: Rooster Teeth Studios to begin outsourcing select productions to Studio Ghibli."This basically sums up my entire first impression of this piece, which is a nice departure from the norm, may I add. That animation course you're on is certainly paying off.As I said, this definitely gives off Ghibli vibes. It's a soft, classical look, almost like looking at an old sepia-toned photograph. If I wasn't absolutely in love with the animation style Rooster Teeth themselves use for RWBY, I would say that they're missing a trick there.I also like how Ruby here is proportioned differently here - she appears thinner here rather than smaller in RWBY proper - which others might criticize (sometimes rightly), but here I believe it simply shows a respect for the art style, something that's missing, I feel, from a lot of modern work. Speaking of proportions, my only criticism there might be that her legs look a little too thin in comparison to the rest of her, but that's most likely because I'm comparing them to her flared sleeves, so whatever. Also, it works with the overall style, so I can't really complain there.As for the animation itself, you've definitely captured the essence of speed here (an important element, considering who it is). The way that the join of her cloak becomes disconnected over the course of the cycle makes it look as if it's being slowly torn off through sheer speed. Crescent Rose bouncing around in that jerky fashion gives one the distinct impression that it's being dragged along the ground really fast, a very neat way of using simpler animation to greater effect. The way her hair rustles around and her facial expression changes is really good, again giving the impression of unadulterated speed. The leg animation goes a little weird in the middle of the cycle, but other than that it's more or less spot on.The lighting is very good; I can't tell if it's from a setting/rising sun or from a massive fire, both of which lend an element of mystique to the setting. The shading is also spot on.For the story behind this - well, it could be any number of things. The gang could have gotten themselves surrounded by Grimm in a dark forest, she could be doggedly pursuing Tyrion, so as not to let him escape again; the local bakery might be about to close for the night. Who knows? And that I like; an image that people can interpret any way they like.Overall opinion: yet another fantastic piece. Leeds doesn't know the privilege they've been given.Oh, and if you find yourself out down Bristol way, buzz me a message; I'll buy you that drink.