You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to start new topics, reply to conversations, privately message other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join civicforums.com today!
The story revolves around two detectives investigating a series of accidents and murders near or in Tokyo Bay. Upon further investigation, it appears to be a monster but the origins and chemical biology is unknown. The monster must be stopped before it grows and becomes more dangerous.
Direction:
The direction was well done, but I do have some criticisms about effects. This movie was not directed by Mamoru Oshii (GITS, Patlabor 2), but rather someone who directed the older BubbleGum Crisis episodes. I can tell that he is trying to emulate Oshii with some good use of beautiful scenery of Tokyo Bay, but it was somewhat wasted because it didn't create a sense of environment as Oshii can and it seems like he wasted the talents of Kenji Kawai (musical composer of GITS) because the more beautiful pieces were utilized at the ending scene. The movie felt rushed despite a playing time of more than two hours. The time to develope characters were not dispersed as evenly among the many protagonist and antagonists, but if one has already seen the previous Patlabor movies, then this remark can be refuted. If I wanted to be blunt, then I would tell the director to analyze Seven by David Fincher (Fight Club, Panic Room) and use the film noir feel to create more environment.
Art:
Simply Beautiful. The colors, the backgrounds, and the incredible detail of Tokyo is astonishing. I had come back from Tokyo last month and I didn't expect to see the vending machines in the movies emulated so realistically that I instinctively fished around my pockets during the moive looking for Y150 to buy a nice hot canned coffee. I was disappointed in the lighter hues used for such a gritty story. Overall, I have yet to find another animated feature that depicts Tokyo more realistically.
Photography/Cinematography:
The director of photography, Hisao Shirai previously worked on films more oriented towards children. I draw my opinion based on his resume that he hasn't fully grasped the photography for a detective story. His wide angle shots help show off the beautiful colors and excellent backgrounds, but not enough close up shots to get into the characters. It felt more external like always watching from a 3rd persons point of view instead of putting the audiences through character struggles and triumphs.
Music:
Unfortunately I can't really get into this field too much because I haven't fully analyzed the full score to really provide a dissertation on its complexity. However the music felt more invisible in this film compared to Kenji Kawai's most famous score from Ghost in the Shell.
I would recommend audiences to watch this film. It's not everyday that an anime can have such beautiful backgrounds that are aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. The plot draws you in and not as dry as some detective stories can be. I paid $4 to rent it and I'd have to say that it was worth the money. If you are the type to see the worth of an anime strictly for it's psychological significance, then prepare to be disappointed. It's the type of film to test out your pricey 5.1 system with a nice cold brew after a hard day of work.
To remove this ad, register today for free or log in if already registered!
__________________ There comes a time in your life when you have to ask yourself... Is she wearing panties?
Sponsored Links
To avoid seeing this ad in our forum please register at CivicForums.com
By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features.
Just watched it 2 days again, it's somewhat better than the last 2 Patlabor movies. Well, they are pretty slow in pace, I fell asleep watched the last 2. Spec Vehi Team 2 wasn't too much involved in the story besides taking the freakin monster down. Like most Japanese anime movie, it's got a somewhat messed up ending.
