Metropolis

Rating:
Summary: Modern Rendition of Old Themes
Review: There are two distinct sides to every anime: the art, and the plot.
As to the art, Metropolis does a great job. Everything is rendered in beautiful, vibrant color. The city has true depth and an immense variety of architectural styles; it is a believable city of the future, as it is not simply made up of stainless-steel skyscrapers as far as the eye can see. An arguale demerit is that the artwork is based on some of the earliest Anime designs ever, so the characters appear to e extremely early-Disneyesque. Furthermore, the blending of some of the 3D computerized effects with the 2D drawings is, at times, poorly done. On the whole, however, the art is the best reason to see this movie.
The arguable reason to pass this one by is in fact the plot. It is not so much that it is weak; it is rather that it draws heavily, and obviously, from such films as Akira (BIG explosions, not to give too much away) and Ghost in the Shell (the central question of what it means to be human). The film is based on a very early manga, although I am not sure to what extent; it is possible, therefore, that in fact these other Animes draw from Tezuka's Manga and not the other way around. However, given that the film is coming out after these others, it still has the APPEARANCE of coming second. (It also draws from Dr. Strangelove, in the satiric use of music at the ending. This is something that some people who have reviewed this have confused as bad taste. If you have seen the other film, the intent in Metropolis is clear.)
Personally, I did not find the similarity to be much of a discouragement. Although I was jarred by the similarities, I was not put out overmuch by them; this film has a hidden appeal that I cannot fully determine. It was, to me, both engrossing and INCREDIBLY well drawn. However, I can easily see how some might be turned off by it. Let me recommend, that, if you haven't seen it, make a point of visiting a friend who has a copy or renting one. This film should be tried before being bought.

Rating:
Summary: Art Scratched On The Casing Of A Bullet...
Review: Anime is a genre of film that taps into the soul of imagination. With but a stroke of the brush or scrape of ink, images and worlds and characters can be rendered that occupy realms only our minds can conceive. Every so often, a world is created that syphons the great visions of creative minds and creates beauty of the screen. Metropolis is such a world. Bright and busting with color, music, and life. An explosion of dichotomous cultures and anachronistic styles; A cocoon of design and decay that acts as a stage for characters that humor and horrify, awe and inspire. Metropolis is the reason anime exists.

Many criticize (as many often do) this film for a myriad of reasons. It pays homage to such films as (of course) Fritz Lang's Metropolis, Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove, and even Otomo's Akira. However, Metropolis does so for all the right reasons and in all the right ways. It's the perfect example of allusion with tact and taste, a practice seldom achieved by the most of modern cinema. Some claim it's plot is overly complex or devoid of structure and depth. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Just as many the same would portray Otomo's inspired epic Akira as vacuous, Metropolis excels in all measures. Intimate and grand, straightforward and abstract. The story of Metropolis is for those with open minds and keen observations.

It's true that no film is for everyone, but Metropolis achieves a bold and refreshing open appeal that is sure to delight those still struggling with the acceptance of animation as an art form. True, the sharp juxtaposition of beautiful modern design and technology with nostalgic character designs can be jarring to some, but most will delight in the unique ambivalence towards modern anime and relish the refreshing nature of Metropolis. The visual direction of the film lavishly harkens towards a natural seduction of style rather than that overtly stylized norm of modern anime. Slow motion, dizzying blurs of pans, and scenes painted in bold single tones layer this visual tapestry with depth and craft.

The characters of Metropolis, much like Otomo's previous work, embody not just individuals but entire sects of people, from bold revolutionaries (Atlas) to minions of robots (Pero) and radical fascists (Duke Red). Still, the character that elevated this film to the highest caliber of masterpiece was the manicial yet tragic Rock. I could write volumes on the complexities and nuances on this flawed, killer, fascist of a lost son crying tears of blood for the attention of his father. Every character, no matter the importance or length of involvement is given motivation and reason. This alone is an epic undertaking and gives further virtue to an already meretricious film.

The defining element of Metropolis (like so many works of Otomo's involvement) is it's microscopic attention to detail. Every inch of Metropolis' teeming infrastructure is bathed in color and motion. Retro-styled and modernized music litters the film's grand landscape. An array of practical and abstract technology is fused within the world's mix of hopeful ideology and bleak reality. All are inspired with the same genuine care and innovation as every other element of the film.

I could continue into infinitude with my praise. However, to say it clearly (and briefly) as I can, from beginning to end, Metropolis is a rare gem of artistry; A breathtaking and bewildering saga that now sits among a brief elect of anime and animated films as true masterpieces of cinema. All that can see the worlds of beauty in their minds will see the beauty of Metropolis.

Rating:
Summary: Very very bad
Review: This is a perfect example of the worst in Japanese animation. I love good anime but this is not good anime.

First of all the whole ad campaign was of this amazing "future metropolis" but what's amazing about it? It's not as amazing as the metropolis in several movies that came before it. For example The Fifth Element or Judge Dredd.

Okay fine you say about how about as a movie? Well, it [stinks]. As almost all *bad* Japanese anime goes, it a series of images and issues the director thought would be *cool* without one thought about how they work together. The story is over moralizing, preachy and on top of that it's old stuff. This basic story has been seen tons of times before. The mix of styles does not work. The soundtrack, while maybe quality music, is horrid for the movie and hurts it tremendously. I would have walked out if I had not been treated to see it.

...

Rating:
Summary: Give it a Try
Review: Knowing previous Osamu Tezuka works, and being a fan of Taro Rin, the director behind classics as Galaxy Express 999, Adieu Galaxy Express 999 and X, I was both excited and afraid to watch this movie. Excited as both names are a guarantee of a minimum level of quality that will sure pay back my money. But I was also afraid on how the extremely detailed backgrounds (and Taro Rin IS someone who just love detailed scenes), rendered on full CGs, would contrast with the classical Tezuka character design (unlike the more recent Black Jack movie, released on the US by Manga Entertainement, where the character design where updated).

Thankfully, my fears proved to be wrong, and while there's a clear contrast between the characters and the backgrounds, they blend very well, every shadow or lighting effect applied on the backgrounds are also applied over characters, so nothing is out of place here.

For sound, this movie is excellent, sound effects and music are well chosen (no matter what they say about the music on the last scene, it's got everything for the characters situation at that point). The plot, while not extraordinary, is nicely arranged and builds a large background to keep everything just on the right place. The focus is on the impossible relationship between a human and a robot, and the eternal question on how robots would end up taking place of humans, leaving a horde of job-less.

You may be impressed by the imagery, by the simple but yet attractive plot, or you will watch this simply for the chance of checking this classical Osamu Tezuka work. Either way, you are in for a treat.

Rating:
Summary: disappointed
Review: it was super friendly introduced to me by the dealer.. and was told that metropolis is the top selling anime in USA at this time round..... a bit disappointing i was.. after watching it.. that wasnt that much interesting and attactive sights i thuoght.. 2 of my japanese friends fell asleep while watching it.. metropolis hav quite an interesting idea abt robots and stuff like that.... juz the story wasnt that nice...

Rating:
Summary: I was unprepared for what lied ahead
Review: this caught me off guard. The premise easily could have screamed insane Anime violence or Nudity. However it provides none of the above. Instead we have this very deep and very powerful Pinnochio style story set in the deep future. With two of Japans top Anime makers at the helm it was no wonder this turned out as good as it is.

The story revolves around a young android who wakesup in the sewers. She soon befriends a young boy completely unaware that she is being pursued by her creator but hsi son who wants her dead. Eventually we are lead to climatic end sequence when she finds out her purpose in this world.

I must admit I had little faith in the story, but that was because of past Anime that had promise and didn't deliver (Angel Sanctuary). However this one delivers 10x fold. With Animation style I haven't seen since the first American Tale this movie is very dark, yet very memoriable. Highly recomended for all viewers.

Rating:
Summary: Worth seeing and owning.
Review: I went to see this with my friends and one of their parents, and I didn't quite know what to expect.

I've talked with my parents about what Astroboy was like, and I actually own the first volume of Blackjack, but this was the first time I would see somethings of Osamu Tezuka animated.

The plot was slightly confusing, but I enjoyed it. I'm good at following that sort of plot.

The art was quirky, but nothing more than the Osamu style. It's the same type of art as Blackjack and Astroboy. It had some familiar characters, and some new ones. The voices were good, but sometimes the subtitles were hard to read.

The soundtrack was overall pretty good, but it was kinda odd at one point. You have this huge scene with a building falling down, people are dying, and everything's burning. It's full of emotion. Kenichi falls, and what plays?

I CAN'T STOP LOOOOOVING YOU...........

It was offsetting, but not enough to detract from the rest of the film.

I plan to buy this.

Rating:
Summary: When willAnime grow up?
Review: Having just seen the 1926 Fritz Lang version of Metropolis on video and seeing some glowing reviews here, I went to see this movie yesterday. The experience has proved to me that the current state of Anime offers much promise but rarely delivers.

This promising movie seems to lack the excitement and involvment necessary to keep this viewer interested. About a quarter of the way through the movie I actually found myself asleep. This has never happened to me before! Was it because I was tired? Maybe, but I wasn't when the movie began. When I opened my eyes and tried to force myself awake I found that I really didn't care if I missed any part of it. There wasn't anything on the screen that kept my attention or made me care about what was happening on the screen. If it wasn't for the problem with the projector that made the film stop a couple of times, waking me up, I probably would have missed the whole thing.

The film's (and most Anime's) biggest liability is its lack of originality. I was disappointed with the story which, as told, was somewhat confusing. Knowing the Lang film gave me some perspective but this film wasn't the same although it borrowed (stole) from it. There were also borrowed elements from Bladerunner and even Akira. The Akira borrowing is not surprising since that creator was this movie's screenwriter. If you are familiar with Akira the movie this picture's ending is similar in theme and visuals.

The amimation was a step up from the usual anime but wasn't as involving or as sharp as Akira. The characters are drawn on the short, round side with the BIG eye look. The Duke Red was drawn with one of the largest noses I've ever seen. This would be appropriate for a comical character (aka. Inspector Blooper) but not for a dark, take-over-the-world type.

The music added little to this viewers experience and was ,at times, downright jarring. The Ray Charles song at the end had the right theme but the emotional feeling was all wrong to me in such a potentially sad moment.

In summary, due to this movie's confused plot due to its trying to be too many movies, its lack of originality, some of its characters drawn inconsistant to their personality, jarring music and its lack of involvement I just can't recommend this film, unless,of coarse you need to take a nap.

Rating:
Summary: A truly exceptional work of animation
Review: All I can say is wow. "Metropolis" is a great film, and and one of the best theatrical animations I have seen. There is a perfect blend of story, music, technical achievement and visual style.

Fundamentally, "Metropolis" is all about juxtaposition of style. The blend of Tezuka's heavily cartoonish characters and the highly detailed backgrounds creates a fully-realized mythical world. The Cel animation fits seemlessly with the CGI. This is the kind of quality we wish Disney would aspire too.

The music and visual style work together to create the "Retro-future" appeal of Fritz Lang and H.G. Wells. The sound track is largely 30's American swing music which works nicely against the towering future cities and ubiquitous robots. Ray Charle's "I Can't Stop Loving You" is the perfect exclamation point at the end of a long sentence.

The story is traditional to Japan, and deals with the loss of identity and soul to automation and technology. Anyone familiar with Japanese art will know this theme. It appears in "Ghost in the Shell" and "Testuo the Ironman" as well as other films.

The innocence of Tima and Kenichi add a new element to this familiar story. The cynicisms of Major Kusunagi and Tetsuo are missing from our heroes. The addition of Tezuka's optimism is something special, and rarely seen in Japanese animation.

A great movie.

Rating:
Summary: The rewards of paying attention.
Review: ... This movie will not be a crossover success. "Western sensibilities" will not be stroked to climax here. This is adult animation (two strikes against in America) intelligently expounded upon. If you are of the opinion that all animation/cartoons are for children, you will not be converted by this film. It's just going to look like crazy ..., go back to watching Schwarzenegger. (Not a cartoon star at all.)

But if you actually sit down and watch the film without cultural baggage you will be pleasantly surprised. There is a story here. Granted, it isn't presented in the best manner available. (Who knows? It's based off a comic that's been around Japan for over 50 years.) But you're not going to be completely lost. That is unless you only have those "western sensibilities".

There is symbolism in this movie. If that scares you, don't worry. Several of the characters in this movie spell that symbolism out explicitly. So even if you're the dimwitted sort you won't miss it.

Finally, you're going to hear a lot of comparison between the final scenes of this movie and DR. STRANGELOVE. Hey, they sound great, but they're only valuable on the most superficial of levels. Anybody who tries to sell you on a meaningful comparison between the two really knows nothing about film. Feel free to take them to task on their ignorance.

METROPOLIS. I like it. You make up your own mind.