How to describe Tar? Rin's Japanese anime masterpiece "Metropolis?" The phrase "I've never seen anything like it" comes to mind, and I say that with the utmost sincerety. This is the kind of movie that is so beautiful to look at, so wondrous in its scope and magnitude, that one cannot help but get lost in its mesmerizing, striking, and absolutely immersive beauty.

There's just one small catch: the story itself doesn't quite live up to its visuals. It centers around the futuristic city-state known as Metropolis, a grand expanse of high-reaching skyscrapers that practically breach the heavens, and underground facilities that go beyond the depths of human realization. Populated by humans and robots alike, the city is prone to breakouts of extreme violence as a result of robots that overstep their boundaries; supposedly, this plot device is a ploy to create a sense of angst between the two races, but it doesn't quite congeal.

Arriving in Metropolis is Detective Hunsaku Ban, in search of a scientist suspected of engaging in illegal experiments. Along for the trip is his nephew, Kenichi, and their assigned tour guide, Pero, a robot who introduces them to the ways of life in the grand city. Things take a wrong turn when they find the scientist dead and become separated as a result of a fire set to his laboratory by the jealous son of Duke Red, whom he believes should be the rightful ruler of Metropolis. But Duke Red's plans focus on a young android named Tima, who takes the form of a young girl, and whose naivety serves as a connection to Kenichi as they make their way to the surface level.

All of this takes place within the first hour or so, so I've basically only skimmed much of what happens. There are other subplots that come along, one involving a revolution led by the poverty-stricken citizens of the city, another involving a sinister plan to overthrow the president. Events come to pass, and soon, the story seems to cave in on itself as it tries to tie together its too-many loose ends.

And yet, as disappointed as I was that the story didn't quite live up to my expectations, I find myself in extreme favor of the film, enough to call it one of the year's most incredible films.

The visual aspect of the film is a masterwork, a visceral wonder to behold and digest. The animation is comprised of a combination of elements: basic anime drawings make up the characters and close surroundings, while much of the background elements and city structures are created through the use of computer animation and matte paintings that are exquisite and elegant. The two distinct styles integrate rather nicely, working well with one another in evoking a sense of awe and wonderment over the brilliance and imagination put forth into the final product.

Take, for example, the final sequence of the movie, which showcases a fabulous display of effects work as a structure known as the Ziggurat begins to collapse. Not only is the scene well-composed and effectively intense, I find it safe to assume that you won't find one special effect in any American film this year that mirrors the absolute power of this one.

Films like "Metropolis" are either for you, or they're not. You're either a lover of cheesy-looking, second-rate anime characters waltzing through futuristic CGI worlds, or you're not. No matter what camp you fall into, there's no denying the craftsmanship of the film, and while it's story may founder as it rounds itself out, the animation and beautiful images make this one of the most memorable films of the year.

Copyright @ Hauntnut.com

All Reviews by David Litton [Home page]
If you are the author of this review, you may edit it by signing in.