Appleseed 2004 |
Appleseed (2004)
Directed by Shinji Aramaki (Bubblegum Crises)
Produced by Fumihiko Sori & Naoko Watanabe
Written by Haruka Handa & Tsutomu Kamishiro
Based on the Manga by Shirow Masanume (Ghost in the Shell)
Released in Japan 2004, USA 2005
I watched the film on DVD with English dubs, licensed by Geneon Entertainment, distributed by Optimum Releasing Ltd.
Running time approx 105 minutes!
Synopsis
In the year 2131, following a devastating global conflict, humanity’s last hope for the future is the City of Olympus. A city with a mixed population of Humans, Cyborgs, and Bioroids, and presided over by a gigantic super computer, Gaia.
The Bioroids are genetically modified form of human life. Unable to reproduce, they have a short natural lifespan, and must get special life extending treatment every few years. They are designed to have only limited emotions, and are tasked with “saving humans from themselves” They form a major part of the Government of the city, and act as arbitrators in disputes, ensuring that armed conflict is truly a last resort.
The City is defended by a ring of massive Mobile Fortresses, The Olympus Regular Army (comprising humans & cyborgs), and ESWAT (Extra Special Weapons & Tactics, comprising humans, cyborgs and bioroids)
When human fanatics destroy the Bioroid production facility, containing the clinic where the Bioroids get their life treatments, the Bioroid race is living on borrowed time. Their only hope is The Appleseed Data, which contains the genetic information to turn on their reproductive abilities, and have normal human life-spans. The key to obtaining this data is Deunan Knute!
Deunan Knute was a squad leader still fighting in the badlands, unaware of Olympus. Daughter of a General, she was trained in combat from an early age, and is a skilled soldier. Under orders from Athena, the Prime Minister of Olympus, an elite ESWAT squad was sent to extract her. At the time of the fanatics attack, she is being inducted into ESWAT by her former lover Briareos.
Characters
Deunan Knute (Voiced in Japanese by Ai Kobayashi, English by Jennifer Proud)
Trained by her father from an early age, Deunan is a supreme soldier. Athletic, quick thinking, and expert in any number of weapons, she has been fighting in the badlands unaware that the war is effectively over, and unaware of the existence of Olympus. Initially, we know nothing of her mother, only that she died when Deunan was very young. Brought to Olympus, she is slow to adjust to a peaceful life. When sent to train with the ESWAT volunteers, she is quick to demonstrate that her abilities are far greater than theirs. At the request of Athena and the Elders, she leads a squad of ESWAT soldiers to search the original laboratories where the Bioroids were created.
Briareos (Voiced in Japanese by Jurota Kosugi, English by Jamieson Price)
Deunan’s onetime lover, and comrade in arms. He has become a Cyborg, after being critically injured in North Africa. She is initially repulsed by his new appearance, but comes to realise that the man within the machine is still the same person she once knew. Briareos has ties with the Regular Army, the Elders, and with Athena. Which one of these commands his ultimate loyalty remains to be seen.
Athena (Voiced in Japanese by Mami Koyama, English by Mary Elizabeth McGlynn)
A First Generation Bioroid, she was one of the very first created by Dr Gilliam. She is the Prime Minister of Olympus, answering only to Gaia and the Elders. She believes there is an underlying cause to the rising discord between Humans and Bioroids, centred around the Regular Army. She seems to know more about Deunan than she lets on. For her part, Deunan seems to recognise her from somewhere, but since they have never met before, she doesn’t know why.
General Uranus and Colonel Hades
Supreme Commander of the Regular Army, Uranus has a great distrust of Bioroids. Hades just plane hates them, and he also hates Deunan! Sent after her to stop her obtaining the Appleseed Data, his main objective is to see her DEAD.
Hitomi
A Third Generation Bioroid, Hitomi is in charge of ESWAT, and the internal defence of Olympus. She is also responsible for the Mobile Fortresses that ring the city . She seems to have a special relationship with the Elders.
The Elders.
A group of very old men who are sustained by life supporting hover chairs. They commune mentally with Gaia, helping to moderate her decisions with a human factor. They pass on Gaia’s instructions to Athena, and to the General Assembly which governs the day to day life in the city.
What did I think?
A visually stunning movie, making great use of “live action animation” and CGI. It opens with Deunan in mortal peril having been trapped by a squad of cyborgs. Making use of Matrix style slow motion techniques, the battle sequence is breathtaking. This high standard of graphics at the start is maintained throughout the whole film, with rich backgrounds packed with incredible detail, and fluid character movements.
The story line is also very well written. The plot twists and turns with new revelations all the way. We find out about the genesis of the Bioroids, and Deunan’s part in it. We discover a plan to destroy the Bioroids altogether, and a counter plan to destroy all of humanity. Who is the mastermind that may lead the remnants of humanity to the very brink of disaster? The answer will be astounding, and a little confusing.
The final solution is well under way, and the final battle will be all or nothing for both sides, but where will Deunan, and Briareos, choose to make their stand, and with whom?
The film is well complemented by the music, which features pieces by Basement Jaxx, Paul Oakenfold, and Boom Boom Satellites. It has a decided Electro/Trance feel to it as a result, but even though I am a Rock/Metal man myself, I found it was entirely in keeping with the mood of the film.
With several different types of “Landmates” (mechanised fighting suites) there is even something for the mecha fans to talk about. Great action sequences, both involving machines, and human protagonists. Just what you would expect from 2 great names in Anime.
Anything wrong with the movie? Not much! The reasons for the global war are never explored, and if the survivors are willing to give all their resources for the establishment of Olympus, and support the development of the Bioroids, one wonders why the war started at all? Deunan doesn’t really kick up any fuss about her forced induction into ESWAT, and seems to make friends really easily. After 20 years of military training and action, she seems to readily accept what she is told at face value.
The ending is a bit fanciful, with the last digit of the over-ride password magically appearing. A bit of a handy get out for the decision to save her (former) lover, or the whole world, but it is only a minor imperfection in an otherwise wonderful film. 9/10
