I wasn't going to write anything hear but reading a few negative reviews on this piece that i feel are wrong have inspired to add my thoughts:
For those of you unfamiliar with this, it is basically 8 separate stories (1 being a 2 parter) set in the universe of the matrix that pose and answer some interesting questions. I'm sure this appealed instantly to all anime fans like myself, but will probably put off a number of people (i know a few myself) who will simply think Anime=Cartoon=Childish. This really irritates me because i've always felt that anime gives a lot of people the ability to put their creative thinking and wild ideas on the screen without needing access to ridiculous budgets. I think the wachowski bros (sorry if spelt wrong) feel grateful that their blatantly anime inspired vision was given the chance of day, and are now using it push forward some of the great anime moguls that inspired them towards the audience they have captured.
Lets break this down: Flight of the Osiris- Amazingly rich looking CGI piece about the crew of a ship that discovers the machine army heading to zion. Looks beautiful, character animation is spot on, and is pretty riveting stuff.
Second Renaissance(1&2)- Don't believe what other people are saying about this being a terminator rehash. It is about the machines taking over earth before the matrix, but the comparison ends their. In terminator skynet was definitely the villain, in these it is quite easy to see that it is man who is the villain. The inherent cruelty of our species is showcased in these as we seek to destroy a race we've created who attempts peace many times. There is a part when a mob is beating on an android girl who simply pleads "i'm real" before they smash her to pieces! It has hidden depth, plus the battle scenes, imagery and soundtrack are great!
Kid Story- My personal fave. About the kid in matrix 2 and 3, (you know, the one who idolizes neo) and his awakening to the matrix and his faith in something completely intangible. It moves along at a sedate pace for most of it, then hits you with 30 odd seconds of some of the most intense and exciting action i've seen for a while! Rough, old school drawing that works fantastic with the style of this piece!
Program- Classic style, ass bustin, head crackin samurai extravaganza!! I do love this one. A simple moral dilemma with questions raised of- just how bad ass can you get in the matrix?! It just go's up and down, action, then talk, then action, then talk. But it works nicely and leaves your heart pumpin.
Right, i know that this says it contains spoilers, but i'm sure people will read it anyway cause i've always found that warning more of a temptation than anything else, so i'll leave the last 4 stories as a mystery cause they are more thinking pieces than action pieces. Also, i'm mildly embarrassed about how long this review has got, so i better stop before i give myself an aneurysm.
Just remember, i think anyone will at least find some of these stories cool, and they're only 10 minutes long apiece anyway, so it's not like you'll have long to suffer if you don't like it. later
For those of you unfamiliar with this, it is basically 8 separate stories (1 being a 2 parter) set in the universe of the matrix that pose and answer some interesting questions. I'm sure this appealed instantly to all anime fans like myself, but will probably put off a number of people (i know a few myself) who will simply think Anime=Cartoon=Childish. This really irritates me because i've always felt that anime gives a lot of people the ability to put their creative thinking and wild ideas on the screen without needing access to ridiculous budgets. I think the wachowski bros (sorry if spelt wrong) feel grateful that their blatantly anime inspired vision was given the chance of day, and are now using it push forward some of the great anime moguls that inspired them towards the audience they have captured.
Lets break this down: Flight of the Osiris- Amazingly rich looking CGI piece about the crew of a ship that discovers the machine army heading to zion. Looks beautiful, character animation is spot on, and is pretty riveting stuff.
Second Renaissance(1&2)- Don't believe what other people are saying about this being a terminator rehash. It is about the machines taking over earth before the matrix, but the comparison ends their. In terminator skynet was definitely the villain, in these it is quite easy to see that it is man who is the villain. The inherent cruelty of our species is showcased in these as we seek to destroy a race we've created who attempts peace many times. There is a part when a mob is beating on an android girl who simply pleads "i'm real" before they smash her to pieces! It has hidden depth, plus the battle scenes, imagery and soundtrack are great!
Kid Story- My personal fave. About the kid in matrix 2 and 3, (you know, the one who idolizes neo) and his awakening to the matrix and his faith in something completely intangible. It moves along at a sedate pace for most of it, then hits you with 30 odd seconds of some of the most intense and exciting action i've seen for a while! Rough, old school drawing that works fantastic with the style of this piece!
Program- Classic style, ass bustin, head crackin samurai extravaganza!! I do love this one. A simple moral dilemma with questions raised of- just how bad ass can you get in the matrix?! It just go's up and down, action, then talk, then action, then talk. But it works nicely and leaves your heart pumpin.
Right, i know that this says it contains spoilers, but i'm sure people will read it anyway cause i've always found that warning more of a temptation than anything else, so i'll leave the last 4 stories as a mystery cause they are more thinking pieces than action pieces. Also, i'm mildly embarrassed about how long this review has got, so i better stop before i give myself an aneurysm.
Just remember, i think anyone will at least find some of these stories cool, and they're only 10 minutes long apiece anyway, so it's not like you'll have long to suffer if you don't like it. later