Appleseed

Reviewed by Leland Bonaparte
October 9, 2005

Director: Shinji Aramaki Genre: Mecha, Military, Police, Science Fiction, Shounen Distributor: Optimun Releasing Soundtrack Info: Tofu Records Website: www.appleseedthemovie.com Review Rating: 10 out of 10

As the last city on earth, Utopia is populated by humans and bioroids (artificial humans). Gaia (also known as the supercomputer) has complete guidance over the city and keeps everything harmonious. Humanity’s last survivors enjoy an idyllic peace, but terrorists have a different idea on what they consider peace to be. Deuhan Knute, and her boyfriend (who is 75% machine) are part of an elite government force called Eswat. In order to save the city from terrorists, they have to retrieve the Appleseed to end the conflict. In addition, Deunan carries a legacy that will turn out to be of critical importance to the future of humanity.

My friend Sergio Rodriguez asked me if I watch Animes? I told him that I don't really watch them, but Appleseed got my attention real quick. The artwork is very impressive and the detail is sharp. As soon as the movie started, it went straight into action. The first two minutes are full of gunfire, blood and a lot of excitement. James Lyons and Jennifer Proud (who were Briareos and Deunan) sound good and really get you into the movie. One of the things I really like is the soundtrack, especially the opening theme song “Good Luck” by Basement Jaxx. I feel like the music has a hip-hop flavor to it and makes the movie more enjoyable. Sound effects are crisp and have a matrix type feel too it. In certain fight scenes, slow motion is used to really show brutal the kicks and punches are. I thank Sergio for introducing this into my life.

I give Appleseed a high evolution factor. I've watched this on my PSP about 6 times within a week. This doesn't mean I don't have a life, but Appleseed is a very good movie. You can also purchase a special edition DVD for $44.95 that comes with a steel case and a Briareos action figure. Another added bonus is that John Woo is producing part 2. This is an even better reason to get Appleseed since the sequel is almost guaranteed to be great. The replay value of Appleseed is very high, and I highly recommend it to all anime fans. I mean you can't beat all of the special editions, action figures and limited edition sets that are at a reasonable price. This is a must have for your PSP or DVD collection.

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