Vexille (Review)
Synopsis:
Ten years after Japan withdrew from the U.N., cut their ties with all the nations of the Earth, and built an impenetrable electromagnetic field to prevent any outsiders from entering their borders, a high-tech American commando unit is dispatched on an unofficial mission to penetrate the shield surrounding the country and gather information about their highly advanced robotics program.
The year is 2077, and Japan has been accused of conducting illegal robotics research. As a result, the leaders of Japan have decided to construct a massive electromagnetic field known as RACE to prevent any further meddling in their domestic affairs.
Story:
First of before I start this review I am going to try and stay clear of comparing Vexille with Appleseed yes it is done by the same people who did it Appleseed, but that is where the comparisons stop. The story kicks off in the United States, as an elite commando unit dubbed SWORD launches a surprise attack on a powerful Nipponese conglomerate known as Daiwa Heavy Industries. So you might have noticed that for a change the bad guys are actually the Japanese this time around. In most cases the Japanese nation are the ones under attack by a unknown outside force, this already gives the story a fresh feel to it.
The movie main focus is on Lt. Cdr. Vexille Serra and her boyfriend Cdr. Leon Fayden, and how the mission they have been assigned to is having a impact on there personal life’s and professional careers. Although the main focus still stays on Vexille Serra herself which I preferred, as it stops the story from branching out to much and loosing the plot completely. I must say the story kept me guessing with its plot twists and surprises, until the last 15 minutes which it become somewhat predictable but still enjoyable.
The only other thing was the lack of back story in Vexille but I cant fault the movie for this as the 105 minutes given to it would not be enough to cover the back story and the actual plot. But on a whole the story telling was presented in a solid manner adding to the believability of the story and the characters.
Characters:
As I have stated before the main focus is Vexille Serra and all the other characters fill the role of supporting actors in Vexille, in some cases it works and in others it doesn’t but Vexille manages to pull it off perfectly. But having said that there are some other memorable characters in the movie namely Maria and Zack who each have there own reasons for helping Vexille Serra with her mission.
And you get the feeling of desperation from them as they cling onto the last bit of there humanity, although they realize that in the end it is futile. Then there is Saito who really reminds me of agent smith from The Matrix in the way he acts and the mannerisms he uses during the movie. He really comes off as someone who will do anything to get the job done. “The end justify the means” if you will.
And then there is Ryo the little boy who is Vexille Serra’s guide inside of Japan during the movie. All these characters lend a supporting role and adds to the story of Vexille although Vexille Serra’s is still the main focus and character in the movie.
Animation:
The animation is unique blend of CG and Cell shading and highly detailed and might I add several steps about the new Appleseed: Deus Ex Machina. (Yes I did say I wont compare them, but Appleseed set the benchmark after all.)
From weather effects like rain, snow and physical effects like explosion, water effects, reflections and shadows is beautifully rendered with a mix of animated CG and Cell shading. The particle effects that were also integrated into the animation sequences is really jaw dropping in some places.
The facial expressions are also highly detailed and this all ads to the realism of Vexille, especially the opening sequence when we see Vexille waking up in her flat next to Leon Fayden. And somewhere along the line while watching the movie I totally forgot that it was CG and not a live action movie. Which in my book is a good thing.
Sound/Music:
And this is also where Vexille shines is the soundtrack and why wont it, with great bands and people who have written music for the movie. Bands like: Basement Jaxx, Boom Boom Satellites and the rest of the musical score composed by Paul Oakenfold .
The music ranges from hiphop to funk and dance and evening some acoustic metal thrown into the mix, which nicely compliments and movies atmosphere. One of my favorite tracks of the movie would be the one playing during the 2nd opening sequence of the movie. “Basement Jaxx Feat. Linda Lewis - Close Your Eyes” I have totally fallen in love with the OST of this movie.
Enjoyment:
The level of enjoyment of Vexille was really high and it is a good solid entertaining movie even if the last 15 minutes of the movie become a bit predictable. The re-watch value is also very high especially if you want to re-watch it with your friends during a movie night or Anime screening. If you enjoyed the Appleseed movies but you are looking for something with a bit more story and a darker atmosphere, then you will most certainly enjoy Vexille.
