In 2067 the lines between Robot and Android become blurred and the World turns against any Android technology. That is, everyone but Japan. Because Japan is run by a large Company named Daiwa, it decides to remove itself from the rest of the world and continue with the research. A visual and electronic barrier is raised and Japan becomes isolated from the rest of the world. 10 years have gone by, something bad is happening, and Japan is at the center of it. Now it is up to the American military group named SWORD to infiltrate and open a window to Japan.
Highlights
The opening sequence sets the stage for the movie. A high adrenaline mission to a Mountain Estate brings everything. War Robots, kick ass Mech Suits and crazy escape plans leaves you thinking WOW, is this what is coming for the rest of the movie? The story does slow down a little and the action gives way to serious plot development. The main character of Vexille goes from being a hard, cold military special ops soldier, to a loving caring human being who cares a great deal for her partner, who is also part of the same team and is now the leader of the special reconnaissance team going to Japan.
Once there, everything goes wrong and Vexille is separated from her team. This sets up the real story, that of technology gone wrong and the loss of all humanity. There are some special creatures called Jags, a side effect of this technology gone bad. A Jag is like a giant worm tornado. I know it sounds funny, but, when you see them you will know what I am talking about. Of course my first thought was that of the giant worms in Frank Herbert's Dune series, but they were also cool rotating metal tornados. Anyway they were very cool and play a big role in the outcome.
Overall
This 2007 move is a highly produced 3D CG movie. The graphics are almost as high level as Final Fantasy: Advent Children, but the digital rendering of the human character was a little disappointing. This was not a major detractor from the film and by seeing this in Blu-ray increased the pure enjoyment of the imagery. I found the environments beautifully rendered and almost over-the-top in clarity. Also, the effort put into the development of the Jags was a high point in the visual attraction of this Anime. The soundtrack was also well chosen and added to the overall experience.
The story was well developed and carried me through the entire movie seamlessly. I was not sure what to expect with this film and keep thinking to myself that it rivals any Live Action Sci Fi that I have ever seen. The complex moral discussion between technilogical advancement and a simple duty to humanity to protect that which is sacred could be easily muddied and over-sentimentalized. Fumihoko Sori and Haruka Handa did a superb job of creating a balance and not allowing it to become a sappy story of lost humanity. The action was well placed and not overwelming, it allowed for thorough character development and did not lose sight of what the real meaning of the story is.
I am very happy to have the chance to review this film and would tell all Anime Fans that love Sci Fi and can appreciate well produced film, that this one is for you. This is also one you will want to own in Blue-ray.
ComicsOnline gives Vexille 5 out of 5 metalic sandworms.
