A visually stunning science fiction epic based on a popular anime series from 1973. With the planet ravaged by chemical, biological and nuclear weapons and the human race exhausted and dispirited, the only hope for long term survival lies with geneticist Dr Azuma and his breakthrough 'neo-cell' treatment. His experiments go wrong however and a race of mutant androids is unleashed. Only Azuma's dead son, reincarnated as the legendary hero Casshern has the power to battle against them.
Casshern is an incredible achievement. Overblown, melodramatic, confusing, messy, noisy and subsequently everything a film of this type should be. Shot on a mere fract... more >
Casshern is an incredible achievement. Overblown, melodramatic, confusing, messy, noisy and subsequently everything a film of this type should be. Shot on a mere fraction of the cost of similar science fiction epics like the two abysmal Matrix sequels, Casshern combines live action with cutting edge green screen and computer animation techniques to create a world that is unlike anything seen before on screen.In a war-torn future scientists experiment with genetics to create spare limbs for dismembered soldiers. Tetsuya, the son of a leading geneticist feels morally obliged to join his comrades in arms despite his privileged position and as a result is tragically killed in action after first experiencing the full horror of a brutal and unjust war. At the same time that his body is delivered to his family, his father’s genetics laboratory is speared by an alien lightening bolt causing the cloned body parts to miraculously combine to create a new super-human race of beings. Most of the fledgling race are slaughtered by the military but the few that survive kidnap Tetsuya’s mother and escape to the mountains. Once there, angered by their mistreatment by the human-race, they discover the remnants of ancient civilization and vow to destroy all of mankind with an army of robots.Only one thing can save humanity, Tetsuya’s father baptises him in the same fluid that gave life to the Neoroids, reviving his son and instilling him with the super-human powers to destroy them…..but the fight has only just begun.
To say that Casshern is epic is an understatement. The story is biblical in proportions and in it’s symbolism. Based on a 70s anime film, the story of creation and the dangers of meddling with nature is also reminiscent of James Whale’s Frankenstein and Blade Runner in that the initial childlike naivety of the Neoroids evokes sympathy even in the midst of the chaos they cause.
Practically demanding to be seen on a wide screen, the film exceptionally good looking. Colourful, vibrant and inventive. The green screen technique allows the anime style to flourish and the film confidently flips from stark red and black to swooping aerial shots of beautiful panoramas. The characters striding like gods and generals among the cacophony of robots and destruction, their capes billowing enigmatically in the wind.
If there is a complaint it’s that, the audience is given little or no credit for being able to follow the story. As with other Asian films we are given superfluous flashbacks accompanied by strings to make sure we get it. Patronising? Maybe. But oddly I have always found this part of the charm. From the excellent Infernal Affairs to Oldboy, Shiri and Battle Royale these long moments of extreme melodrama are part and parcel of what makes Asian cinema so unique and compelling. Something that American remakes lose in the translation.
While Casshern is flawed, it is a superb and invigorating achievement. A prime example of the enormous advances in filmmaking and an exciting glimpse of things to come.
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Casshern is an incredible achievement. Overblown, melodramatic, confusing, messy, noisy and subsequently everything a film of this type should be. Shot on a mere fract... more >
Casshern is an incredible achievement. Overblown, melodramatic, confusing, messy, noisy and subsequently everything a film of this type should be. Shot on a mere fraction of the cost of similar science fiction epics like the two abysmal Matrix sequels, Casshern combines live action with cutting edge green screen and computer animation techniques to create a world that is unlike anything seen before on screen.In a war-torn future scientists experiment with genetics to create spare limbs for dismembered soldiers. Tetsuya, the son of a leading geneticist feels morally obliged to join his comrades in arms despite his privileged position and as a result is tragically killed in action after first experiencing the full horror of a brutal and unjust war. At the same time that his body is delivered to his family, his father’s genetics laboratory is speared by an alien lightening bolt causing the cloned body parts to miraculously combine to create a new super-human race of beings. Most of the fledgling race are slaughtered by the military but the few that survive kidnap Tetsuya’s mother and escape to the mountains. Once there, angered by their mistreatment by the human-race, they discover the remnants of ancient civilization and vow to destroy all of mankind with an army of robots.Only one thing can save humanity, Tetsuya’s father baptises him in the same fluid that gave life to the Neoroids, reviving his son and instilling him with the super-human powers to destroy them…..but the fight has only just begun.
To say that Casshern is epic is an understatement. The story is biblical in proportions and in it’s symbolism. Based on a 70s anime film, the story of creation and the dangers of meddling with nature is also reminiscent of James Whale’s Frankenstein and Blade Runner in that the initial childlike naivety of the Neoroids evokes sympathy even in the midst of the chaos they cause.
Practically demanding to be seen on a wide screen, the film exceptionally good looking. Colourful, vibrant and inventive. The green screen technique allows the anime style to flourish and the film confidently flips from stark red and black to swooping aerial shots of beautiful panoramas. The characters striding like gods and generals among the cacophony of robots and destruction, their capes billowing enigmatically in the wind.
If there is a complaint it’s that, the audience is given little or no credit for being able to follow the story. As with other Asian films we are given superfluous flashbacks accompanied by strings to make sure we get it. Patronising? Maybe. But oddly I have always found this part of the charm. From the excellent Infernal Affairs to Oldboy, Shiri and Battle Royale these long moments of extreme melodrama are part and parcel of what makes Asian cinema so unique and compelling. Something that American remakes lose in the translation.
While Casshern is flawed, it is a superb and invigorating achievement. A prime example of the enormous advances in filmmaking and an exciting glimpse of things to come.
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