Bekushiru: 2077 Nihon sakoku (2007)

Director:

Fumihiko Sori

Writers:

Haruka Handa (writer)
Fumihiko Sori (writer)

Release Date:

18 August 2007 (Japan)

Genre:

Animation | Sci-Fi

Tagline:

The dark secret of future Tokyo!

Plot:

Japan, 2077: A female agent named Vexille is dispatched to Tokyo to investigate whether Japanese are developing robotic technology, which has been banned by the U.N. due to its potential threat to humankind. |

Plot Keywords:

Android | Female Warrior | Artificial Intelligence | Terrorism | Megacorporation

Cast

Colleen Clinkenbeard	...	Lt. Cdr. Vexille Serra (voice: English version)
Meisa Kuroki	...	Vexille (voice)
Shosuke Tanihara	...	Leon (voice)
Travis Willingham	...	Cdr. Leon Fayden (voice: English version)
Christine M. Auten	...	Maria (voice: English version) (as Christine Auten)
Yasuko Matsuyuki	...	Maria (voice)
Christopher Sabat	...	Zak (voice: English version)
Jason Douglas	...	Saito (voice: English version)
Luci Christian	...	Takashi (voice: English version)
Illich Guardiola	...	Ryo (voice: English version)
J. Michael Tatum	...	Kisaragi (voice: English version)
Todd Haberkorn	...	Taro (voice: English version)
John Swasey	...	Captain Borg (voice: English version)
Phil Parsons	...	Saga (voice: English version)
Kent Williams	...	Itakura (voice: English version)

Also Known As:

Vexille (International: English title)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence, and brief strong language.

Runtime:

109 min

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Canada:14A | Hong Kong:IIA | South Korea:12 | Singapore:NC-16 | USA:PG-13 | UK:12A | Australia:M | Netherlands:12

Company:

Avex Entertainment

Soundtrack:

Together Again

Wow! Wow! Wow!

Where did this movie come from? I rented it with reserved anticipation because it looked like another generic anime action movie. I had no idea I was about to witness the greatest animated cinematic experience of my entire life.

Over the past few years I've grown fond of Japanese anime action films. My favorites are "Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children", "Appleseed", "Karas: The Prophecy and Revelation", and "Ghost In the Shell." Yeah, I also like a lot of the artsy stuff like "5 Centimeters Per Second", "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time", and the most of the Studio Ghibli portfolio, but nothing wets my palette like a great anime action movie. And my goodness did "Vexille" wet my palette!

In the year 2077, an elite commando unit infiltrates Japan to expose their technological secrets to the world. Character development is weak, but the storyline is excellent, with plenty of engaging scenarios, unexpected surprises, and formidable antagonists. The visuals are outstanding and the score is unorthodox and refreshing. The action scenes are also stunning. Whether it's a mansion infiltration, a high speed motorcycle pursuit, or an escape from enigmatic machina, the choreography, editing, and placement of the virtual camera are all top notch. One 11-minute scene is unquestionably the most nerve-racking and utterly spectacular action/suspense sequence in the history of animated cinema. Nothing comes close to this in the world of anime action. Nothing.

Now, anyone who reads my other IMDb comments knows that there are two things that I really hate: Hollywood movies and art-house snobs. Of course, I'm sure that those stuck-up snobs will urinate all over this movie due to the relative lack of character development, but "Vexille" thrives so much on the action and storyline that the characters earn our concern because of how they are absorbed within this exceptionally crafted conflict. This is NOT a brainless action movie. The aforementioned 11-minute extravaganza does not exist for eye candy and superficial beauty alone (like most of the scenes in "FFVII: Advent Children"). It has a significant emotional weight behind it which makes the viewer clench their seat in apprehension for every single second of the entire sequence. I know, I know; the snobs would rather watch a couple kids walk around in a war zone collecting rice for two hours instead of an entertaining action movie. So maybe they should just spare us the "high and mighty" routine and not even bother watching this movie to begin with. (God knows they should've skipped "The Machine Girl.")

One enigmatic complaint I've heard on the web is with regards to the dialogue. Some have claimed it to be "cheesy", but I honestly cannot recall more than one or two sentences that apply. (Believe me, I know cheese when I see it.) Most of the dialogue is rather intelligent and there is a noticeable lack of melodrama. Seriously, there are virtually NO eye-rolling moments in this movie, which is a huge positive.

I honestly cannot express in words how awesome "Vexille" is. It's almost like I'm in a state of shock or something, because I just can't get this movie out of my head for a split second. Things might change over the course of weeks and subsequent viewings (of which there will be many, I promise you that), but as of this very moment, this film may have just cracked my Top 20 All Time list (live action included).

Just watch it and judge for yourself. From the very first shot right up til the end, this movie is just non-stop entertainment. And why on earth are theaters showing some stupid kung fu panda tripe instead of this spectacular action film?