Ranked #864

Patlabor: The Movie

Today I bring you another Giant Mech seires, but it's not Gundam. Today I'm gonna introduce you to another popular Mech seires called Patlabor. I really don't know much about this series but's really solid stuff. Think of it as a cross over of Gundam and Ghost In The Shell. What really got me into this movie was the mystery, not the battle scenes.

Okay, the story takes place in the present day 1999 (well this anime was made in the 80's), and in the middle of Tokyo Bay a new building is being built. The Mobile Police force has been assembled to prevent anyone from destroying it. While this is happening a whole bunch of other Patlabor mechs have been going on random rampages. As they try to figure out the mystery to they quickly find out it's the building that's making all the Patlabor's go beserk. But how? Well you'll have to see the movie to see what's going on.

As my last qoute on this, it's an anime worth watching, even though it's kinda retro. To be an anime fan you have to like many of the old animes before you can start obsessing over the new ones. Patlabor the Movie is a must see. read more

Ah Mamoru Oshii, a great man who can mold his characters to resemble something akin to that friendly neighbor, or that 40 year old fascist cab driver who keeps asking you whether you have a gun license...if you're reading this I'll tell you again, no I don't!

Anyway, with Oshii's help and some superb voice acting (well I thought it was very fitting) the great story of another robot revolt comes to life. Of course this one's slightly different, using a very subtle reference to animals(and probably robots) knowing something that we don't, or are at least able figure it out before we do. But the major theme in Patlabor is clearly shown through the destructive force of the out of control mecha, and it questions our unbridled advancements in technology and science. In upgrading our physical society at such an exponential rate we run the risk of giving it the reigns, unless we place equal focus on cultural society, and allow people to catch up, we may just be forcing ourselves into absolution. As some of the older characters in this film complain over their outdated knowledge, so does much of the aging workforce of today still scream to be recognized. There are also some biblical references which are used in varying ways to aid the story, the most interesting of those would be that of the ark (as in Noah's Ark), of course Patlabor doesn't use the bible to the extent of Neon Genesis Evangelion.

As I said before, Oshii is able to craft realistic and like-able characters, with my personal favorite being Kiichi Goto; the captian. I'd have to say the resemblance to Roy Mustang (FMA) is to close to be coincidental, but I'm not complaining. A cool, collected individual who never looses his head (well...not usually), Goto manipulates his crew of trigger happy pilots, eager cadets, and intuitive technicians to his ends. This seems to be a more efficient way of getting things done rather than constantly using his rank.

The art is very well done for its time, but still doesn't hold up to modern work in terms of clarity. However it does have a rustic charm that I enjoy, and some of the urban landscapes are still impressive, high rise skyscrapers, construction sites and demolished lots all reinforcing the sense of unrestrained development. Also be prepared for a great 80's soundtrack, you know the standard that was in any great action movie, Lethal Weapon, Terminator...the never ending story.

The point is you'll enjoy the funny and realistic characters as well as the at times comical animation, but at the same time you're able to dig into a solid story that doesn't just say advancement=good (unlike everyone else). read more