Crusher Joe: The Movie, is a Movie from 1983, by Studio Nue. It was adapted from the Crusher Joe light novels, written by author Haruka Takachiho. Directed by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, who had already worked on the 1979’s Mobile Suit Gundam, it won Animage Anime Grand Prize in ’83.
Story (6/10):
Crusher Joe follows the adventures of Crusher Joe and his team, Alfin, Talos and Ricky. Our main characters are the so-called Crushers, a kind of legal and controlled mercenaries. The movie revolves around a group of Pirates, which have stolen a highly dangerous weapon, while Crusher Joe and his team are fighting the Pirate faction. The Story overall is quite generic and is something that one would expect from this kind of movie. And although it’s not a complex story, it’s intelligent.
Art (9/10):
The Art is stunning in this Anime. While I was watching this, I forgot that it’s almost 30 years old. There were quite an amount of awesome fight scenes, and the design was splendid. Crusher Joe is without a doubt, one of the best-looking Anime’s from the early 80’s.
Sounds (8/10):
The Music in this Movie was always a crucial point, to create the perfect ambient. There wasn’t a moment where I thought the Music was misplaced, even when there wasn’t any. I don’t have any complains about the Voice Acting (Japanese Version), where the seiyu’s did a flawless job.
Characters (8/10):
All Characters are the most 80’s cliché possible, but everyone is likeable. They are all funny, serious and distinctive. The relationship between the 4 main Characters is very interesting, where they despite being all friends have the occasional fights, which can bring a good laugh.
Enjoyment (9/10):
With great fighting scenes, funny situations, enjoyable characters and a bit of romance, this Movie is really a great joy to watch. Even with its 120 minutes, you won’t ever feel bored, because there is always something happening.
Overall (8/10):
This is really an underrated and especially underappreciated Movie. This is one of the best Movies I have seen from the early 80’s and I don’t understand why it’s so underappreciated. A good way to sum this movie is to say that it’s a generic 80’s Anime at its best. So if you like more old school stuff or you just like a good action/comedy anime, than this is definitely one for you.
Note: If you don't know where to watch this, PM me.
