This is an unbelievably stylish "rule of cool" film with a cast of exotic characters and a crazy story that doesn't make much sense. So turn your brain off, strap in and enjoy the crazy rollercoaster ride of super stylish action.
As with all action flicks the story is more of an afterthought than anything else. The opening scenario was great and the set up with a flashback as the cold open was well done. However the film never goes anywhere with any of this despite the very dramatic and tense opening. It feels like a bunch of storyboards or comic panels went missing during development. A deeper backstory is hinted at throughout and characters get dialogue that implies that there may be more going on but nothing ever comes of any of this By the end of the film nothing has really been learned and we arrive back at square 1 more or less. I genuinely think this is a shame because the scenario is very cool and the story actually had the potential to tell us something profound.
The art and animation is simply gorgeous. The camera angles mixed with the fluid ultra violence, beautiful backdrops and fantastic character designs creates an animated spectacle. This is one of the best looking animated films I have watched so far.
The sound is another highlight. The score is well-written, the French voice acting was great, and the sound effects were excellent. Overall I would regard the sound as one of the major strengths of this film. The hip hop and reggaeton tracks fit perfectly with the California gangster setting.
This homage to GTA San Andreas masterfully mixes European and Japanese influences set in a dystopian Los Angeles. A surprisingly satisfying and fun, if somewhat superficial, action flick which I nevertheless strongly recommend.
