In the future, most people have cybernetic implants and everybody connects directly to the net through neural interfaces. Now, an unknown hacker called the Puppet Master has found a way to break the firewall and hack the human mind.
Strengths: One of the few pieces of Anime to come out of Japan that doesn't involve ninjas or space-monsters. Crisp, detailed drawing of a quality rarely seen in animation (I've watched the scene of the heroine riding the ferry in the rain a dozen times, and I swear each raindrop is unique). It's good sci-fi and great action.
Weaknesses: There's this running theme about identity in the movie, which has potential to make it a deeper story than an action flick. However, like much anime, you can't help but feel much was lost in the translation. The combination of the characters talking really fast (a by-product, I assume, of trying to express concepts that take more words in English than Japanese) and somewhat literal translations of complex ideas makes me really wish I spoke Japanese to get the full effect.
Still, a strong and fun piece of animation. One to own if you are into the genre.
Strengths: One of the few pieces of Anime to come out of Japan that doesn't involve ninjas or space-monsters. Crisp, detailed drawing of a quality rarely seen in animation (I've watched the scene of the heroine riding the ferry in the rain a dozen times, and I swear each raindrop is unique). It's good sci-fi and great action.
Weaknesses: There's this running theme about identity in the movie, which has potential to make it a deeper story than an action flick. However, like much anime, you can't help but feel much was lost in the translation. The combination of the characters talking really fast (a by-product, I assume, of trying to express concepts that take more words in English than Japanese) and somewhat literal translations of complex ideas makes me really wish I spoke Japanese to get the full effect.
Still, a strong and fun piece of animation. One to own if you are into the genre.