Patlabor is a long running sci-fi/mecha series from Japan dating all the way back to the late 1980s and consisting of manga, a TV anime, three movies, light novels, video games, and more. The storyline is set in Tokyo around the dawn of the 21st century and revolves around a police squad, Special Vehicle Section 2, who pilot combat robots known as Labors. The series follows the squad as they fight crime and get themselves in a number of adventures.

I didn't really watch much of the original anime as a kid, I was too young when it first came out. But when I got older I watched some of the OVAs on tape and really liked it. This was the P-series/'New Files', it was a great mix of sci-fi, adventure, and comedy. Ever since then, I have gotten into the series a lot and seen the movies. Recently, I rewatched them again.

Patlabor The Movie (1989): The first movie in the trilogy is directed by Mamoru Oshii. It is set in Tokyo in the year 1999 and begins mysteriously when an unknown scientist commits suicide. Later on, Labors seem to be unexpectedly malfunctioning and going berzerk in the city. Here we are introduced to SV2 member Asuma Shinohara and female pilot Noa Izumi. Asuma investigates the matter and believes it may be the result of a faulty operating system, the HOS, which is installed on the Labors. However, additional investigation by Captain Ki'ichi Gotoh leads them to believe that the mysterious scientist who committed suicide may be responsible. Further discoveries by Asuma, Noa, and mechanic Shigeo Shiba uncover a hidden agenda and an immediate threat the whole city faces.

This movie continues from the original anime series, but you don't have to watch the anime in order to understand the movie. The characters are all introduced and everything is explained upfront. The story is also great and you can appreciate it on many levels. It's like a big adventure that's fun and mysterious. It plays like a detective story, always keeping you thinking. The story is also mature and there is some interesting character study. There are some great action scenes too, but even if you don't like mecha anime, you can still enjoy this movie because its primary strengths are its story and characters. Kenji Kawai's music score alone is also really impressive.

Patlabor 2 (1993): The sequel is also directed by Mamoru Oshii and is set several years after the events of the first movie. This time the plot centers around Captain Gotoh and Captain Shinobu Nagumo of the SV2 as they try to solve a case where a bridge has been blown up by a missile. They link the incident to an Air Force jet, but soon learn that it was just one of many attacks on Tokyo that have been planned out ahead of time. Before they know it, the city is under martial law and Gotoh and Nagumo set out on an unofficial operation to capture the mastermind behind the attacks.

This sequel is not only considered better than the original, but it's regarded by many as one of the best anime films of all time. I can see why. This movie is a much more somber and complex entry fueled with Mamoru Oshii's well-known deep visuals and philosophical themes. The tone reminded me of his take on the Ghost in the Shell series, but even more realistic. This time around, he directs the movie as a straightforward political thriller which raises very real questions on political and social issues faced by Japan. This is the kind of movie that really leaves an impression.

WXIII: Patlabor 3 (2001): The final entry in the Patlabor movie trilogy. This was the only movie in the series not directed by Mamoru Oshii. Instead, Fumihiko Takayama and Takuji Endo take over. This movie actually takes place in between the first two movies and is more of a side story set in the Patlabor universe. This one does not directly follow the pilots of SV2. Instead, we follow two police detectives Takeshi Kusumi and Shinichiro Hata who are called in to investigate a series of strange attacks on Labors. Aided by the help of a female scientist, Saeko Misaki, the detectives discover the source of the problem: There's something living at the bottom of Tokyo Bay... And it's not happy.

Having not heard or read anything about this movie before watching it, I was surprised and a little confused at the bizarre twist this entry in the series took. It's different than the films that came before it, and compared directly to the second film, this one seems to be lacking something. However despite the fact that Mamoru Oshii didn't direct, Patlabor 3 is still a good movie. I enjoyed the atmosphere and feel of the film, and of course Kenji Kawai's music. On the other hand, I was a little disappointed that Asuma & Noa were reduced to cameo status. At least the drama works (most of the time), and I think it has a good plot, though some of the scenes are a little ridiculous. There are definitely some flaws, but those not familiar with the series may still want to check it out since it can be enjoyed as a separate, stand-alone movie.

So there you have it, an entire sum up of the Patlabor trilogy. If you want to get into the series, the first Patlabor movie is the way to go since it introduces you to the setting and characters, and is a really great buildup to the highly-regarded sequel. On the other hand, if you don't care to watch all of these movies, perhaps you will want to check out Patlabor 3 since it is more of a stand-alone movie. Either way, enjoy.

Now here is a film that caught me by surprise. Wonderful Days, released in South Korea in 2003, is notable for being the most expensive Korean animated production ever made. Directed and written by Kim Moon-saeng, this futuristic sci-fi movie combines 2D animation with 3D CGI, similar to the Japanese film Appleseed, which would be released a year later. And while Wonderful Days may have been overshadowed by the other similar films released around this time, it still stands on its own and comes across as a very sleek, well-told, and compelling movie.

It is the year 2142, a bleak time where the world has been ravished by war and pollution. The last survivors have created a new home called Ecoban, a completely contained and shielded city that draws its energy source from the pollution of the earth. Unfortunately, society looks down on the inhabitants of Marr, using them as slaves for work and to keep the city running. When the pollution levels show signs of dropping, the government officials of Ecoban decide to sustain the pollution in order to uphold their prestigious city, even if it means wiping out the people of Marr.

One day, an intruder manages to break into Ecoban's main computer system, Delos, which prompts the response of the Ecoban security unit. Jay, a female officer, narrowly encounters the intruder in a standoff, but the mysterious man escapes. In the process, Jay manages to catch a glimpse of his face only to realize his identity. He is Shua, her former best friend, now a member of the Marrian resistance. Jay attempts to seek him out, traveling to the Marr wasteland outside the city walls to find out his true intentions. Shua's hope: to show her the blue sky. However, Cade, a stern security commander stands in their way as he will do anything to preserve the city of Ecoban.

The movie combines cyberpunk, drama, action, and romance all together and is quite affective too. The storyline may not be the most original plot out there, but it is still absorbing and even suspenseful at times. You really begin to feel for the characters when you learn of their difficult past which is revealed throughout the course of the movie. Also along for the ride is an assorted bunch of Marrian resistance fighters who are likeable and add some humor to the film. On the other hand, the movie's love story is very sad and moving.

In regards to the visuals... well, let's just say, I can see where the budget went. The traditional cell animation alone is superb, but add to that the gorgeous 3D rendered backgrounds, and the visuals are nothing short of amazing. Seriously, if the story doesn't do it for you, this fantastic blend of animation will surely keep you watching. Adding to this is the top-notch cinematography: the dramatic scenes are composed realistically while the action sequences are very striking and well choreographed.

Another big factor is the music score. This is the kind of score that will make you go out of your way to track down the soundtrack. Composed by Won Il, the music is such a wonderful mix that captures the visuals on screen and really unifies the film. I also must mention the amazing sound effects which make excellent use of the surround system. Sometimes movies that overuse the rear channels can be distracting, but in this case, it's really an experience of its own, especially when you have motorbikes hurtling by and bullets whizzing past your head!

There are several versions of this movie out there. Personally, I would recommend you check out the Original Director's Cut. This version of the movie is several minutes longer than the Korean theatrical version and international versions, and contains some dialog and scene changes. To be honest, most of the changes are actually quite subtle (longer shots here and there), but I found it to flow better and some scenes have a stronger impact in this version.

In conclusion, Wonderful Days is a very good movie. It is quite underrated and the story really deserves more credit than it's been given. This was a very ambitious project, over seven years in the making, and in my opinion, the film succeeds as a unique and touching piece of art. If you enjoy Korean cinema, I think you will really appreciate it. Fans of anime and sci-fi will also want to check out this impressive and beautiful movie.

Note: This will be a long post

In 2004, director Shinji Aramaki and producer Fumihiko Sori released Appleseed, a stunning achievement in 3D-anime. Based on Masamune Shirow's original manga, and with a new original storyline, this film was set after the third world war in a futuristic utopian city named Olympus. It told the story of an elite ES.W.A.T. soldier, Deunan Knute, and her comrade/boyfriend Briareos, a soldier who was injured in battle and survived as a cyborg. Together, they were tasked with recovering valuable data known as 'Appleseed' during a crisis involving the fate of genetically-engineered humans called Bioroids. Action, suspense, and high emotions followed as our heroes fought the odds to save not only the city, but the entire human race.

This film was remarkable for its thrilling plotline, spectacular action scenes, and wonderful CG-animated visuals. It was a huge success and by far one of the most impressive anime films I have ever seen. Two years later, a sequel was announced with Shinji Aramaki returning as director and John Woo joining the production as producer.

In Japan, October 2007, Appleseed Ex Machina was released.

Ex Machina is once again set in the futuristic utopia, Olympus. It is now 2133 and the city has rebuilt itself from the events in the first movie. Humans and Bioroids have continued living together, and Prime Minister Athena Areios is even proposing for all nations to merge their surveillance satellites with Olympus' to create a global communications network. However, the situation is actually far from perfect.

For one thing, there have been a series of unexplained terrorist outbreaks being carried out by cyborgs throughout the city. ES.W.A.T. is called to handle these attacks and Deunan and Briareos discover the cyborgs involved have been seemingly brainwashed. They manage to link the situation to a cyborg manufacturer known as Poseidon. However, more problems arise when a comrade soldier is also affected. Furthermore, when Olympus begins developing Bioroids with combat capabilities, Deunan is assigned to train a new soldier named Tereus. Add to that mob attacks breaking out across the city, and our heroes definitely have their work cut out for them.

The story is handled well. The script is solid and it manages to successfully balance plot, action, and character development. Ex Machina takes things in a different direction than the first movie, but there's never a dull moment. The love story is also very good and effective, though overall not as striking as the powerful emotional plotline of the first movie. However, it's not really a criticism... This is a very competent script. I would just say first Appleseed was superior in terms of story and emotional depth.

On the other hand, the visuals here are unparalleled. The first movie managed to blend CG animation with traditional anime artwork to create a sleek 3D-rendered effect. Well, since then, this technology has come a long way. Here, it's nothing short of amazing. The characters are well animated and Deunan herself looks absolutely beautiful. Subtle movements are captured very well this time around, and emotions are conveyed so realistically. And of course, when the action scenes explode across the screen, it's simply breath-taking.

I am also very impressed with the voice acting. Ai Kobayashi returns as Deunan and she once again delivers an excellent performance. Jurota Kosugi is also back as the voice actor for Briareos. This time he has a much larger role and he really brings life and character to Briareos. Also, I think fans will be pleased that many familiar characters from the first film also make an appearance here. As far as the music goes, it is really well done and very dramatic in certain scenes. Once again, the score is composed by Tetsuya Takahashi who worked on the first Appleseed. It really helps to experience this in a theater, or at least with a good surround sound system.

There's a ton of action in this movie. From stylized gun battles to mid-air landmate fights, it will keep you on the edge of your seat for sure. Having Hong Kong director John Woo on board as producer no doubt helped out. Now, I am not sure exactly how much he was involved, but fans will appreciate the use of slow motion in the kinetic action scenes, and there's even a battle inside a cathedral. And yes, there are doves. I think most will agree that John Woo hasn't been up to his usual standards lately. Believe me, it's safe to say this is the best film John Woo has worked on in the past ten years.

In the end, this is one thrilling ride. Although the plot was not as moving as the first Appleseed, it doesn't necessarily reduce the entertainment factor. Ex Machina had a lot to live up to and the bottom line is: it delivers. Fans of this series will be satisfied. I know I was. Oh, and if you haven't, it's really required that you see the first movie before you watch this one in order to fully understand the characters and what's going on.

Appleseed Ex Machina was worth the wait. Believe the hype. This is a fantastic experience and a must-see for those who enjoyed the first film. If you like anime, especially the works of Masamune Shirow, this one is for you.

I hope you enjoyed my review.