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.