Red Line

Title:Red Line
Overall:Rent
Keywords: , , , ,
Notables: Animation - Madhouse
R1 License - Manga Entertainment
The most dangerous and exciting car race in the universe is held only once every five years. And that’s tonight. The competitors are lined up at the starting block. In his vehicle, JP, the most daredevil driver on the circuit, is ready for the green light. Female driver Sonoshee, with whom he is secretly in love, is also on the starting line. She will stop at nothing to get on to that podium. In this race, not only is anything possible, but also anything is allowed. In fact, their adversaries have modified their vehicles to equip them with highly destructive weapons; with such participants, it is hardly surprising that Redline is forbidden by the authorities, who will try anything to halt the proceedings. These speed addicts have to put themselves in mortal danger to achieve their aim: eternal glory for those who finally mount the podium.

Takeshi Koike’s first animated feature Redline was presented as a international premiere on the Piazza Grande (↗Locarno International Film Festival). Also appeared in the ↗ANNECY Intl Anime Festival

[summary from ANIDB]

Directed by Takeshi KOIKE.
Animation by MADHOUSE.
90min Movie (released Aug 2009)
OverallArtAnimationCharacter Design MusicSeries StoryEpisode StoryReviewer
Rent 10 8 9 6 6 Ggultra2764 [series:2214#1552]
(Rent-/ Watch+)

I'll give credit to Redline that it made for quite the impressive achievement in animation as it was completely animated by hand, which is unheard of these days with computers essentially being used to create all of the animation used for modern anime titles. The movie was brimming with plenty of detail and depth in depicting the violent races that took place in the movie and showing off the scenery of Roboworld as the racers prepared and raced on the planet's surface. The animation depth was slick enough to create the illusion of speedy movement depicted with the racers and any collateral damage coming from the manic action that took place in the movie. Character designs are definitely out of the norm for an anime title as well where many of the aliens and robots seen in this movie are made to be quite bizarre and out-of-the-ordinary, with only JP and Sonoshee appearing to be designed like typical human anime characters.

In terms of plot, Redline is quite simple focused mostly on JP's efforts in trying to win the Redline race and the militaristic robot armies of Roboworld trying to sabotage the race. It is mostly dependent in depicting Redline's manic races and over-the-top characters who are either trying to win the race or wipe out the racers thus feeling mostly stylish in its premise. Those who look more for style over substance in their anime movies will get a definite kick out of how crazy the racing and characters are in Redline while those wanting a bit more depth to their anime will find this movie to feel like a novelty. Sadly though, I have to go along with the latter opinion as Redline relies entirely on its gritty premise and presentation to hook in viewers and it doesn't have much else memorable for me to want to come back for more viewing.

While definitely a great visual treat and a decent manic romp while it lasts, I feel quite indifferent towards Redline as it oozes mostly in style and doesn't have any worthwhile substance to make me dive in for seconds with the movie. I guess your mileage will vary on whether or not the movie wows you more than my experience with it.

Last updated Saturday, April 28 2012. Created Saturday, April 28 2012.

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