Jin-Roh - The Wolf Brigade [DVD]

Last week My DVD copy of "Jin-Roh" finally arrived. I haven't been this blown away with an anime since i finished "Escaflowne."I don't know if i can really classify this as an Anime. I actually have it shelved in my films section of dvds. "Jin-roh" takes place in a fictitious post world war II japan, somewhere in the 1950's. Consistant cival revolts have prompted the govt. to organize a specialized mobile police that fiercly resembles the S.S. & Panzers of Nazi Germany. This is deliberatly done so much to point that all the weapons (excessivly degailed), helmuts, and much of their gear is very much nazi army.Our main character, "Fuse" (foo-say) is a member of the Special Division of the moblile police, which has recently come under controversy due to a break of discibline in the ranks when Fuse is confronted by a young girl in a red hood, carrying a bomb for her terrorist group.Jin-roh has an excellent set of characters, and is exceptionally well directed and informative for a feature length film. Jin-roh really plays an obvious parallel to the childrens' story, "Little Red Riding Hood." They use the German title, "Rotkappchen," which litterally translates to Red little hood.The first thing you will notice while watching Jin-Roh is how unlike it is to any anime. The characters are drawn to look VERY japanese. No big eyes and clown smiles; The characters in Jin-Roh have black hair, fair skin, and small eyes. Produced by the same team that put together "Akira," and "Ghost in the shell," (neither of which i am a tremendous fan of)' "Jin-Roh" is Exceptionally detailed, from the characters... but especially the backgrounds. So vidid with detail, but not necessarily bright colors. Jin-Roh isn't a standard Anime filled with humor. In fact, I can't remember laughing one time during my first or second viewing of this film.This film is so clever; it has an ending and a twist that would remind you of an american film like "Memento," "Unbreakable," ..."Fight club" even.Upon watching the movie a second time, i found myself immediatly recognizing things at the beggining of the film that allude to circumstances revealed later."Jin-roh" is not for the sensitive viewer. This is a very violent film; however, this is not an action based movie. Excellent Music, and fantastic voice Acting - Jin-Roh, is a heavy drama, and exactly what i have been looking for in an Anime since i started this hobby two or three years ago.In Conclusion, Jin Roh is a Truley engrossing masterpiece of an Anime Film that could satisfy even the most cynical of movie fans.WOW!!

Any fan of Oshii would love this. The story is politics oriented with a fairytale reference which makes the story that much original. I have not seen the two other live action movies before this one, so it is impossible to grade the trilogy. This movie could stand by itself but knowing that it is part of a trilogy makes you guess what you are missing. The animation is great, it seems so real. And by real I don't mean it like CGI heavy but very detailed such as sound, expression, lighting, dialogue, characters etc. I am very glad that I didn't gave up on Oshii when I saw Ghost in the shell. That movie is also great but my expectation was that it would be a very action oriented film. Since then I've bought Innocence (used), Patlabor 1 & 2, Skycrawlers, and Jin-Roh (used). I love all of them. I wished it had extras

I have seen several of Mamoru Oshii's films and noticed interesting patterns. With his "Patlabor" TV series, he has a strong emphasis on entertainment with shades of mature themes. In his "Patlabor" movies, he switches to a much more intellectually mature film with shades of "pure entertainment". In his live action, "Avalon" he goes into a more "art film" focused mode with a disregard of entertainment. So what did he do with "Jin Roh"? With "Jin Roh", he covers many profound intellectual themes while retaining a strong narrative that is both entertaining and engaging. This is not a kid's show...I can't stress that enough.FOR THOSE CONCERNED...There isn't much issue with the language. Also, fanservice is non-existent. The director is taking a much more realistic approach to his animation. That said, the violence can be quite vicious...nothing over the top...but still very vicious and bloody at times.MOVING ALONG...Plot (absolutely no plot spoilers):What makes this particular film brilliant is that it is a dark and masterful re-adaptation of our familiar fairy tale, "Little Red Riding Hood" (the Perrault version if I remember correctly). From start to finish it uses this tale to expound on many serious and mature themes about reality, right/wrong, etc. One of it's interesting questions about the "Wolf" inside. It's very amazing how he both embellishes while stays true to the tale.Graphics:They are definitely marked by the era it was produced (the '90s I believe), but still beautiful and detailed. The animators approached this project with a sense of realism that is rarely seen in most of todays commercial/popular anime. No exaggerations, no embellishments...just normal life. Strict realism. In fact, there are a lot of messages that even the visual gives to add more depth to the story. Very good stuff...and totally fits the mood.Extras:Doesn't exist hahaSUB vs DUBS:Rarely do i dislike dubs. But this is one of the few instances I have to say that the Subtitles are a little stronger.ALL IN ALL...This was a good purchase. It's not one that I would pull out often, but the retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood" and how Oshii uses it to raise questions and issues is astounding. It can be quite an emotional trip as well. It is very dark, and very sad at points. The film raises some good (though not new) questions for one to ponder. However, this is not a passive, popcorn/friday-night movie. It is one that needs attentiveness and intent because there are many messages and allusions in both the dialogue and the visual portrayals. No time is really wasted. Again, this is not one for the kids!