Rôjin Z (1991)

Rôjin Z (1991). 1h 20m | PG-13

“Can mankind advance without losing their humanity? Conservatives throughout history have fought our gradual change, but ultimately lost, only tarnishing their legacy. Yet even rational, progressive individuals worry about our increasingly wired world, where face-to-face conversation is replaced by text on electronic screens. Thus, Roujin Zu0026#39;s premise is more relevant than ever, over two decades after its release – should technology replace human interaction? u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIn this near future, Japan is not in mid-Apocalypse, but is a modernized metropolis. People may live longer and enjoy more comforts, but old customs are struggling to survive. The frail, demented eldery arenu0026#39;t always treated with reverence, but as burdens, families ignoring traditional roles by hiring nursing homes or caretakers to provide their needs. With new technology from a mysterious source, the Ministry of Public Welfare reveals the ultimate caretaker for any fading senior citizen: the Z-001, a mechanical bed that functions as a perfect life support system and entertainment center. When one of her patients is forced into the machine through his familyu0026#39;s permission, Haruko attempts to free him, objecting to, in her mind, a cold practice.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eLittle do they know that the Z-001 is more than an advanced medical suite…u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe social satire in the film is well-done – slightly outrageous, but not unbelievable. Both sides are portrayed, yet neither are vilified. The film is much more mature than most of the crude, violent sci-fi anime of the 80s/90s. But thatu0026#39;s just the starting point for an adventure involving a renegade machine, spiraling out of control as it incorporates whatever touches its wires! A good portion sets up the plot, character, and tone, but at the end of the day, the ridiculous action is the headliner of the movie.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWhich isnu0026#39;t to say Roujin Z is a mediocre film. In fact, it mixes many elements to its benefit. Its enjoyable, but not empty of character nor theme. Characters may have comedic reactions to events, but its never out of place, nor overused. The machineu0026#39;s chaotic wake may be impressive, but its serves more purpose than action alone. Its a balanced movie, that doesnu0026#39;t rely on tired, lowest-common-denominator tropes. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eI suppose thereu0026#39;s minor complaints. Hanakou0026#39;s college friends arenu0026#39;t particularly useful or interesting. The animation is alright, but only that. The main focus is loosened up once the action begins, but it never drops out from the film entirely. Besides, I was enjoying myself regardless.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eRoujin Z is a very solid, unfortunately forgotten anime. Its probably too balanced to make your best-of list, but I donu0026#39;t see much to dislike about it. Its perfectly paced, entertaining, a little emotional, and may even make you reflect on life. Iu0026#39;d recommend it to most people, and say its a high pick for sci-fi/retro anime fans.”