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Vexille - Movie | 
| Director: Fumihiko Sori
Actors: Toshiyuki Morikawa, Romi Park, Shosuke Tanihara, Akio Atsuka, Meisa Kuroki
Studio: Funimation
Category: DVD
List Price: $29.98
Buy New: $14.99
You Save: $14.99 (50%)
New (48) Used (10) from $9.00
Rating:  69 reviews
Sales Rank: 5236
Format: Color, Ntsc, Subtitled, Widescreen
Languages: Japanese (Original Language), English (Original Language)
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 109 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: 0
UPC: 704400095900
EAN: 0704400095900
ASIN: B0012Z5UM0
Theatrical Release Date: 2007
Release Date: May 20, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
Vexille (2007, subtitled 2077 Nippon Sakoku: "2077 Isolation of Japan") is a CG/motion capture film that apes the popular Appleseed series. In 2077, 10 years after Japan withdrew into a sort of neo-Tokugawa isolation to pursue illegal cyborg technology, most of the population has been turned into androids by the evil Daiwa Heavy Industries. Vexille, a tough-as-press-on-nails mecha pilot in theDeunan Knute mode, joins in a raid on the remains of Tokyo to learn about the threat this technology poses. An unremarkable series of chases, mecha battles and Morris-the-Explainer-scenes ensues as Vexille, her beau Leon, and the few Japanese who still cling to their humanity destroy Daiwa's fortified island headquarters. Most of the story elements are borrowed other films, including Appleseed Ex Machina, Dune and the two Ghost in the Shell features. Vexille was clearly a low-budget production: the poorly rendered figures ressemble wax puppets and their shadows shrink and grow like stains on their clothing. (Rated PG-13: violence, violence against women, tobacco use) --Charles Solomon
Product Description
In the near future Japan's scientists have perfected the merging of biotechnology and robotics its benefits extending the lifespans of all humans. However the United Nations deem the advanced technology a dangerous threat and begins strict surveillance on Japan.Refusing to abide by the UN's demands to halt research the rogue nation isolates itself from the world. Enter Vexille a young female operative of S.W.O.R.D. a specialized military unit charged with policing the potential misuse of robotic technology sent to infiltrate the neo-isolationist Japan to prevent a potential biotechnological nightmare!Format: DVD Genre: INDEPENDENT/INTERNATIONAL UPC: 704400095900 Manufacturer No: 0
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| Customer Reviews: Read 64 more reviews...
3 Stars+: A Complex Plot and Awesome Animation.....but a Missed Opportunity in Dramatic Content. March 20, 2008
Woopak (Where Dark Asian Knights Dwell)
30 out of 31 found this review helpful
As a fan of Asian cinema, I've often wondered why I haven't reviewed more Japanese anime. Traditional anime has very complex storylines that can put most movies to shame. "VEXILLE" (a.k.a. Vexille 2077 Nihon Sakaku, Isolation) is from the same folks responsible for Appleseed and Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C.. Director Fumihiko Sori and writer Haruka Handa's latest is a blend of traditional 2 dimensional animation and 3-D effects that gives us a vision of a futuristic world. People who saw Appleseed may notice the similarities to Masamune Shirow's futuristic designs since they both worked on the 2004 hit animated film.
The story in "Vexille" begins as Daiwa Industries leads Japan in technological advancements as an attempt for Imperial Aspirations (recalls Japan in WWII). Daiwa began experimenting in extreme cloning, bio-engineering human tissue to combine with machine parts. Enraged with these experiments, the U.N. orders Japan to cease all activities. In retaliation, Japan sanctions a rule of total isolation from the rest of the world, and the country even goes as far as generating a magnetic force field around its borders.
After 10 years, American intelligence intercepts information that Japan has developed a procedure that can turn humans into cyborgs. A black ops group called "S.W.O.R.D." is sent to infiltrate isolated Japan to find the truth of this matter and stop it if necessary. Vexille, one of the commando units sent to Japan soon finds herself the lone survivor who may be able to stop Daiwa with its sinister plans. She hooks up with Maria and her gang of renegades to infiltrate Daiwa. But is Maria more than what she seems? The shocking secret may be more than they bargained for....
I've read that "Vexille" wasn't such a huge hit when it came out in Japan. Perhaps, anime fans experienced some "cyberpunk" overload because there are quite a lot of features that show a futuristic world with "mechas" involved; or maybe because the plot in "Vexille" portrays the country as a "rogue" government in the world's eyes. I wouldn't know the true reason. But this original work by Sori and Handa seemed too similar to Shirow's past works. It incorporates familiar themes of the usual corporate entity that wants to play God, a strong-willed, gutsy but beautiful heroine, futuristic military weaponry and the premise of man vs. machine or the morality of man and machine. The film may actually be homage to Masamune Shirow.
The animation in "Vexille" is kind of a mixed bag. I loved the fact that the characters don't have the usual over-expressive "bulging" eyes, odd colored hair and perfect complexion. Vexille and Maria (as well the entire supporting cast) looked almost realistic in their features, it sidestepped the usual anime conventions that we're used to in the past. Their movements are also very fluid and smooth that outshines the motion capture in "Beowulf" but comes a lot short of the quality of the fantastic animation in "Final Fantasy: Advent Children". I also found it a bit amusing that Americans looked like they're mixed and still looked a tad Asian. (Not complaining, just stating an observation) Also, I saw this film in its original Japanese language; voice actors Yasuko Matsuyuri as sexy rebel, Maria (This character makes me want to become a cartoon) and Meisa Kuroki as Vexille do a very decent job in expressing emotions.
The film totally looks enchanting with the execution of CGI and traditional cell animation. The effects work by Oxybot is perfect for this type of movie. "Vexille" seems to borrow elements from Ghost in the Shell, Blade Runner and even Dune. (You'll be impressed once you see the "Jags") The one fault that the film has, that somewhat lost its effectiveness is the lack of dramatic impact. The story is deep enough to keep experienced viewers interested but the execution seemed a bit lackluster. It opted to settle for the usual histrionics and missed a fantastic opportunity for emotional content by exploring the dramatic repercussions of the film's main premise. Graphics can only carry an animated feature so far.
Overall, I did enjoy "Vexille" more than I did "Appleseed Ex Machina". I guess I'm so used to Anime with all the dramatic elements explored that I was somewhat disappointed. The film had all the dynamic potential with its deep premise that wasn't fully realized.
Recommended! For Japanese Anime or Sci-Fi films FANS! [3 Stars]
 Very cool sci-fi animation! February 22, 2008
Dave Y. (Pasco, WA USA)
13 out of 15 found this review helpful
After reading a short synopsis and the Japanese version trailer of this movie (when looking for something to go see one evening), I figured I'd check it out. I'm not a huge fan of a lot of Japanese anime, though some of it is cool, and I'm not normally a big fan of animated drama/action in general, but WOW was Vexille a pleasant surprise! If I had to compare it to something, I would say it's Final Fantasy meets Titan A.E. and maybe a little bit of the Matrix.
The animation style was just beautiful! The mix of cartoon with computer-generated animation was a brilliant sight to behold. The scenes in this movie had fantastic dimension, color, style, and a totally mesmerizing quality. It definitely made it very easy to find myself drawn into this futuristic world.
The story is great too! Good character development and a sci-fi element that is at least partially believable (and certainly, if nothing else, entertaining). Set in the year 2077, the technology is slick, clever, and cool - yet not so far fetched that you can't imagine the possibilities suggested. Unplug and buy into the fantasy and you'll have a great time. The movie has a bit of a Matrix quality in that (aside from its obvious political elements) there is the strong sense of an underlying (almost spiritual) theme driving the story but it's just far enough removed from the surface story that you can dig for messages if you want to or just enjoy the ride without getting into the philosophy of the film. I like movies that have multi-faceted elements like this. It made me want to see it again to try and draw more out of it.
In short, the movie is great! It's more of a drama than out and out action (so it might strike some viewers as a little slow-paced in places), but the action is fun and the story is good. The characters are such that you care about them and that draws you even further into the story. There is also some cool music in the film, well placed with the various scenes and unique enough so that it doesn't strike as typical. My favorite songs are "Target Practice" by Asian Dub Foundation, "Bird Flu" by M.I.A. and "The Virus" by Paul Oakenfold. Again, the artwork and C.G. effects are beautiful and really fun to watch.
I loved the movie and would see it again (and will) because I'm ordering it today! Parents who are curious about the content will be happy to know that there are no sexual themes in this film. There is a light sub context of a love story present, but it's not the main focus of the film. There is sci-fi action and violence but nothing bloody or grotesque. There is a little bit of language, thus earning it its PG-13 rating.
If you like anime or just good sci-fi, both elements should please. I recommend it.
Action Packed Sci-Fi Animation May 20, 2008
M. A. Ramos (Florida USA)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
As I have mention in my extremely few Japanese Animation movie reviews I have not been a fan. But if more films like "VEXILLE" are produced I may just have to buy them. To me this is more of a Sci-Fi Anime film with lots of action. And an original score that enhances the viewing pleasure.
In this movie we have Daiwa Industries, a Japanese technological giant, making huge leaps of advancements in robotics. They have taken the technology so far that the world is worried about what direction they will take their research. With revelations of their experimenting with bioengineering of humans, the U.N. with the assent of the rest of the world place strict limits on the use of robotic technology.
With this edict form the U.N., Japan decides to withdraw from the U.N. and is able to completely seal off Japan from all prying eyes by use of a magnetic force field around its borders. But ten years later the U.S.A. learns that Daiwa may have perfected a procedure to turn humans into cyborgs and give them an appearance of having human biometrics.
This is the critical information that is needed to make S.W.O.R.D., a black op organization that is outside the protection of all nations, take action. With plausibly deniability in place, S.W.O.R.D. is ordered to infiltrate Japan and find out how far their research has progressed and too see if they are developing forbidden robotic biotechnology!
I found this a very entertaining Sci-Fi film with tried and true formula of man fighting machine. This action pack film is the first Japanese Anime film I know I will watch multiple times.
Excellent action/sci-fi film January 27, 2008
debonair (3rd Rock, Milky Way)
8 out of 11 found this review helpful
I have seen the Japanese R2 release of this DVD. The same production team worked on Appleseed 2004, the version animated with the cel-shading technique. Cel-shading is used on this one as well but it looks a lot better, more like Final Fantasy: Advent Children. Gone is that shiny plastic look that was typical of the Appleseed 2004 characters. The producers went for a slick comic book feel, instead of the muted realism of Final Fantasy: Spirits Within. There is no pretense of recreating human movement and facial expressions absolutely perfectly. In that sense, it is more "cartoony" and "comic-booky", avoiding the creep factor of zombie-like characters with dead eyes imitating humans.
While Appleseed 2004 seemed like a drawn out, loud music video, Vexville is much better paced, with some character development, and an intricate storyline that has varying levels of interpretation. The theme is not revolutionary but it is a good showcase for the CGI. At least someone figured out that you need a plot in addition to fight scenes. Use Wikipedia to compare Vexille's plot outline to Appleseed 2004's plot outline to see that the storyline was key. The level of detail in the backgrounds is ridiculous, breathtaking in some cases. I have not enjoyed the look and feel of a movie like this since the 1st Matrix flick.
Until I see Appleseed, Ex Machina, I have to rank this one and Advent Children as the best all-CGI movies to come out of Japan so far. The producers balanced all of the factors needed to make a satisfying flick, so you are not sitting there watching a bunch of video game cut-scenes.
The soundtrack is excellent, mixing techno, ambient, reggae and soul. Paul Oakenfold provided the musical direction.
I would definitely recommend adding this to your collection of you were a fan of Spirits Within, Advent Children and Appleseed 2004. Vexville improves on the best of all those movies.
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