Rent Casshern (2004)

Stunning Sci-Fi action tale. - Casshern review by CP Customer

Casshern is set in a futuristic world, where after fifty years of bitter warfare the nation of the 'Greater Eastern Federation' has triumphed over 'Europa' to form the 'Eurasian Federation'. However, it's a hollow victory as the years of warfare biological and nuclear weapons have left the continent contaminated and disease has decimated the already battle fatigued population. In order to revive humankind, a geneticist called Dr. Azuma, proposes the pioneering use of neo cells which can instantly restore the human body to full health. After his plans are rejected by the government and leading scientists, Azuma is forced to receive funding from a sinister branch of the military. During a botched experiment he inadvertently discovers the secret of eternal youth, strength and reanimation. Although when he tests his new discovery he accidentally creates a race of mutant beings called the 'Shinzo Ningen'. With the mutants now on the rampage Azuma's reanimated dead son Casshern leads the battle to save humanity. One of the great things about the advent of low cost CGI and green screen technology is that special effect laden films are no longer exclusive to big budget Hollywood blockbusters, it has created a level playing field on which lower budget films can compete and 'Casshern' is a prime example of this. Director Kazuaki Kiriya brings a unique and highly visual style which cleverly blends the styles of such films as 'Blade Runner', 'Metropolis' and 'The Matrix'. The film is fast paced, intense and engaging, and the excellent script has some clever plot twists. The quality of acting is great and the characters within the film have real depth, and although at the start of the film there is a clear divide between the villains and the hero, the characters soon descend into whirlpool of chaos, where the heroes dark past is revealed, and the villains reveal a human side where the viewer is able to sympathise with their plight. The result is one of those rare movies about human nature that actually makes you think about life, death, and the futility of war. Overall, 'Casshern' is a great piece of film making with a smart story and breathtaking visuals. A must see for Sci-Fi fans.