This is an anime movie set in a city in turmoil as protest groups amongst the people riot only to be put down by the order keeping forces of the Panzer Corps. The story focuses on one trooper from the Panzer Corps, a man named Fuse, and his tale after failing to kill a young bomb carrying girl. It's a change from a lot of anime in that it's a suspense thriller in the style of a lot of older thriller movies.

It begins by giving the background in a selection of still pictures and commentary, which is short enough to not seem like a cheap way out. The animation begins proper with the start of a riot, which whilst not highly energetic does provide a good setup of events and and background. The bulk of the film after this part is where things take a downward turn. Maybe I was just too tired but I found most of the centre portion of the film to be rather slow, dreary and directionless. After the initial incident you're left wondering when the main plot will appear. When you realise that maybe what you're seeing is the main plot then you wonder when it's going to get more interesting. The air of tension or sense of mystery that is required in a good suspense thriller is lacking during this large part of the film.

In sharp contrast the last twenty-five minutes or so are very good stuff. From the moment you are presented with the two lead characters stood waiting in the sewer the film steps up a gear or ten and you suddenly realise what's actually been going on. There's action, death and revelations in plot and character, as well as moving moments between the lead male and female. If the majority of the film had been like this ending section then it would have been a much better production. The final twist does through a fresh light on what you've been watching but it's not the kind that made me revise my opinions on the bulk of the film.

The artistic style of Jin Roh is a break from the usual stylised world of anime. The people here are actually quite realistic in appearance and especially in movement. I'm unaware if any motion capture techniques were used to achieve this effect but it certainly makes an interesting change. That said, I think the art may have contributed to the slow feel of most of the film. There's nothing dynamic or vibrant about the animation, which cannot help but increase the dreary feel.

I wouldn't recommend people saw this but then I wouldn't recommend they didn't. It left me rather nonplussed and didn't do much to enthuse me. If you're in the mood for a slow thriller with a good ending then I should say this will probably suit you nicely. However I don't think it works as well as an anime as it might as a film. I'm unlikely to watch it again.

Written to Madness - House Of Fun