★★☆☆☆
8 April 2013
This article is a review of 009 RE: CYBORG. |
“May mankind be free from sin.”
A skyscraper detonates in Shanghai, causing a domino affect. Six buildings in total are destroyed. It is part of a series of attacks around the globe from an unknown assailant. For over 30 years the “00-series cyborgs” have lain dormant from their intended activity, instead interacting with humanity, one of who, Joe, 009, has had his memory continually re-set to preserve his lifespan. Joe looks like a boy band member, and is serving out his time repeatedly in high school. These nine humanoid robots were originally created in the 1960s to protect the population, and now under this grave threat, they are being activated to find out and stop the perpetrator.
A skyscraper detonates in Shanghai, causing a domino affect. Six buildings in total are destroyed. It is part of a series of attacks around the globe from an unknown assailant. For over 30 years the “00-series cyborgs” have lain dormant from their intended activity, instead interacting with humanity, one of who, Joe, 009, has had his memory continually re-set to preserve his lifespan. Joe looks like a boy band member, and is serving out his time repeatedly in high school. These nine humanoid robots were originally created in the 1960s to protect the population, and now under this grave threat, they are being activated to find out and stop the perpetrator.
009 RE: CYBORG has a compelling premise for sci-fi fans, especially with a mystery story added to the mix; but the potential is not carried through to fruition. We don’t get an epic BLADE RUNNER-style universe, fascinatingly peopled. The dialogue is wooden and soaked in the mawkish and hysterical. Characterisation is non-existent. And the worst crime: The plot is muddled and unsatisfying. Action sequences, sometimes energetic, are undermined because there is not enough love for the protagonists. Contrast THE INCREDIBLES or PORCO ROSSO or DEATH NOTE. Though, having Joe outrun a nuclear bomb is no mean feat.
Sidestepping ennui is thanks to the bizarre collection of cyborgs that make up the team. There’s:
001 – Ivan Whisky – A baby containing an adult mind and telekinetic powers,
002 – Jet Link – A blonde Brad Pitt type, who has the body basically of Iron Man,
003 – Françoise Arnoul – She is the techy whizz,
004 – Albert Heinrich – His limbs fire bullets and rockets,
005 – Geronimo Jr. – Giant Native American, bullet proof, super-strength,
006 – Chang Changku – Breathes fire,
007 – Great Britain – Guess where he’s from? Shape shifter,
008 – Pyunma – Can live underwater, and
009 – Joe Shimamura – Can run at the speed of sound.
Told you! Random. The international stylings are a big plus. Not many animated films bother to have such diversity.
There’s some sort of love story subplot between Françoise and Joe, but the fascinating concept of machine romance is not explored. The Björk music video directed by Chris Cunningham is more endearing. The public also don’t seem to register cyborgs running/flying about the place. The context creation in 009 RE: CYBORG is half-baked. Stuff happens, requiring explanation, but none is given. Maybe the movie is aimed at those familiar with Shôtarô Ishinomori’s manga?
Too much hokum, too little gripping storytelling.