X
The Movie Review
Directed by: Rintaro
Distributor: Toei Animation
Original Creator: CLAMP
Format: Movie (100 minutes)
Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Psychological, Supernatural
Throughout the anime community, "X: The Movie" is a prime example of a real love-it-or-hate-it affair. Otakus and fans of the original manga will criticize its lack of in-depth characterization and the liberties taken with the plot, whereas newbie’s and those who have never read the manga or watched the more recent TV series (the category I myself fall into) are more often stunned by the film's visually stunning action sequences and its ethereal, apocalyptic atmosphere than disappointed by its lack of faith to the original franchise. Nonetheless, a film with the capacity to split its audience thusly had to be worth checking out, and check it out I did. The conclusions I came to? Well, I can see substance in both arguments. "X: The Movie" has both its strengths and its weaknesses, and may or may not appeal depending on what you're looking for.
"X" tells the story of the 16-year old Kamui Shirou, possessed of godlike powers and - just his luck - faces the decision over whether to use them to save mankind or aid in its destruction. The threat present in the story stems from the seven Dragons of the Earth; the world's greatest eco terrorists, men and women born with extraordinary abilities who seek to destroy mankind and all of its creations in order to restore Earth's natural order. This is to be done by destroying the seven power shield present in - yeah; you guessed it - the city of Tokyo. Don't ask how, just go with it. Opposing them are, of course, the seven equal-and-opposite Dragons of Heaven, destined to fight a bloody and bitter war against the Dragons of Earth in order to save the planet. Theoretically, Kamui's decision on which side to join is to be the deciding factor in the battle's outcome. And thus is the pretext set for the battle for mankind's very survival. The irony is that the Dragon's of Earth actually have the stronger argument for their cause; if it was a debate, the Dragons of Heaven would most likely lose. However this isn’t a debate, it's a war and the Dragons of Heaven are the side we're intended to root for, so sit back and enjoy.
Granted, the basic set up for the battle "X" is based around is pretty thin, but the plot is enriched somewhat by Kamui's own personal dilemma. You see, Kamui has a counterpart; Fuma Mono, supposedly born to be his opponent, and whichever side he chooses to join, Fuma will be destined to join the other and fight Kamui to the death. Just to throw salt in the wound, Fuma is Kamui's closest friend, who he has sworn to protect with his life. The tragic element of the two friends doomed to end up on opposing sides adds a personal touch to "X"'s story, something to elevate it above the simple good vs. evil backdrop of animes like Dragonball Z. Nevertheless, despite the relatively strong pretext "X"'s storyline often feels somewhat rushed, with some crucial elements, such as the origin of Kamui's powers, being almost completely omitted. Granted, it's nowhere near as confusing as, say, "Kai Doh Maru", and being granted a little knowledge of the film's backdrop wouldn't do much to enhance the viewer's enjoyment of the film, but at times you'll find yourself wishing that maybe another half an hour had been added at the start and everything was slowed down a little.
On a more positive note, "X" is often cited as having some of the best animation seen in Japanese anime: while I wouldn't quite say the best, it certainly is aesthetically stunning to say the least. The movie is largely shot at night, but you'd hardly know it, what with the epilepsy inducing light(n)ing effects, lush, vivid backgrounds and heavily stylized character models. These serve to make the combat for which "X" is famed all the more awe-inspiring; the only complaint I have is that I honestly wish there was more. Every collapsing building, every severed limb, every burst of fire and blood inspires another wince from the viewer. It never gets repetitive and the carnage that ensues will likely leave you dumbfounded. Even if you hate every other aspect of it - which many do - it is worth at least renting "X" for the combat alone.
The sound is just as good. Meaty effects - mostly shattering glass and rock, and gouts of lightning and blood - are 100% convincing, even more so when laid against the film's soundtrack. The music of "X" comprises entirely of ambient, folksy and authentically Japanese soundscapes, sedate, yet oddly appropriate, creating a haunting, ethereal effect which authenticates the battles' dreamlike nature, its very lack of urgency further emphasizing their brutality.
Where "X" really falls flat on its face, however, is in its almost total lack of characterization; a major flaw wherever you stand, and considered almost a cardinal sin amongst fans of the manga. In the original franchise, each one of the Dragons of Heaven and Earth had highly developed back stories, whereas this movie leaves you scarcely enough time to associate their names with their faces. The only characters who are fleshed out to any significant degree are Kamui and Fuma, and despite some excellently scripted and acted death scenes, it remains difficult to care about characters about whom we know virtually nothing.
If you're the sort of person who considers characterization to be utterly essential, I recommend you stay well clear of this one.
So there you have it. "X: The Movie" excels in some areas and doesn't even try in others. One moment it's a masterpiece, the next an atrocity. It's hard to really know who to recommend it to, but I guess anyone looking for a good dark, epic, with violence and atmosphere aplenty and isn't too worried about strong plot or characterization, could well have a candidate for their top 10 list on their hands. On the other hand, there are people out there who won't be able to stand it. Myself, as the happy medium, I give it a solid
**1/2
Rating System:
* - Horrible
*1/2 - Very Bad
** - Bad
**1/2 - Good
*** - Very Good
***1/2 - Excellent
**** - Masterpiece
