So the action channel shows Patlabor 2 over the weekend and being board with laundry I decided to watch it in spite of my not having seen the first one. So I snuggle into my step moms new leather couch and grab me a frothy MtDeW, all set to enjoy some new old anime. I was both surprised and disappointed with this movie. I really like some of the characters; they seem very real, even if the spy’s nose is way too large. No super hero’s in this movie, its pleasantly simple. The plot was week, but likewise, realistic. Nothing drastic, some nut just wants to be a dick and take over the government. Trying to turn the police agents the army, and generally cause all kinds of havoc. The movie progressed kind of slow, and the final battle was mediocre at best. Action wise it was meh, but the story was ok.
I do however want to see the first one now.
Anyone else watch it, or have seen it? Want to share your thoughts?
~XenoDrake
Patlabor 2 The Movie on the action channel, after thoughts.
- XenoDrake
- Joined: Mon Mar 04, 2002 1:05 am
Patlabor 2 The Movie on the action channel, after thoughts.
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- Eek-1
- Joined: Sat Jun 22, 2002 10:06 am
- Status: 0xc00000e9
- Location: Cyberjaya
I have previous experience watching Patlabor tv so I have no problem with the drama-type movies. I personally liked the first movie better than the second. It seemed less dark. The story pace less slow and had a good finale. It's about the investigation of the mystery of rampaging labors including a few new ones in their own section.
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- Joined: Wed May 16, 2001 11:20 pm
I thought movie 2 was somewhat better than movie 1. The romantic subplot gave it a personal dimension that was missing in the first film. If you get a chance to see it (#2) again, you may see that the terrorist figure wasn't trying to take over. What he was doing was much more subtle and ruthless. His personal revenge was only part of it.
Also, seeing the entire Patlabor series (TV plus two OAV) would help in appreciating the movies. As you noticed, it's a character driven series. When you're familiar with the characters' backgrounds and personalities, then certain subtleties in the movie will be clearer. For instance, Shinobu is a by-the-book, give-210% to the job type who has moved up quickly through the ranks in part by avoiding any relationships. This adds to the tension when her former lover and teacher shows up as a wanted criminal.
The thing I've always liked about Oshii's films is the haunting urban scenes that he seems to specialize in. His first personal film, Angel's Egg, was loaded with ghostly city sets. They're in Patlabor 1, as well as Patlabor 2 and Ghost In the Shell. I haven't had a chance to see either Patlabor 3 or Avalon, but I'll bet they have similar scenes.
Also, seeing the entire Patlabor series (TV plus two OAV) would help in appreciating the movies. As you noticed, it's a character driven series. When you're familiar with the characters' backgrounds and personalities, then certain subtleties in the movie will be clearer. For instance, Shinobu is a by-the-book, give-210% to the job type who has moved up quickly through the ranks in part by avoiding any relationships. This adds to the tension when her former lover and teacher shows up as a wanted criminal.
The thing I've always liked about Oshii's films is the haunting urban scenes that he seems to specialize in. His first personal film, Angel's Egg, was loaded with ghostly city sets. They're in Patlabor 1, as well as Patlabor 2 and Ghost In the Shell. I haven't had a chance to see either Patlabor 3 or Avalon, but I'll bet they have similar scenes.
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- Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 1:43 am