Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade - Reviews

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JulDer's avatar
Sep 17, 2020

Jin Roh is really something special. The story is elegant and the movie is overall amazing.

When watching this movie, you will feel the cold nature of the setting as it unfolds. Everything in the movie seems unfamiliar and lifeless, even though it's set in a bustling city. The main character's emotions are sealed away, and only unravel as the movie progresses.

The true beauty is not only in the stunning animation and beautiful sound design (the soundtrack is to die for), but in the deeper meaning of what it means to be a wolf. A wild animal that follows nothing and noone but instinct. Kazuki Fuse is tough, and when he is about to give way to emotion, he steels himself.

The movie feels cold. You will be a spectator, unknowing of the true feelings of the characters.

Really, I could not recommend this movie more, but it is very understandable why some do not enjoy it. The imagery is subtle and hard to interpret. Enjoy the film.

9/10 story
9.5/10 animation
10/10 sound
8/10 characters
9.5/10 overall
Thuringwethil's avatar
May 6, 2015

I didnt have much by way of great expectations for Jin Roh: The Wolf Brigade, having read mixed reviews before its beginning. As expected, it was no Haversham to my Pip.

The animation style is of that slightly perplexing, almost faux 3-D that was seemingly the trend for mid to late 90's anime films yet which I find slightly off puting. From the tales onset, there are a lot ofmoderately appealing moments in terms of characters, however the film in general seems to hinge on the Dystopic regime and general genre which falls behind that without really giving us too much by way of the engaging plot. Our protagonist, a CPO Officer Lt. Kazuki, suffers from a brief moment of apparently unacceptable morality when he fails to shoot a young girl who is carrying an IED, who subsequently detonates herself.
In his re-interring into the military style police fold once more, he discovers himself infatuated with the suicide bombers sister, yet even with all this supposed edginess plotwise, the story itself I found boring and frankly, a little played on.

I should make mention of one feature I, as a weapons nut, found appealing. Throughout the film, the guns used are all from a 1940-1950 style so as to imply that this totalitarian regims resistance was akin in terms of equipment to WWII and the tumultous times following this greatest loss of human life. The practicality of the German MG-42 is wonderfully displayed in animation to a particular scene where our impressionable Lt. is re-assembling his main weapon, giving a nice visual representation of how good this LMG was put together, a new barrel every 7 Seconds with fire capability of 1,200 rounds per minute. I.E. you get a 7s window for barrel changes then have to eat another thousand rounds.

Jin Roh had some redeeming features but on a whole I was disinterested and could easily see why it isnt in the same same boat that other post-apocalyptic films are, Akira being most prominent.

Please take the time to experience the series as well as this review and make your own opinion upon the matter, particularly if you disagree with what is written above.

Many Thanks,
Thuringwethil.

5/10 story
6/10 animation
5/10 sound
6/10 characters
5.5/10 overall
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bunda6662's avatar
Jan 13, 2024



Well, I guarantee you that you will be disappointed watching this movie. I mean, anyone who sees that cover, who reads the title, will think that this is an action-packed movie, full of explosions, shooting, blood, cool fights, a badass MC, and everything. Nobody, and I repeat, nobody expects what you actually get: a romance movie with a pansy MC and a boring political backstory that nobody gives a shit about. Not only that, all the characters seem to have a fetish with wolves—this and wolves that—probably to try and make the movie seem oh so deep; "hey, look at all these metaphors and whatnot" .Unsurprisingly, not only is it not deep at all, but the story is flimsy and shallow, and don't forget, boring.

As for the technical aspect, the animation and art direction, things get even worse, believe it or not. To start off, the whole movie has some kind of white blur, or something like that, throughout the whole thing—very weird. The animation per se, if not rotoscoped, definitely looks like it is. So either way, it looks very artificial and lifeless (which is even more weird since if it was rotoscoped, it should be full of life...). The art direction is bad, and the reason why I believe the movie is rotoscoped in some part—the character design screams rotoscoped. It is that bland and lifeless style of character design that you have seen in rotoscoped movies—very bad. The backgrounds, on the other hand, look good, the effects, etc., all good.

The characters are boring and unengaging at all. You don't care about them, about anything they do—just awful.

All in all, I would not recommend this movie. Despite it being featured in every anime list, it sucks, and you will be disappointed. I guarantee you.

3/10 story
3/10 animation
4/10 sound
3/10 characters
3.5/10 overall
ChineseWick's avatar
Feb 10, 2024

"Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade," set in an alternate post-World War II Japan, is a thought-provoking anime film that delves into the psychological and moral complexities of Kazuki Fuse, a member of the elite anti-terrorist force known as the Kerberos Panzer Cops. Directed by Hiroyuki Okiura and written by Mamoru Oshii, the film is a dark, atmospheric exploration of loyalty, identity, and the human condition, set against the backdrop of a society grappling with political unrest and the specter of totalitarianism. Through its nuanced storytelling and rich visual detail, "Jin-Roh" offers a mature and compelling narrative that stands out within the anime medium.

Grim Beauty

  • Deeply Philosophical Themes: "Jin-Roh" excels in its exploration of deep philosophical questions about the nature of humanity, the cycle of violence, and the struggle between personal convictions and duty. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, offering viewers much to ponder long after the film ends.
  • Stunning Visuals and Atmosphere: The film's animation is remarkable for its time, with detailed backgrounds, atmospheric settings, and fluid character movements that bring its dark world to life. The use of light and shadow, along with a muted color palette, effectively enhances the film's moody and oppressive atmosphere.
  • Complex Character Development: Kazuki Fuse's journey is the emotional and narrative core of the film. His internal conflict and development are portrayed with nuance, making him a compelling and relatable protagonist. The interactions between characters are charged with tension and ambiguity, adding layers to the story.

Shadows Within the Ranks

  • Pacing and Accessibility: Some viewers might find the film's pacing slow, particularly in its emphasis on introspection and dialogue over action. This deliberate pace is integral to the film's thematic depth but may not appeal to those looking for more conventional entertainment.
  • Complexity and Ambiguity: "Jin-Roh's" narrative complexity and moral ambiguity are among its strengths, but they can also make the film challenging to follow. Viewers may need to engage deeply with the plot and characters to fully appreciate the intricacies of its story.

The Howl of the Wolf

  • Symbolism and Allegory: The film's use of the Little Red Riding Hood allegory adds a rich symbolic layer, deepening the narrative and thematic resonance. This interplay of fairy tale motifs with the gritty reality of the film's setting invites interpretation and adds to its artistic depth.
  • Socio-political Commentary: "Jin-Roh" offers a critical look at post-war society, authoritarianism, and the psychological impact of civil unrest. Its commentary on power, propaganda, and resistance remains relevant, highlighting the timeless nature of its themes.

Conclusion

"Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade" is a masterfully crafted film that stands as a testament to the potential of anime as a medium for exploring complex themes and emotions. Its blend of psychological depth, stunning animation, and nuanced storytelling creates a haunting and memorable experience. While its slow pace and complexity may not cater to all tastes, for those willing to immerse themselves in its world, "Jin-Roh" offers a richly rewarding narrative, marked by its profound insights into the darkest corners of the human heart and society.

7/10 story
8/10 animation
7/10 sound
7/10 characters
7/10 overall
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Curiousmadra's avatar
Dec 23, 2019

This anime film has been on my watchlist for so long and the fact that I just finished my college exams, made me just want to watch it for some reason lol. It's grand that I did but honestly, this film was rather strange in a sense and it was confusing in some parts.

This is definitely an anime film based on what people describe it as = Little Red Riding Hood in reverse. I get that Fuse is meant to be the "big bad wolf" whilst Kei is meant to be the "other Red Riding Hood". It kinda had an interesting take in that sense but at the same time, I would have rathered if the ending wasn't that abrupt but that's all I'm going to say.

If you like your suspense and very serious type of crime drama, this is for you dudes!

?/10 story
?/10 animation
?/10 sound
?/10 characters
7/10 overall
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