Jin-Rou: The Wolf Brigade is a devastatingly gorgeous film, while beyond stellar visually, it is a very nihilistic narrative statement on political power, while it maintains order, it destroys the individuals who are that cog in the machine. Proposing that where there exists order, exists chaos.
Story: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Sound 8/10
Art: 10/10
Overall:10
Real review:
From the very beginning to the very end, Jin-Rou kept me on the edge of my seat. It is a beautifully animated, gripping political thriller with a dark and cynical view of the world. One of the most interesting aspects of Jin-Rou is the philosophical exploration of political power and its consequences. The main character, Kazuki Fuse, is torn between his loyalty and his humanity. A wolf cannot choose its path, and Fuse is faced with this conflict as he is forced into difficult situations over and over. This is one of the strongest themes of Jin-Rou, the loss of individuality in the face of the organization. The characters, especially Fuse, are constantly reminded of their insignificance in the grand scheme of things and the sacrifices they are expected to make for the greater good. This proposes a problem with humanity as a greater being, and while hoping that we've moved past it, it absolutely knows that we have not.
The supporting characters are all well-developed and add depth to the story. Every character has his or her own agenda and it becomes a game of cat and mouse to see who will ultimately come out on top. The political climate and history of this militarized Japan is expertly woven into the plot, while not necessarily "real", it is a form of exaggerated reality, which soon enough becomes unquestionable to the parallel.
The animation in Jin-Rou is breathtaking. Studio Production I.G. is already well known for their artistic talents, but they have truly outdone themselves, creating a timeless classic. The visuals are haunting and full of symbolism, the sense of danger and unease is present throughout. The soundtrack, while not the best sound you've heard, is also well done, working well with it's somber tone.
An absolute gem which will stick with you long after the credits have rolled. Highly recommend.
