BLAME!

BLAME! is a 2017 post-apocalyptic science fiction film directed by Hiroyuki Seshita, produced by Polygon Pictures, and written by Tsutomu Nihei and Sadayuki Murai. This visually impressive film, distributed by Netflix, brings viewers into a universe where humanity struggles for survival in a dystopian future. Based on the compelling manga series by Tsutomu Nihei, it features the vocal talents of Takahiro Sakurai, Kana Hanazawa, and Sora Amamiya.

The story unfolds in an intricate megastructure, a giant city which extends as far as the eye can see and appears to be an ever-expanding metropolis. This colossal and seemingly infinite city, wrapped in a continual cycle of construction and deconstruction, is managed by a complex system of machinery. The setting is a major highlight of the film, showcasing an array of unique architectural designs and a haunting sense of endlessness that makes it a visual tour-de-force.

The film centers around the protagonist, Killy (voiced by Takahiro Sakurai), a silent and solitary figure wandering this colossal labyrinth in the search for the elusive Net Terminal Genes. These genetic markers could potentially restore the city's original order, allowing humanity to retake control of the sprawling city from the Safeguard, the city's defense system that had gone rogue and now poses a dire threat to the city's few human survivors.

Killy's quest leads him to a village of straggling survivors led by the brave and resilient Zuru (voiced by Sora Amamiya), a young girl who has grown up in the harshness of this hostile environment. When a food hunting expedition goes awry, Zuru and her companions encounter Killy, inadvertently stirring up the attention of the Safeguard and inviting a massive onslaught upon their village. Killy's arrival signals a new chapter in their struggle for survival.

The storyline is brilliantly amplified by the compelling performances of the voice actors. Sakurai, renowned for his work in Japanese anime, imbues his character Killy with a stoic determination and a captivating aura of mystery. Hanazawa (who voices Cibo, a scientist ally met by Killy) and Amamiya each contribute to a cast of characters who, despite their bleak circumstances, maintain a sense of humanity and resilience.

BLAME! is full of intense action sequences that are intricately linked with the exploration of the city. The film presents a unique blend of physical combat with technological warfare that feels jarring and unsettling, fitting for the dystopian setting it inhabits. The film's stylish aesthetic combines traditional and computer animation, creating an eerie, mechanical world filled with mystery and danger. The visual representation of the city and its vast arrays of machines is made even more stunning by the sweeping panoramic shots and the stark contrast between the claustrophobic spaces within the city and the unfathomable emptiness beyond its borders.

BLAME! offers a layered narrative that cleverly explores the profound themes of human survival, technological evolution, identity, and connection. Despite its dark themes and grim aesthetics, the film maintains a core of relatable characters who signify hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.

The intense musical score is another driving force in the movie, creating a sense of urgency and heightening the intensity of the action scenes. The sound design is particularly effective in enhancing the eerie, desolate atmosphere that pervades the movie.

The film isn't merely about survival; it's also a study of what it means to be human in a post-human world. It examines the place of mankind in a world evolving beyond its control and the cost of clinging to what remains of humanity in the face of extreme adversity.

Overall, BLAME! is a compelling take on the post-apocalyptic genre. It might initially appear to be a bleak portrayal of a future world overrun by machines, but at its core, it is a poignant exploration of hope, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit that refuses to be extinguished. The film engages viewers with its riveting plot, atmospheric aesthetics, and thought-provoking themes combined with intense action sequences and a moving narrative. BLAME! will undoubtedly appeal to fans of anime and science fiction alike, offering an immersive viewing experience that's hard to forget.