Expelled from Paradise

Expelled from Paradise is a 2014 animated science fiction film that combines elements of action, adventure, and cyberpunk under one compelling narrative. Helmed by renowned anime director Seiji Mizushima, the film boasts an impressive voice cast, including Rie Kugimiya in the original Japanese version and Wendee Lee, and Steve Blum in the English dub.

Expelled from Paradise is centered around a post-apocalyptic setting, where Earth's remnants live in a realm called DEVA, a cyber universe inhabited by digital human beings who have abandoned their physical bodies. This futuristic society is primarily controlled by an advanced Artificial Intelligence System, and all communication and transactions are conducted in this virtually constructed place of existence.

The world within DEVA is not devoid of problems; it's prone to threats from 'Frontier Setter,' a mysterious hacker from Earth. This rogue disrupts the peaceful lives of the inhabitants, challenging the pervasive AI system that governs DEVA.

At the forefront of the story is Angela Balzac, a young and ambitious enforcement officer, whose entire existence has been entirely within the virtual realm of DEVA. A dedicated worker, Angela is entrusted with a critical mission: to track down and apprehend the hacker on Earth.

However, Earth is no longer as Angela has learned from her studies. It's a desolate waste where small enclaves of people manage to survive despite the destruction. To carry out her mission, Angela must download her consciousness into a physical clone body and head to this strange and nearly alien world.

As she delves into her important task, Angela collides with Dingo, a terrestrial dweller and her assigned guide for the mission. Although the two couldn't be more disparate, with Angela's rigid dedication to rules contrasting Dingo's laid-back, survivalist approach, together they unravel the deeper implications behind the hacker's actions.

Their journey to trace the enigmatic hacker takes them through dilapidated cityscapes, war-torn territories, and the remnants of a civilization that once was. Along the way, Angela is exposed to the nostalgic beauty and brutal reality of mortal existence that she had long forgotten in her digital life. This new, firsthand experience with a physical existence, alongside her interactions with people still surviving on Earth, confronts her cybernetic mindset with poignant dilemmas about life, existence, and humanity.

Focusing on these thematic materials, the film broaches rather serious debates about the essence of human consciousness, the ethics of digital existence, and the values that define humanity while navigating through the graphically rich and meticulously detailed post-apocalyptic landscapes.

Expelled from Paradise also offers an aesthetically pleasing concoction of traditional 2D characters and 3D CGI animation. The film's visual style pays homage to traditional anime aesthetics while also pushing forward with more modern animation techniques for a unique and engaging viewing experience. Even the battle sequences and panoramic landscape shots come alive in stunning detail, thus delivering a visual treat for anime lovers.

The performances by the voice cast are commendable, specifically Rie Kugimiya who gives voice to Angela in the Japanese version. In the English adaptation, Wendee Lee and Steve Blum lend their voices to the characters, adding a depth of emotion that complements the complex narrative.

What sets Expelled from Paradise apart is the film's narrative depth and insightful character development. As Angela learns about physical existence, the audience too learns about her world, and the film invites viewers to reflect on what it truly means to be human amid the juxtaposition of the digital and physical realms.

In essence, Expelled from Paradise is a thrilling sci-fi adventure that, while gleaming with high-stakes action and futuristic technology, doesn't forget to delve into profound existential questions. It takes viewers on a thrilling ride to a foreign environment both in landscape and in concept, offering insights into the human experience and our relationship with the world around us, real or virtual. The film's breathtaking visual style coupled with intriguing characters and a thought-provoking narrative makes it a memorable, enjoyable experience for any anime or sci-fi enthusiasts.