Harmony

Harmony is an emotionally complex and thought-provoking anime movie released in 2015. Featuring the vocal talents of Miyuki Sawashiro, Reina Ueda, and Aya Suzaki, it takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride through its dystopian world. Directed by Michael Arias and Takashi Nakamura, the film is based on Project Itoh's award-winning novel of the same name. Immerse yourself in a film that dwells deep into the philosophy of human existence, our perception of happiness, morality, and the concept of a utopian society.

At the heart of the film, we find ourselves in a future where medical advancement and technology have conquered disease and injury. The Human Health Care (HHC) system of the World Health Organization ensures a constant state of self-monitoring for every individual projecting the illusion of perfect health and, a society at peace. However, beneath this seeming utopia lies a threatening question: do these advancements pave the way for genuine peace?

The narrative follows the life of Tuan Kirie, an investigator working for the World Health Organization voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro. As a teenager, Tuan was part of a suicide pact with her friends, Miach Mihie and Cian Reikado, performed as a form of rebellion against the government's oppressive control over their lives. The only survivor, Tuan, finds herself wrestling with the haunting ghosts of her past and the society's constitutional harmony.

Years later, she is thrown back into her tragic past when a new series of suicides begin to spark off worldwide, bearing a chilling resemblance to the pact initiated by her friend, Miach Mihie. The intriguing story brings to life the clash of individual freedom against societal norms and raises poignant questions about the double-edged sword of technological-advancements.

This visually captivating film further crafts an otherworldly future with painstaking detail and precision. The aesthetic appeal of the animation is heightened with striking visual contrasts, from the pristine, carefully regulated society to the disarray and turbulence of the characters' emotional turmoil.

The film's dystopian landscape is further enhanced by its sound design and music score. Handled masterly by Yoshihiro Ike, the film's score matches the thematic weight of the plot. It carries through dramatic moments seamlessly while accentuating the quieter contemplative scenes, consistently enriching the narrative.

The film boasts of a stellar voice cast that delivers outstanding performances. Miyuki Sawashiro skilfully brings forth the complexities of Tuan's character, a mix of high-tech professionalism and traumatic past. Reina Ueda as Miach Mihie captures the spirit of a fearless and rebellious youth poignantly. Aya Suzaki as Cian Reikado gives an impactful performance delineating the subtle mix of aloofness and involvement in her character.

'Harmony' is laced with intense philosophical questions and a narrative that interweaves a dystopian future with insightful commentary on the direction of human society. It poses rich questions for its viewers, forcing them to examine the consequences of unconstrained technological progress. 'Harmony' is a haunting dystopian exploration, a bleakly gorgeous animation movie full of dark corners and tragic, heroic characters.

In the midst of today's rapidly advancing technology, 'Harmony' holds up a mirror to humanity. It questions societal norms and authority while unraveling the deep roots of human desires and emotions. The film presents a very plausible future, pushing the audience to introspect and question the harmony in our own society.

As the film unfolds, you are left in a world where peace can be just as dystopian as discord. Throughout its runtime, 'Harmony' offers a complex narrative on human life, our obsession with longevity, and the concept of an ideal society. It serves as a warning, a premonition of what the earth may become if we continue on the path of advancement without questioning its morality. Posing some challenging philosophical and ethical questions, 'Harmony' leaves a long-lasting impression.

In conclusion, 'Harmony' stands out as a visually stunning, thought-provoking, and philosophically vibrant piece of animation cinema, a remarkable adaptation of a literature masterpiece, and a must-watch for fans of the genre. It is an intriguing blend of sci-fi and philosophical commentary that invites viewers to question the nature of a utopian society and whether happiness can be truly achieved by turning a blind eye to the essence of human existence. 'Harmony' – a dystopian anime that is a treat for the mind as much as it is for the eyes.