Promare

Promare, a 2019 production from renowned Japanese anime studio Trigger, marks the company's first foray into feature-length films. The film, which incorporates incredible visual brilliance, stimulating action scenes, and an enthralling storyline, is directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi and written by Kazuki Nakashima. These two names are already well-known in the anime industry for their creative involvement in popular series such as "Gurren Lagann," and "Kill la Kill."

The English version of Promare features the talented voice acting of John Eric Bentley, Steve Blum, and Johnny Yong Bosch among others. Each lends their distinctive vocals to their respective characters, delivering performances that add depth and substance to the film’s energetic pacing and vibrant visual palette. The film strikes a perfect balance between dynamic animation and compelling storytelling, resulting in a mesmerizing piece of anime cinema that is gripping from start to finish.

The story of Promare is set in a futuristic world where a mysterious phenomenon known as the Great World Blaze has caused a portion of the human population to spontaneously combust, developing pyrokinetic abilities in the process. These individuals, promptly branded as “Burnish,” are feared and discriminated against by the rest of humanity. The narrative takes off when disaster strikes, leading to a clash between the Burnish and a team of specialized firefighters known as Burning Rescue.

The film introduces us to Galo Thymos, a hot-blooded rookie member of Burning Rescue, voiced by Billy Kametz in the English version. Galo is a stereotypical anime hero who is driven by a straightforward sense of justice and an insatiable determination to save the day. His character serves as a likable protagonist who is easy to root for. On the other hand, the icy cool Lio Fotia, the leader of the rebel group Mad Burnish, is voiced by Johnny Yong Bosch. Together, they ignite the events of the story that draw the lines between friend and foe.

The visual side of Promare is nothing short of a vibrant spectacle. A bold, neon-lit palette complements the film's kinetic perspective of the future, creating a distinct aesthetics. It utilizes a style that blurs the line between 2D and 3D animation, breathing in a unique life and energy into the flow of the film. The fight scenes in particular are ingeniously choreographed, showcasing not just the power and prowess of the characters, but the clever visual flow that anime aficionados have come to expect from Studio Trigger’s work.

Complementing the action and visuals is the powerful soundtrack from Hiroyuki Sawano, known also for his works in other anime series like "Attack on Titan." The music of Promare swings between electronica, rock, and orchestral, perfectly capturing and enhancing the high-octane vibe of the film. It intensifies the key moments, underlining the themes and effectively ratcheting up the pulse of the film.

Beyond its mesmerizing visuals and gripping action sequences, Promare boasts a rich thematic depth too. Themes of social stratification, discrimination, and misunderstood minorities are carefully woven into the fabric of the story, enhancing the film's narrative strength and thought-provoking value. As the plot progresses, it challenges the audience’s preconceptions, ensuring that Promare is not just superficially entertaining, but intellectually stimulating as well.

Promare clearly exhibits the signature elements of Studio Trigger, embodying an undeniable passion, a commitment to visual inventiveness, and a flair for captivating storytelling. Yet, it also carves its unique niche within the studio's repertoire and beyond, standing out as an original and ambitious assertion of the limitless potential anime movie can embrace.

To sum it up, Promare is an exceptional experience, a thrilling ride of gripping intensity, and jaw-dropping visuals, that redefines the anime genre. It's a visually stunning, wildly imaginative, and emotionally charged film that will appeal to both long-time anime fans and newcomers alike. With its unique blend of action, humour, and deeper societal commentary, Promare continues to captivate and engage viewers, reaffirming its position as one of the most noteworthy anime titles of recent years.