The Empire of Corpses

The Empire of Corpses is a thrilling, visually arresting piece of steampunk wonderment suffused with an engrossing blend of science fiction, horror, and historical elements. This 2015 Japanese science-fiction adventure anime film, an international co-production of Wit Studio, Studio Troyca, and others, directed by Ryotaro Makihara, is seamlessly dubbed into English for a wider audience reach.

The film stars Clint Bickham in the lead role, giving a voice to John Watson, a character familiar to Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts. Other voice talents include Italian actors Pietro Biondi and Massimo Bitossi. The movie is animated, putting a unique twist on these familiar characters and allowing a whole new form of character evolution. Thus, it incorporates certain reinvented characters from classical literature, spawning a universe where they embody a playful combination of historical and fictional hallmarks underlined by a serious narrative.

The Empire of Corpses takes place in an alternate 19th century Europe. In this parallel world, Victor Frankenstein has pioneered a method known as necroware, causing a revolution by creating corpses re-animated with artificial souls to serve as laborers and soldiers. These are not your typical horror film corpses; instead, they form a sophisticated workforce, adding to the steampunk atmosphere of the movie, taking it beyond the realms of horror to question moral implications, social structures, and the essence of life and death.

At the outset, Watson, who operates in secrecy under the alias 'Friday,' is studying to become a medical student. Nevertheless, his true passion lies in his illegal experiments, trying to revive his deceased friend, similarly to Victor Frankenstein's endeavors. Watson’s active fascination with this frenzied phenomenon leads him to tweak the existing technology, with a goal of returning cognitive thought and individualistic emotions to these animated corpses.

Driven by his experimentations, Watson is eventually enlisted by the British Government for a mission of international importance. His command is to retrieve notes from the original Victor Frankenstein, reportedly the first to have successfully instilled a 'real soul' into a corpse. This enigmatic journey thrusts Watson and his companions into a world where animated corpses embody more than just frivolous fancy or morbid curiosity; they provide a lens into political power plays, ethical questions, and a reinterpretation of history deeply intertwined with fantastical elements.

The film showcases the intricacies of Watson's journey to unravel the secrets of the soul, navigate through political intrigue, corporal combat, and the byways of moral philosophy. The characters’ pursuit of the elusive notes leads them from India to Japan to Russia, encountering various historical figures, myths, and literary personas, eagerly spun in the narrative web.

Clint Bickham provides a compelling voice to Watson's fervor and vigor, blending steadfast determination and unsettling hesitations as Watson juggles his academic ambitions versus his thirst for soul-reviving technology. Pietro Biondi and Massimo Bitossi round out the cast, lending their voices to other intriguing characters, whose personalities are as colorful and layered as the visual extravaganza of the film itself.

The Empire of Corpses is a unique interpretation of the classic literature made contemporary through the ingenuity of anime. It weaves complex themes of life, death, morality, science, and technology, wrapped up in the aesthetics of the steampunk genre and the innovative animations of Japanese filmmaking. The color palate is rich and suits the brooding atmosphere excellently while the score composition has an evocative quality, engulfing viewers in a riveting exploration between fiction and reality.

Altogether a resplendent vision, The Empire of Corpses offers an electrifying combination of an engrossing plot, riveting characters, high-steaks adventure, and an underlying philosophical contemplation about the line dividing the living and the dead. Its mix of horror, history, and science fiction reflections must not be missed by anime aficionados and film enthusiasts alike. This film creates an experience that is both eye-catching and thought-provoking, never shying away from delivering visual spectacle or diving into deeper intellectual currents. Whether you're a fan of Victorian literature, a history buff, a science fiction lover, or a cinema enthusiast, The Empire of Corpses is a cinematic treat that unravels an intoxicating blend of eras, genres, and questions about existence and humanity.