revisions

Netflix's 2019 series, revisions, is a bold and kinetic dive into the genre of science fiction and anime. Combining elements of timetravel, cyberpunk aesthetics, dystopian future worlds, and high school drama, revisions provides audiences with a unique viewing experience that’s intoxicatingly enjoyable.

The series mainly orbits around the life of the central character Daisuke Dojima, a high school student possessing unfaltering resolve and courage. Abducted as a child, Daisuke was foretold by his kidnapper that he would be the savior of everyone at an undefined point in the future. Daisuke blindly trusts this prophecy and is convinced that he's the chosen one. This unfounded conviction places him in uncomfortable situations and imbued in him a hero complex as he struggled to live up to the prophecy.

Caught between its futuristic storyline and present-day school setting, the narrative toggles between showing the regular lives of Daisuke and his classmates and teleports them to a dystopian future. This peculiar setting is a barren and almost deserted version of Shibuya, Japan, where the structures are in ruins, and the human fights for survival.

The show features a significant roll-out of Revisions, gigantic mechanical robots (mecha), which announce an impending apocalypse that has befallen humanity. Pilo, one of the key characters, enlightens Daisuke and his friends Milo, Chang Gai Steiner, Chang Lu Steiner, and Marin Temari regarding the power of these mecha as they face adversaries in the future.

One of the intriguing aspects of the series is the Node system. This efficient computer system is run by a group of individuals, named Revisions, who travel from the future to rescue folks in the present. The system enables a humanoid level of interaction with the mecha, creating an impressive sci-fi essence out of it.

The series is evident in expressing a unique and contemporary take on the chosen-one trope by highlighting the consequent tensions and occasional absurdity that arise from Daisuke's desperation to be the hero despite inadequate skills. It explores the psychological aspects of its characters—like guilt and obsession—while they struggle to survive in the hostile future world.

Despite possessing a vibrant and fast-paced storyline, the series encourages a reflective view of the modern world through its depiction of a devastated planet Earth. It injects relatable elements into the story, like environmental crisis and societal collapse, which gives a realistic texture to the futuristic narrative.

On a technical degree, revisions maintain a high production value. Created by Shirogumi, known for their works in CGI anime, and directed by Goro Taniguchi, who is famous for 'Code Geass,' it boasts of high-end anime aesthetics with expansive and intricate settings. Using three-dimensional anime style, the attention to detail during high-octane action sequences and intricate character designs are evident throughout the series.

With a total of 12 episodes, each traversing more complex layers of the narrative, revisions leave viewers on the edge of their seats, craving for more. The show skillfully maintains a steady balance of elements, delivering charged action scenes, emotional dialogues, and elaborated plot twists, making it a must-watch for anime lovers, especially those with a liking for science fiction.

The unique combination of school life drama with apocalyptic sci-fi makes revisions an out-of-the-box series that explores various themes in depth. It's not merely a thrill ride of futuristic action and adventure but also a narrative exploring social criticism and individual psychological intricacies.

In the realm of Anime, the show has secured a niche for itself thanks to its unique concept, gripping storyline, and intricate character development. Whether you're an anime enthusiast or a novice exploring the genre, revisions provides a viewing experience that entertains, engages, and leaves an afterthought, making it worthy of your watchlist.