Thanks Hollywood! You didn’t destroy my childhood Anime fav ASTROBOY. 3D is actually GOOD!
Its strange how a Japanese cult Hero like Tezuka’s Astroboy can be so Americanised in the newly 3D movie length feature. The story in this film is slightly adjusted which does make justice to its original 60’s Japanese animation even though the Astroby died in a car crash not in a miltary science experiment. This computer animated American feature is a comedic emotional roller-coaster with underlying themes of humanity and its reliance of machines. The issue of cloning+robotics are raised which actually makes the audience think about earth’s sustainability to cope with its eco system. The 3D feature is made possible with the fun and colorfulness from the geniuses in downtown Hong Kong@ IMAGI STUDIOS. Its full of fun and family goodness and memorable cute orphan characters and with some robots resembling happy tree friends and little big planet. Very kids friendly and for all age groups who have a love of the original Japanese Animation.
There are so many underlying political themes in this film. With the representation of Blue VS Red and the world of dirty politics being presented in the most interesting way possible. The element of the floating city in mid air is a homage to ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’. Hayao Miyazaki’s classic ハウルの動く城.
Even though there are so many characters in this 3D animation which are so Americanised its an exceptional remake of a classic story made to cater for a wider audience.
However its disappointing how the orginal catchy Japanese theme song is missing and the characters are not speaking Japanese but American English makes it even extra surreal.
Overall its a fun and colourful ride of an unlikely hero; a robotic kid with rocket boots with an amazing heart&soul to save the world of mad dictators.
PS: I alsonoticed the entire credits have Simplified Chinese Characters next to the English names. Most of the Animation department is created in the 3D Maya studio downtown in HONG KONG’s Imagi Studio.
