TIFF Report: Vexille

In 2077 Japan has lived under a digital cloud for ten years. She isolated herself from the rest of the world after opposing a United Nations treaty restricted advanced research in biotechnology. Her borders were closed and a magnetic shield blocked communication and satellite surveillance. No one knows what has happened to Japan these last ten years.

After a daring raid on a secret meeting a “human” limb has been returned to S.W.O.R.D. headquarters. A stunning and disturbing discovery has been made. The flesh has been replaced by a form of bio-metal. After receiving an encrypted message from a Japanese stowaway on a freight ship S.W.O.R.D. is ordered to infiltrate Japan. The unit, which is led by female commander Vexille, is to team up with an underground rebel force in Tokyo. But as the digital cloud disappears and the new Tokyo is revealed for the first time in ten years they are about to make a startling discovery about life in Japan.

Japan has proven again that they are virtually untouchable when it comes to animation advancements and technology. Vexille is gorgeous and stunning. Technically there is not a blemish to be found in the animation. There is no danger of any animation coming out of Japan and it not looking good. Incorporating the same animation style as its predecessor, Appleseed, vast improvements are made to movement, color and texture. And this is one of the few times when Japanese characters in an animated feature really do look Japanese. I know, it’s crazy but true. Vexille is a truly awesome display of animation prowess. Japan retains its supremacy in the animation world.

Where Vexille, and ultimately Japan, is falling short is in the stories. We’re still incorporating the same archetypes and plot devices we’ve seen in countless other animated films and series coming out of Japan. And I can understand that it is a little difficult to create any sincere character development in a feature film, unlike a 20+ episodic series. But there is nothing surprising, new or fresh about the story in this movie. Great leaps forward in animation. Baby steps in story and plot. We ran into the same problem last year with Renaissance. All beauty, no brains.

The soundtrack features artists from the electronic, techno and trance genres. Bands like Basement Jaxx, Boom Boom Satellites, Asian Dub Foundation, Dead Can Dance, Carl Craig, The Prodigy, DJ Shadow, M.I.A, and Mink contribute as Paul Oakenfold handles the music. This is one of the few times that I will voice concern about music. I’m not at that age yet when I tell young kids to turn down that blasted radio. But dear god, volume levels need to be monitored a little tighter in the recording studio. At least during any scene with action in it. It is as if someone behind the soundboard said, ‘Here comes the action. Bring in the guitars and turn it up to ELEVEN!’

Vexille boasts tremendous animation and a cheeky screenplay that makes Japan the villain. It’s too bad the rest of story cannot match the level of the animation. Good but not great.