I have to hand it to Otomo Katsuhiro - even right from the beginning this is incredibly smart and thoughtful with the ideas that it weaves together. No, this is hardly the first or only film to speak to notions of healthcare and geriatric medicine, caring for the elderly and issues of an aging population, elder abuse, artificial intelligence and advanced computers in our modern era, corporate or government corruption, and still much more. Smashing all them together is another matter, however, let alone doing so in a futuristic sci-fi thriller that nevertheless remains grounded in a recognizable world. Otomo's screenplay is tremendous even just for the themes that it explores, nevermind the marvelously compelling narrative at large, wonderfully flavorful scene writing, shrewd dialogue, and even characterizations that are more carefully considered than we commonly see in many movies. The story is earnestly exciting and engrossing, the humor is genuinely clever, and even supporting characters have a real moment to shine; how many other titles can make the same claim? Given some other works in Otomo's oeuvre maybe this shouldn't be so surprising, but one way or another it's deeply gratifying that the writing in 'Roujin Z' so thoroughly impresses.
But then, that's what we tend to expect of anime, isn't it? No, it's not as if all works are equal in animation, but even as I've gone most of my life without particularly examining the medium, it sure seems to me that studios in Japan are far ahead of their counterparts elsewhere, and have been for a long time, in terms of both the complexity of animated storytelling and the splendor of the visual experience. And with the superb work that A. P. P. P. turned in here to bring Otomo's vision to fruition, this picture is no exception. Every facet of the sights to greet us was shaped with utmost skill, care, and intelligence, and the very appearance here is a real treat. Interiors, exteriors, landscapes, and cityscapes boast as much fantastic detail as the character designs, machinery, and other active elements; action sequences and effects, no matter how large or small, are fluid and invigorating; and there is even welcome consideration for perspective, lighting, shading, texture, and so on. Champion advances in techniques and technology all you want, 2D animation is routinely richer than 3D animation, and even examples that are decades old might astound in a manner that more recent ones simply do not. To my pleasure, that's just what we get in 1991's 'Roujin Z.'
This is to say nothing of Itakura Bun's outstanding original music, zesty and enticing with its dynamics and industrial inclinations, or the excellent, robust sound effects that invariably bolster the viewing experience. The voice acting is as reliably expressive as the animation in bringing characters to life. Under Kitakubo Hiroyuki's impeccable direction, all these aspects result in a feature that is truly, unexpectedly thrilling, yet also funny, yet also meaningful with intent in the concepts it broaches; generally lighthearted, but with a withering darkness just under the surface. All this, while relating the tale of a hard-working student nurse, her bed-ridden patient, and a super hi-tech, all-purpose medical bed. Why, there's even sly messaging here about supporting government bureaucracy that seeks to improve lives over the halls of malfeasant power that are only out for their own interests, and above all, putting people first. By all means, I anticipated enjoying this when I sat to watch, but I entered with no especial foreknowledge. Frankly I'm altogether stunned by how terrific the sum total is, and downright brilliant. Otomo's screenplay is a blast, and between A. P. P. P.'s animation, the direction, the music, and all other minutiae, 'Roujin Z' is better than I could have ever hoped.
Given the more far-flung ideations I can understand how it won't appeal to all comers, but for as stupendously sharp as the writing is I think most anyone should be able to get on board with it in some measure, let alone all other component parts. For my part I'm overjoyed with how entertaining, absorbing, and satisfying the film is, and I'd have no qualms in suggesting it to pretty much anyone. More than thirty years later 'Roujin Z' remains a great anime movie, and I can only give it my very high, hearty, and enthusiastic recommendation!
