Blackfox

I can't help but love this right away. The lighthearted cute factor is high in this picture, yet it is also clearly geared for action and adventure, with even the opening scene dropping us right in and even stronger violence to come. Similarly, we're given a near-future setting with robots and highly advanced technology, yet the saga is one of ninja and detective work as much as it is science fiction, with touches of earnest drama on top. The fundamental presentation even freely mixes both Japanese and English languages. 'Blackfox' throws a lot at us very quickly in a narrative that itself moves very fast, but goodness, it has us invested right from the start and swept along for the ride. This is a really good time!

Exposition is minimal as the plot develops rapidly, but between Hayashi Naoki's screenplay and the direction of Nomura Kazuya and Shinohara Keisuke, the feature is so smartly crafted that we can readily, easily keep up with the course of events and all goings-on. Granted, it would be easier if the pacing weren't so swift, yet the characters are interesting with varied personalities, the dialogue is fruitful, the scene writing is solid and flavorful, and the story at large is compelling, firmly drawing us in and keeping us absorbed for a tale of vengeance and intrigue, with much bigger ideas on the edges including the corruption of science and ideals. It's not that the film is breaking new ground in any way, but it's engaging, and balanced in its varied moods, and roundly entertaining all the while; the tone ranges from light and charming to unexpectedly dark and haunting, but the shifts feel smooth and natural. Protagonist Lily, in and of herself, is a minor joy: highly trained, and determined, but prone to her own flaws and foibles, and for that matter still growing up, not least after having her childhood ripped away.

For as gratifyingly sharp, tight, and focused as the writing and direction are, the same certainly goes for the animation of Studio 3Hz and Infinite. Only recently have I begun to particularly dip my toes into anime, but as I have it seems evident to me that the animation houses in Japan have long demonstrated a mastery of the medium that their counterparts elsewhere in the world can mostly only dream of - and predominantly in 2D, no less. 'Blackfox' is no exception as we're treated to excellent, fetching designs for characters, creatures, machinery, and all active elements, and gorgeous backgrounds and environments of every stripe. There's wonderful detail and texture throughout, not to mention consideration for lighting, shading, color, and perspective. Where 3D sensibilities are employed it is, thankfully, only as augmentation or embellishment amidst the foremost 2D style. I discern a certain softness in the visual experience compared to other anime, but that fits quite perfectly with the overall tenor that the title adopts, and the result is rich and engrossing.

And still that's not all. The original music of Yokoyama Masaru and Hashiguchi Kana is superb, deft complement for every mood, scene, and idea. As rich and dynamic as the animation, the score ably moves from tender and heartfelt, to grim and foreboding, to sweet and jaunty, to vibrant and invigorating, and back again. I could hardly be more pleased with how adept the music is, ably keeping up with the different hues of tension and suspense, action and violence, and meaningful helpings of both drama and comedy along the way. Much the same should be said of the voice acting; no one performer necessarily stands out above the others, but from one to the next everyone does a truly fantastic job. The voice acting is characterized by welcome range, nuance, and emotional depth, bolstering the proceedings with spirit and expression that does much to bring the movie to such vivid life. Just as much to the point, from sound effects to editing to the basic production values, this most assuredly meets all the high standards of modern anime.

Honest, wholehearted themes raise their heads of obsession, jealousy, empathy, compassion, family, legacy, self-realization, and more amidst all the genre splendor, making the sum total terrifically well-rounded. Even as it's built primarily for a fluid, dazzling blast of far-flung fun (not least with its action and effects), some facets of the flick are surprisingly impactful, and in all sincerity, 'Blackfox' is better than I could have ever hoped. It's not a piece of any major renown or visibility, nor even availability, but as far as I'm concerned this stands substantially taller than some other anime pictures that claim much more stature in the public eye. From top to bottom and in every last regard this boasts tremendous, electrifying vitality, and the skill, intelligence, care, and heart that went into it is undeniable. Yes, it's very fast-paced, and fairly forthright in its plot development, but I'm all so happy with how great the viewing experience actually turned out to be - through to the ending which quite opens for the door for the saga to continue. For my part I'm happy to give 'Blackfox' my very high, hearty, and enthusiastic recommendation!