Do you believe in fate? Can your whole life be all ready planned out for you? And all you can do is go along for the ride?
The movie is X, the story is unbelievable, and the plot will have you talking long after the movie is over. One thing for certain, X will have you questioning your fate.
Rarely does a Japanese anime make a major impact in the US. Pokemon is for kids and Princess Mononoke was dull, but X brings action a la Dragon Ball Z and combines it with some strange plot ideas a la Serial Experiments Lain or even Perfect Blue (See our review for both of these movies in this month's issue).
Here is a warning. Pay careful attention to this film. It is weird and often times confusing. If you don't, you may get lost. But if you pay attention, you'll be extremely satisfied with this gripping story.
Fate plays a big role in this film. A young man named Kamui is confronted by his dead mother in a dream, she tell him to go back to Tokyo his destiny is there. Kamui means the power of God and it is the power in Kamui that will determine the fate of everything. Soon after Kamui arrives in Tokyo he learns that he has been chosen to save humanity or the Earth.
Kamui is the center of a war between two groups. One seeking to return the Earth to its natural beauty minus the humans, known as the Dragons of Earth; and those that want to save the Earth and Humanity, the Dragons of Heaven.
Helping the Dragons of Heaven is Hinoto, a blind psychic, who has a dream that has her believing Earth will thrive if the humans live. Her sister, Kanoe believes that if the humans of Earth live, they will pollute and kill the Earth.
Kamui must decide which side he will help. He has no choice in the matter. Strangely, his fate is to choose one side. The only problem is, he may be the chosen one, but for whatever decision he makes, there is "the other" who has the same power of Kamui, and will stop at nothing destroy Kamui.
What transpires next is some of the best anime action to ever hit the big screen. The story was written by the all-female manga group, CLAMP and directed by the famed director of Kimba the White Lion, and Astro Boy, Rintaro. With breathtaking background designs by Shuh-ichi Hirata of Ghost in the Shell fame, X is definitely a can't miss movie, with an ending you don't want to miss.
The story is brilliant with the idea of fate playing a major role in the film. The audience can't help to feel for Kamui as he fights a man he would have given his life for, to the death. The audience can't help but gasp at the destruction of Japan and the shocking death scenes, and the audience can't help but wonder what their fate beholds the characters you begin to love.
Fans and foes of this movie are encouraged to give their feedback. Readers of the manga series I would like to know what you thought of the movie. Send your comments to Badseed@ybfree.com.