“Only in the tales that humans tell did the hunters kill the wolves in the end.” —Tohbe
Today’s quick review: Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade. In post-War Japan, riots and terrorist attacks prompt the formation of the Capitol Police Organization, a paramilitary group that uses violent tactics to keep the peace. Kazuki Fuse (Michael Dobson), a rookie member of the Special Unit, finds himself torn between his duty and his conscience when he witnesses the death of a young woman, and he turns to her sister Kei Amemiya (Moneca Stori) for answers.
Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade is a Japanese animated crime thriller set in an alternate version of Japan. Jin-Roh steps into the mind of Kazuki Fuse, a young police officer struggling to understand a traumatic event that happened to him in the line of duty. Caught in a web of political intrigue surrounding the incident, Fuse must decide whether to give in to his human side and pursue a relationship with Amemiya or become the ruthless killer he was meant to be.
Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade features a richly detailed world, potent themes, and a carefully constructed plot. The movie explores the guilt Fuse feels and his complicated feelings for Amemiya. However, Jin-Roh never gets lost in introspection. The plot moves forward steadily, revealing information to the viewer piece by piece until the events of the film are cast in a different light. The result is a somber movie that mixes psychology with intrigue.
Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade backs up its plot and themes with excellent craftsmanship and a few select moments of violence. The art style is subdued but effective, with incredible amounts of detail, fluid animation, and a high degree of realism. The direction shows similar skill, switching seamlessly between Fuse’s mind and the world around him to visually capture the movie’s themes. The action scenes, while not a focal point, are sharp and powerful.
Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade has a lot to offer for the right viewer. The subtle nature of its story, its moody atmosphere, and its relative lack of action may not appeal to those who are expecting an all-out action movie. But those willing to dig into its world and its characters will find it to be a mature and thoughtful movie executed with unusual skill. Those in the mood for something weighty should give it a try.
For a science fiction anime about a special branch of law enforcement, try Ghost in the Shell, Appleseed, or Appleseed Ex Machina. For an action thriller about a killer’s struggle with his conscience, try The Bourne Identity. For a crime thriller with a similarly cerebral plot, try Infernal Affairs. For one with an introspective protagonist and a similar storytelling style, check out Drive.
7.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for understated quality.