“So, are you amazed yet?” —Galo Thymos
Today’s quick review: Promare. Thirty years after pyrokinetic mutants known as the Burnish engulfed the planet in flames, rookie firefighter Galo Thymos (Billy Kametz) works with search and rescue team Burning Rescue to keep Promepolis safe. Their primary foes are Mad Burnish, a terrorist group determined to burn the city to the ground. But Galo learns that there’s more going on when he meets Lio Fotia (Johnny Yong Bosch), the group’s leader.
Promare is a Japanese animated sci-fi action movie from Studio Trigger. Set in a future where the appearance of a new race of mutants has radically changed the world, the movie follows the hotheaded Galo Thymos as he tries to protect his city from the rampaging Burnish. Promare features a unique premise, a vivid art style, dynamic animation, and heaping servings of action. Its infectious spirit makes it an excellent watch for the right viewer.
Promare is a smorgasbord of action. The fights between Burning Rescue and Mad Burnish involve firefighters in robotic armor taking on mutants decked out in living flame, all set against the towering skyscrapers of Promepolis. The action is fast-paced and energetic, with sharp character designs, free-flowing camerawork, and a willingness to take things even further over the top. There’s also plenty of it, packing the movie from start to finish.
Promare also has a distinctive visual style based on geometric designs and bold uses of color. The style works well with the movie’s kinetic animation and larger-than-life setting. The movie also has an artistic toolkit that’s flexible enough for a variety of situations, dipping into simpler art and CGI as appropriate. The only downside is that Promare’s visuals can be overwhelming at times, especially during its already frenetic action scenes.
As for its story, Promare is a straightforward conflict with a couple of unexpected twists. The basics of the plot will feel familiar to most viewers from similar stories, but between the fire theming and a few aggressive shifts in focus, Promare manages to keep things fresh. However, the film does play fast and loose with its plot logic. Promare relies heavily on humor, braggadocio, and raw action to patch up its plot’s more extravagant leaps.
Fans of the action-packed side of anime will want to give Promare a shot. Between its unique art style and the sheer amount of energy it brings to the table, Promare makes for an excellent pick for anyone on the right wavelength. The only catch is that the film is strongly hit-or-miss: its loose story and searing visuals will rub some viewers the wrong way in spite of its virtues. Those looking for over-the-top fun should check it out.
For a family superhero movie with a similar story, try Big Hero Six. For a more grounded, live-action take on the mech genre, try Pacific Rim.
6.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for effervescent action, dynamic visuals, and sheer energy; your score will vary depending on how its tone and art style catch you.