Today’s quick review: Vexille. Ten years after Japan seals itself off from the world, SWORD, an elite unit in the US military, finds evidence that Daima Heavy Industries, Japan’s premier robotics company, has invented lifelike androids. To assess this new threat, SWORD sends a team past Japan’s shield with reconnaissance equipment. But when the mission goes south, team members Vexille and Leon must find a way to stop Daima from within.
Vexille is a Japanese animated science fiction movie set in a future where robots are ubiquitous. Vexille’s two main draws are its action and its mysterious sci-fi plot. The action pits SWORD’s exosuits against the robotic drones of Daima Heavy Industries. The plot revolves around the question of just what has happened to Japan over the last decade, as well as the endgame of Daima’s dangerous technological research.
Visually, Vexille is decent but not great. The animation uses CGI that splits the difference between a cell-shaded style reminiscent of traditional anime and a more realistic style that gives some texture to the objects and the environments. The movement feels stiff in places, and neither the visual design nor the level of detail are enough to leave a lasting impact. Still, Vexille does have a competent, consistent look that serves the needs of the story.
From a story perspective, Vexille has a few interesting ideas but fails to back them up. The sealing off of Japan makes for a good hook, but once the veil of secrecy is lifted, Vexille does little else with the concept. The movie touches on some potent themes, such as the loss of humanity in an automated world, but it spends little time developing them. Likewise, the characters receive only the minimum amount of development they need for the plot.
From an action perspective, Vexille offers just enough to get by. The exosuits are fun to watch in action, but there are few moments where they truly get to shine. The animation style keeps the action from doing anything too weighty or complicated; what’s left over is mostly guns against armor, a couple of chase scenes, and one or two more elaborate moments towards the end. As such, Vexille makes for a fine action movie, but not a remarkable one.
Watch Vexille if you are a fan of the anime side of the science fiction genre and are looking for something new to nosh on. Vexille has enough in the way of quality to be an enjoyable watch, but it lacks the follow-through to be a must-see. For a somewhat more interesting film in the same vein, check out Appleseed. For a CGI anime with fast-paced action and detailed graphics, check out Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children.
6.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for an interesting premise and decent execution, held back by mediocre action and thin world-building.