Review of Redline

I have never had an experience quite like Redline. Over the 7 years of production, the production team hand-drew 100 000 frames. The product created is one the most beautiful works of art of our time. Watching the movie without sound, or context, or any knowledge of the plot, is enough to thoroughly enjoy it. It's THAT visually amazing. Especially during the races, there is so much happening on the screen that it's certainly worth a re-watch. Let's break this review down. Story (9/10): I docked a point here. While the story is perfectly functional and leaves its audience very satisfied at the end, it hasits clichés. JP, the protagonist, finds himself able to participate in the Redline, the most important race in all of the universe. The habitants of Roboworld, the world the Redline is being hosted on, don't want them there, and so their plan is to sabotage the race and try to kill the racers who compete. Roboworld's military, decorated with a parody of Nazi symbolism, are very powerful and numerous. The races are very exciting due to their one rule: No Rules! The goal for JP is simple and straight-forward: win the race and get the girl.

Art (10/10): If I could give it more than a 10/10 I would. The amount of effort the production team put into making this masterpiece should be truly recognized. I love this anime's aesthetic. It's bright, colorful, saturated, and vibrant when it needs to be and it gets darker when the scenes need to have a darker atmosphere as well. You are kept glued to the screen because there isn't much better to look at out in the real world. It's color scheme is very futuristic, which matches the style of the film, but the environment can also be rustic, as it matches the type of delinquent people you'll find racing in this environment.

Sound (9/10): The Official Soundtrack made by James Shimoji was fitting to the atmosphere of the film. Some people may not like all the techno music, but I think it was an appropriate choice of music with the music being futuristic, and the movie being futuristic and set on worlds with most of the characters (besides the main characters) being extraterrestrials. Some of the songs have some swagger, which relate to JP. "REDLINE DAY" in particular, the ed, was my personal favorite. The sounds of the vehicles in the film were authentic and made me feel like I was really there.

Character (10/10): I loved the main characters in the film. JP, the smoothest man in the universe, is known as our favorite charming suave male protagonist. He's who every man is jealous of, and dreams to be, as he has unwavering confidence and charismatic charm. His hair shows his over-the-top personality as he's not afraid of showing off. Despite being a stand-alone movie without any previous episodes of introduction, he still develops as a character. He is loyal to his best friend Frisbee despite the fixed racing scandals Frisbee has gotten JP into in the past. JP is known as "Sweet JP" because he doesn't put any weapons on his car, unlike the other racers. Sonoshee, the beautiful badass racer known as the "Cherry Boy Hunter" is known for her stunning looks and her vehicle known as "Crab Sonoshee", which can ride on water. She has a very strong resolve to continue racing, and she dreams of winning the Redline. While most of the side characters have little to no introduction/development, the two main characters are enough to win this category for me.

Enjoyment (10/10): This movie consistently had me on the edge on my seat and fully invested. I loved every minute of it. It's an experience you won't find anywhere else. It was a thrill, and some moments were truly breath-taking. Redline was truly a ride, and it was well worth my time. Overall, I'll give this a 10. Sure, not every aspect was perfect, but for a stand-alone movie, without any prior context, without any extra time to develop the characters or the story, was absolutely an experience like no other because of it's stunning visuals, engaging sounds, and smooth character interactions. I'll absolutely be giving this another watch. It can be most truly enjoyed if you don't scrutinize too deep into the movie, for its linear plot and simple characters, but if you sit back and enjoy the ride.