Review of Redline

Everybody has a few anime they watch to relax with. I personally use Clannad and Kanon (2006) to wind down. Others may use Wolf Children or Usagi Drop. After a while though, I just need to watch something to get my blood pumping. Something to give me the kind of wild and crazy feeling that makes people do unspeakable things. I don’t think there is a single anime better suited for that job than Redline. The story of Redline is very, very straightforward. There’s this race that happens every five years called the Redline (hence the name of the movie), and every five years, billionsof people around the universe tune in to watch it. Or at least, a bunch of people watch it. I’m not sure how big the universe is. Anyway, you kinda get this impression that it’s the biggest thing that ever happens when it does happen. As to be expected, the main character is a man trying to win the race. Yes, “Sweet” JP has been trying to make it as a racer since who knows when and this year he’s trying to win the Redline. Aside from JP trying to win the race, there is only one other conflict in the movie. The Redline is being held on Roboworld this year and Roboworld is not happy about it. They attempt to use every means necessary to stop the race.

In Redline there is no unforeseeable conflict. If you want a deep plot with very developed characters you will be disappointed. Speaking of the characters, they are very one-dimensional. There is one little bit of backstory for JP, as well as some backstory for “Cherry Boy Hunter” Sonoshee McLaren. Sonoshee is quite the badass, and she takes the role of female lead/possible love interest. Aside from those two, every other character can be summed up with few words. Now, none of the characters are by any means bad. In fact, most all of them are very interesting. Once again, you don’t watch Redline for deep character development.

Alright, time to talk about the main reason you will want to watch this show for.

Redline was in the making for seven years. Produced by Studio Madhouse, which in of itself should speak volumes for the movie, Redline utilizes over 100,000 hand drawn frames. Yes, this movie took a ton of work just to make the frames for the animation. So, after all of that trouble, you would think the animation would be good, right? You would in fact be absolutely right. The style of animation somewhat resembles cell-shading. Bold lines and rich colors fill up every single shot. But it’s not the style of animation that makes Redline so great. Redline can’t always be packed with action every single second, but every single action sequence is filled with light and movement. Bright and creative textures are used when necessary, and every object and background is filled with detail. I think that out of every single anime I have seen, Redline takes the cake for best looking anime. Also, I don’t think the praise should stop after discussing the actual animation of Redline. I happen to really love the character designs. For a movie that lacks in deep character development, the designs really help side characters stand out.

Also, I really can’t believe I am about to say this, but…*sigh*… So, normally, I am not a one for fan service. Fan service is actually something that has turned me off from some really wonderful anime. But you see…the fan service in Redline…actually kinda turns me on…just a little bit. Especially Sonoshee and the twins (a.k.a. The pair of walking breasts).

Something that Redline has that is almost just as good as the animation is its sound and music. UNCE-UNCE-UNCE-UNCE-UNCE. And the theme song, man, that theme song. There aren’t too many tracks in Redline, but every single one is awesome. That is to be expected. What good is the speed and power of the animation of the action sequences if the music lulls you to sleep?

After talking a bit more about the technicalities, you may be asking yourself what kind of action sequences there are. You see, in Redline, the only rule is to get to the finish line. Racers can use any means necessary to do so, and that includes, you guessed it, weapons. The writers and producers put a lot of thought into the racers and their respective gadgets. It’s not as simple as one racer using rockets and one racer using lasers. Everyone has some really cool tricks up their sleeves.

To finish things up, Redline is quite the spectacle. If you have the choice between watching Redline and watching fireworks while skydiving, I suggest Redline. Well, not really, but Redline is really cool. :P If this review gets you interested, then go get some friends (assuming you have friends), a bag of chips and enjoy the show.