Director: Masashi Ishihama
Starring: Ayumu Murase, Haruka Kudoe, Kana Hanazawa, Kanako Toujo, Mai Toudou, Motoki Takagi, Risa Taneda, Yuuki Kaji, Blake Shepard,Clint Bickham, Emily Neves, Greg AYres, Monica Rial, John Kaiser
Running Time: 325 minutes
Certificate: 15
From The New World is a striking animated show which traverses common ground in a unique way. Set in a distant future, where elements are not too dissimilar to our own, we follow a group of 12-14 year olds in a world where all humans have powers. These kids eventually uncover teh secret behind their seemingly perfect society, but it isn’t a simple journey from A – B.
The show starts with a dreamlike opening in which blurry and unfocused shots create a sense of unease. Additions of blurry sequences are always interesting in animated properties, as you always know they are done on purpose. The effect is also more powerful than in respective live-action series. The music is calming but the visuals are violent, and although this is a technique that has become overused it works wonders here.
The story itself comes across in both its pacing and content as an old 80s movie where budget and technology restrained the use of big effects. This is meant in the nicest possible way, as it keeps things simple even when animation has no limits. The introduction and design of rat monsters adds to a more fantastical world, but one that doesn’t dominate over more important issues. From The New Future, refreshingly, never brags about the world it’s created. There are great moments, such as a sport/game more creative than quidditch, and flashbacks to historical events, but all are done with a tone of expectedness rather than trying to show off.
The show does become very complicated and requires the full attention of any viewer. Ideas about lost memories and reimagined events soon begin to twist the narrative into a complex tapestry. Luckily the style of animation always keeps our attention and focus. Whether it be a flashback, alternative reality, or dream, every narrative strand has a unique style allowing the audience to keep up with the momentum. This is a mature and striking series which needs a lot of thought from anyone hoping to get involved. Gorgeous visuals, a strong musical score, and a sense of real progression, make this a surreal but rewarding series.
[usr=4]From The New Future is released on DVD and Blu-ray on 11th August via MVM.
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