In Vexille, in response to a UN treaty to ban the creation of androids, Japan has secluded itself from the entire world employing a masking technology which effectively erases its existence from the known world which includes effectively blinding satellites and also preventing actualy physical breaching of its territorial waters. For 10 years no one has penetrated its borders and therefore is unprepared for the shock of finding that Japan has become one big test laboratory for a giant corporation. The corporation’s plan is to overtake the world by injecting humans with a cyber-virus which eventually transforms the human’s blood cells etc. into bio-metals effectively transforming them into an android which, presumably, will produce a “superior” race but controllable by the corporation.

Ironically a film written and spoken in Japanese is bitterly critical of Japan!

Vexille is a female operative with SWORD a sort of specialised police unit in the US. The group receives a tip which eventually leads to an attempt to breach Japan’s borders when they discover that Japan are doing something that suggests the “breeding” of a new race of androids. She meets a group of rebels who are fighting to maintain their humanity and defeat the corporation. This is their story.

The film is so amazing visually. It was truly spectacular. At times the animation was so good I wasn’t sure if I was still watching a cartoon, at other times the animation was deliberately CGI – taking full advantage of the special effects. There is a lot of great action in this movie too – and to my surprise the two strongest characters are both female – both attractive, strong, and taking the lead at various times. The only weakness in this approach was that at one point or another Vexille looked a little weak compared to the other strong female lead Maria. In true anime style though they are both extremely sexy! 🙂

Soundtrack wise it has been penned by Paul Oakenfold so its pretty funky and catchy.

Vexille is not one of those typical animes which are all action and no depth. It leaves you stunned not only by the visual and audio impact but by some heavy messages about where we might be heading technology-wise and even playing god-wise (think cloning.) Thoroughly enjoyable.