Review of Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade (1999) by Kenneth L — 19 Apr 2009

Technically well-animated, with a profusion of dark, drab colors and strict realism. The story, however, is just baffling, at least for me watching it the first time. There are tons of different groups and factions fighting with each other, and I could never quite figure out the reason for most of the conflict.

By the end, I was not even sure whose side the two main characters were on and whether I was supposed to sympathize with them or not. Its visual style is at least consistent, and the few scenes of violence are extremely bloody and harrowing.

It's a very slow, somber, thoughtful movie, but the somewhat boring characters and overly complicated plotline prevent me from giving it any higher than three stars.