Attack on Titan (2015) Review!!!

Synopsis – A teenage boy named Eren Jaeger must use his special gift to fight alongside with the military to defeat the titan race. Mankind is on the brink of extinction when these man eating monsters terrorize everybody and destroy the last of human civilization left in the world.

My Take – I am not really into manga or anime, but without any doubt I respect the depth of their story-lines, with Akira being the most favorite of them all. In recent times, Attack on Titan has become one of the most popular manga/anime just behind fan boy favorites such as Naruto & Dragon Ballz. It was only after the announcement of a live action film along with some really kick ass footage, I knew this one was not to be missed, even though live-action movies based on on anime and manga tend to be disappointing (remember the live action American version of Dragon Ballz ugh). Just before watching the film I decided to brush a bit knowledge about this franchise. To my surprise, the manga is action-packed and tense enough with lots of characters’ deaths! The material tackles a rather mature subtext, otherwise a really fascinating showcase of macabre in a larger scale. It was clearly destined to be a movie, & it might as well fit in today’s blockbuster trend of post-apocalyptic settings and revolution ordeals. In comparison to what I had hoped from this film, its quite disappointing. While it still wonderfully realizes the most grotesque moments of its source material, the characters are watered down with less interesting plights. Nevertheless, despite the fails the film as a whole is actually entertaining! The story follows the relationship between Eren (Haruma Miura), Mikasa (Kiko Mizuhara) and Armin (Kanata Hongo), in a distant future, living between walls in order to protect to them from the Titans, a bunch of humanoid monsters with no reproductive organs & no origins, & feed on humans.

While, the titans have not been heard off for about 100 years, it wasn’t until Eren, Mikasa & Armin decide to climb the wall, the titans return! Causing a huge break in the wall, the titans enter the villages & end up nearly wiping out humanity. A year later, the bunch of survivors along with the army plan a mission to finish the titans once & for all by using their last set of bombs. The filmmakers are clearly just following the conventional direction of adapting a popular material, more or less. Visually, it’s appropriate to call it a fan service; because it indeed puts these big action where it belongs. But thematically, it is a letdown. The main plot isn’t only great for its creepy titans and cool gadgetry, in fact, these things are basically small compared to its surprising complexity within its characters. That is what I personally believe that makes this material great, and yet that’s what the movie ended up altering. When the destruction, it is a spectacle. The Titans are cleverly a mix of human suit and CGI. The huge set pieces throughout the film look visually good albeit some cheap-looking scenes. I have enough knowledge to know some of the changes such as the popular character Levi being replaced by a new character. The setting is true to the source material however as I recall, the setting for the climax is different (It is shot in the ruin outside the wall). The movie is dark and grinds away into some truly discomforting terror moments, even as it careens around spiral roads of goofiness at dizzying speeds. Most of them look as creepy, if not creepier than they did in the manga and anime. Seeing real people made up to be giant, naked monsters adds a new layer of reality. I like that the titans looked like giant versions of people in my everyday life. It added to the grotesque and discomforting nature of their actions.That’s what works with giant monsters eating human beings and gobs of blood and flesh raining down and oozing out the windows. If you liked the throwback elements of Fury Road, the classic effects techniques of this giant monster nightmare might appeal. Visually and sonically it was a huge thrill and totally unique. See it big. Where the titular titans work, the lead ‘humans’ fail! Even though everyone looks great in their charismatic military-issue jackets and equipment. But the acting left me with mixed emotions. The dialogue’s delivery came across as over-done. Heroic lines were deadpan, and the grunts felt cartoony. The injected humor falls flat. Acting wise is alright for most cast. They have a lot of emotions to portray except looking glum. Some tend to overact and some are awkward. Instead of acting, the cast tries to recreate the look of the anime and manga’s characters. But the style and strategies that succeed in anime don’t always translate well into live action. The manga and anime’s uniforms, logos, and weaponry made the series to a cosplay staple. The locations, houses, and forests struck me as post apocalyptic, yet old world European.

These motifs made the series a standout among other anime and manga. On the bright side, the terror feels real. Perhaps more real than in the series. Although the odds were stacked against the anime heroes, the soldiers had an air of confidence. The military appeared capable. In contrast, the film’s defense forces come across as inept, which makes the prospect of fighting titans even more terrifying. Based on reputation alone, the film is sure to be a hit. As a casual fan of the anime I found it disappointing as both an adaptation and a movie in general. The direction and style were a mess. I hoped it would provide what recent Marvel movie-verse films have: well paced, smooth, and watchable entertainment. Sadly, this wasn’t the case. I found the film entertaining despite the disappointment, but it was a very rocky ride. On the whole, ‘Attack on Titan’ is a mess of a movie that will disappoint those familiar and unfamiliar with the series alike. But if you plan on checking it out, see it on the big screen. The film’s faults will only be amplified when it hits the small screen. Apparently it has received an overwhelming negative response from the fans as a result the filmmakers had to defend the film’s creative changes. I think it would fare better with general audience who are looking for a big budget Japanese movie packed with good visuals and action. It can be mindless fun, but you won’t find anything else to like in the end. The film in spite of its scale and production, is surprisingly underwhelming. As a two-part film, I am not sure how this will end as the manga is currently ongoing.