 | | ▪ | RELEASED BY: | | ADV FILMS | | | ▪ | ASPECT RATIO: | | 16.9 ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN | | | ▪ | AUDIO: | | ENGLISH AND JAPANESE DD 2.0 | | | ▪ | RUNNING TIME: | | 100 MIN | | | ▪ | RATING: | | TV MA | | | ▪ | RELEASE DATE: | | 03/18/2008 | | | ▪ | REVIEW DATE: | | 04/09/2008 | | | ▪ | REVIEWED BY: | | SCOTT CAMPBELL |
Moonlight Mile is a brand new anime excursion from ADV films that is sure to please a number of people because it goes places that fewer and fewer anime seem to go these days. It takes the intelligence and adventure of science fiction, but throws it for a more adult loop that will entertain a more mature audience. This anime doesn’t take itself so seriously that it seems cliché, nor does it enter into anything even close to what anyone might describe as “Galaxy Angel Antics” ™ (it’s just not that kind of science fiction, lol). It’s a well drawn, well thought out human drama about the future of space exploration and the wars that may rage there for control over resources not of this world.
As the story continues, a number of different main characters and sub-characters are thrown further into the complex agenda of the International Space Association as they ready themselves for actual space exploration. It’s been a bit of a long haul actually getting there, but none of the lead up was in any way a waste. Getting to know the motivations of the many varied characters, and why they want to be involved in the universe beyond that of planet Earth have always been interesting to follow. Most of them just seek adventure in places that they have never been, or have conquered every mountain on Earth and now wish to climb into the stars. The series certainly has its meaningful moments and windows into the souls of characters that may seem otherwise goofy or unscrupulous in their direction in life and otherwise. Everyone here has a higher calling and some meaning behind their motivation – you just have to look for it. Things really start getting intense with the Russian space program getting ready to launch a new rocket with building supplies and astronauts up to the space station. Their last attempt to get to space in such a way with their new space shuttle resulted in a horrible accident. It’s uncertain as to what exactly caused the accident, but there are certainly hints of sabotage by some unknown individual or group. This new shuttle goes off without as much trouble, and the series is then thrust head on into space. The complexities of the plot thereafter become increasingly interesting, as well as shady with a hint of all-out space war. Lots of people are after the moon and the resources it holds… and some are willing to kill for it. The animation and art style of this series is still awesome, with a fairly mature look because of the audience that it is appealing to with its existence. Moonlight Mile most certainly knows how to handle itself when it comes to science fiction based style and visual intrigue. It’s reminiscent of Planetes and even “Magnetic Rose” from Memories (excellent!) – it is intelligently crafted science fiction with an understanding of the harshness of space and what is just beyond our understanding. As any good story knows to do, Moonlight Mile is building and building on the conflict and drama that will eventually explode into whatever dynamic it wishes to as space becomes a battlefield. The next volume is sure to be crazy – it’ll feel like quite a wait for it to come out I am sure! EXTRAS:
The disc extras include a clean opening, a clean closing, ADV previews, and DVD credits. IN SUMMARY:
Moonlight Mile knows how to build intensity both in conflict and character interactions. It has both depth and simplicity – it really knows how to mix things up and keep you on your toes while also letting you relax as the anime allows itself to relax every now and then. Moonlight Mile again proves to be a surefire science fiction thriller with a mature edge.
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