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[ café reviews ]

Naomi Armitage wanders the dark recesses of the Martian underground.
arm_0000.gif

Armitage III

2. Flesh & Stone


[ production info ]

Copyright: © 1995 AIC, Pioneer LDC (North America and Japan)
Length: 50 minutes
Rating: NR, Graphic violence and nudity, Parental Guidance Suggested
Format: Subtitled (VHS)

Screenplay: Konaka Chiaki Director: Ochi Hiroyuki Animation Director: Abe Kunihiro Character Design: Ochi Hiroyuki Music: Namba Hiroyuki


[ plot summary ]

vhs jacket

The arrest of d'anClaude hasn't produced the results that the MPD was expecting -- in fact, the opposite. The violent deaths of the Thirds still continue, and to make things worse, Armitage has disappeared. The death of a blind writer adds two more pieces to an already complicated puzzle. Why are all the Thirds female? If d'anClaude is recovering in ICU at a security hospital, who is carrying out these gruesome murders? Might Armitage herself be a suspect in these crimes?


[ capsule review ]











Forget what I said about the stereotypes exhibited in the first episode -- this second installment will make you forget all about the weaknesses of the first, and get you immersed into a good old fashioned detective thriller. As we discover more about the androids known as 'Thirds', we also begin to catch a glimpse behind d'anClaude's motivation to destroy them... or perhaps there's something else yet? Script writing for this episode is a classic example of how to put together a multi-tiered mystery, and still make it comprehensible enough for the average viewer. Normally, I expect to see one or two simple sub-plots in a short series such as this, but here, we're given plots with real substance.

Acting is above-average, though sometimes the obligatory 'ensigns expendables' venture into the overacting territory. Ogata Megumi (Ikari Shinji in Shinseiki Evangelion) does a very credible performance as Julian Moor, Armitage's brother -- and the only male Third. I'm still not really sure about the choice of Kasahara Hiroko as Armitage, however. Animation and set design continues to be a very strong feature in Armitage III, with some very unusual and somewhat 'possessed' facial expressions given to the characters. Anime characters have, as a rule, featured large, expressive eyes. Armitage's aren't just expressive... they can be downright spooky at times. Add to that a soundtrack that fits tightly like a glove, and you'll find yourself drawn into the gritty Martian underworld!
- AN, 98.02.23



[ café rating ]

Original: Subbed: Dubbed:
Story: N/R 5 stars N/A
Direction: N/R 4 stars N/A
Acting: N/R 4 stars N/A
Animation: N/R 4 stars N/A
Music: N/R 4 stars N/A
Translation: N/A 4 stars N/A
Overall Rating: N/R 4 stars N/A



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