| SYNOPSIS __________
Introduction: (from the Official Site)
"Why must we keep fighting?"
Set in a uniquely retro-futuristic world,
"CASSHERN" addresses this theme in a powerful drama
that is
at once entertaining and profound.
The author behind this extraordinary project is Kazuaki Kiriya,
an acclaimed fashion photographer and music video director.
In addition to co-writing and directing the film, he also
served as its cinematographer.
Story: (from the Official Site)
An alternate world with an alternate history.
The entire planet was divided between two opposing alliances.
After fifty years of bitter warfare, the Greater Eastern Federation
triumphs over the forces of Europa and gains dominion over
the Eurasian continent.
However, this is an empty victory. Years of chemical, biological
and nuclear war have poisoned the land and left an exhausted
population at the mercy of every pestilence and newly-mutated
disease.
It seems that there's little hope for humanity's future.
Debate rages over the chances of finding some way to stave
off the seemingly-inevitable decline of civilization.
One man comes forward with a possible solution. Dr. Azuma
is a geneticist who proposes a "neo-cell" treatment
that can rejuvenate the body and regenerate humankind. He's
driven in his studies by a desire to save his beloved wife,
Midori, from the ravages of pollution-related disease.
He appeals for funding to the government but the politicians
in the Health Ministry turn him down, fearing that the new
technology will threaten their entrenched powers.
However, a sinister faction in the powerful military makes
a secret offer to provide the support he needs to further
his research.
When an incident occurs in the lab that sends the Professor's
"neo-cell" cloning experiment haywire, a race of
mutant human beings (Shinzo Ningen) is unleashed upon the
world.
Instead of being the savior of mankind, the Professor's miraculous
technology looks set to threaten its very existence...
Plot Outline:
Made for 5 billion yen, "Casshern" tries to address
the idealistic question proposed in Shakespear's "Hamlet"
(Why do people fight with each other?) It is also a continuation
of the Japanese animation, "Shinzou Ningen Casshern"
which was broadcasted back in 1973. A riot occurs within the
robots that were made to clean up environmental pollution.
As a result, a professor of robotic engineering revised his
"son" Casshern to calm the riot.
DETAILS__________
Studio:
Shochiku (Japan)
Based on:
70's popular Japanese cartoon series
Release Date:
April 2004 (Japan)
RELATED LINKS__________
SCREEN CAPS: TRAILER & TEASER
theater.nifty.com --- CLICK
HERE
INTERVIEW: Joblo talks to Director "Kaz"
Kiriya
joblo.com --- CLICK
HERE
PHOTOS OF THE CAST OF "CASSHERN"
so-net.ne.jp --- CLICK
HERE
CARTOON PROFILE ON "CASSHAN" (aka Casshern)
japanhero.com --- CLICK
HERE
"KAZUAKI KIRIYAI" (Director)
Selected Video & Photo Work (Fullscreen)
Official Site --- CLICK
HERE
"UTADA HIKARU"
Official Site --- CLICK
HERE
(Free) TRANSLATION
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Babel Fish Translation |
