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“Strained metaphysics dovetail with urban and architectural nostalgia in [this] exquisitely realized, minutely detailed Japanese anime.” - Variety Adapted from the popular work of manga artist Taiyo Matsumoto, Tekkonkinkreet - a pun on the words ‘concrete', ‘iron' and ‘muscles' - sees two (literally) high-flying urchins struggling against the cruelty of their surreal-looking metropolis. These orphans are forced to engage in a war to protect the soul of their city, as well as themselves. From a pedigree of visual effects in films such as Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke and Hollywood blockbuster The Abyss, Michael Arias takes out the auspicious honour of being the first foreigner to direct a feature-length anime film in Japan. In this, he combines the latest in 3G CGI technology with more traditional Japanese anime techniques to awe-inspiring effect. MIFF recommends: Age 15+. Mild adult themes, some coarse language, mild sexual references, moderate violence and a drug reference.

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D Michael Arias P Eiichi Kamagata, Eiko Tanaka, Masarou Toyoshima, Furnio Ueda S Anthony Weintraub Dist Sony Pictures L Japanese w/English subtitles TD 35mm/2006/111mins