Appleseed

Synopsis

Appleseed, directed by Kazuyoshi Katayama and released in 1988, is a cyberpunk anime film based on the manga by Masamune Shirow. Set in a post-apocalyptic future where the remnants of humanity strive to rebuild civilization, the story follows Deunan Knute, a highly skilled soldier, and her cyborg partner Briareos Hecatonchires as they navigate the utopian city of Olympus. The film explores themes of technology, identity, and the ethical dilemmas arising from the fusion of human and machine. With its blend of action, philosophical undertones, and a unique vision of the future, Appleseed offers a thought-provoking glimpse into a world driven by advanced technology and the quest for balance between humanity and progress.

Cast

• 

  Masako Katsuki

  Deunan Knute (voice)

• 

  Yoshisada Sakaguchi

  Briareos Hecatombcales (voice)

• 

  Toshio Furukawa

  Calon Mautholos (voice)

• 

  Norio Wakamoto

  A. J. Sebastian (voice)

• 

  Toshiko Sawada

  Athena Areios (voice)

• Mayumi Shou

  Hitomi (voice)

Reviews

Appleseed holds a mixed reception among critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, it has a rating of 6.4/10, reflecting a moderate appreciation from viewers. Reviewers often praise the film’s ambitious storytelling and its early venture into cyberpunk themes, especially considering its 1988 release. The animation style, while dated compared to modern standards, is noted for its distinct character designs and atmospheric backgrounds. Some critics commend the movie for its complex narrative and philosophical questions about artificial intelligence and humanity, which remain relevant. However, others argue that the pacing can be uneven and that the dense thematic content may confuse viewers unfamiliar with the source material. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an official critics’ score for the film, but audience reviews highlight both admiration for its pioneering cyberpunk aesthetics and frustration over its sometimes convoluted plot. Metacritic lacks an official score as well, but various anime-focused forums appreciate its contribution to the genre despite technical limitations of the era. Overall, Appleseed is regarded as a cult classic, especially appreciated by fans of vintage anime and cyberpunk enthusiasts, though it may not appeal universally due to its narrative complexity and dated animation compared to contemporary works.