It's been a long time coming for Redline - the car racing anime written and produced by Taste of Tea director Katsuhito Ishii that marks the feature debut of Takeshi Koike, who audiences know from his work on The Animatrix and the anime sequences in Kill Bill. We first wrote about this one better than two years ago and with production finally wrapped the film was originally slated to premiere at Annecy earlier this year before it was pulled from the French animation festival to premiere in Locarno instead. Here's the synopsis:
The most dangerous and exciting car race in the universe is held only once every five years. And that’s tonight. The competitors are lined up at the starting block. In his vehicle, JP, the most daredevil driver on the circuit, is ready for the green light. Female driver Sonoshee, with whom he is secretly in love, is also on the starting line. She will stop at nothing to get on to that podium. In this race, not only is anything possible, but also anything is allowed. In fact, their adversaries have modified their vehicles to equip them with highly destructive weapons; with such participants, it is hardly surprising that Redline is forbidden by the authorities, who will try anything to halt the proceedings. These speed addicts have to put themselves in mortal danger to achieve their aim: eternal glory for those who finally mount the podium.
There's still no proper trailer for this one but a decent quality new clip has turned up via the official Locarno website. Check it out below the break.
Yes! This and BLAME! are two projects I've been dying to see more footage of.
Madhouse animation is usually pretty nice stuff. Ishii is always good too so this should be a winner.
Ishii fans (and anime fans in particular) should know Koike from Trava Fist Planet. No doubt his best work so far.
I can watch this clip all day.
Love this!! and love Katsuhito Ishii. Need moaaaaar
I don't think the majority of anime fans is aware of the awesomeness of Trava Fist Planet... :))
Anyway, I went to Locarno and now I've got my copy of Trava DVD autographed by both Ishii and Koike :))
Will it be appreciated if I write a short review of the movie?
seen in locarno: an awesome shake of speed racer, death race and wacky races. worth waiting for.
@ Trampster: The majority of anime 'fans' watches scantily clad squeeking little girls in lame comedy cartoons ;). AKA the whole male population of Japan (exaggerating of course)
This looks totally awesome btw :o.
We'd love a review, thanks!
Redline looks as though it exists in the Trava Fist Planet universe........this makes me very happy!