Jin-Rou is a historical fiction film set in an alternate timeline a decade following the devastation of WW2. In this divergent timeline, Japan emphasizes on aggressive economic growth in order to return to its former glory. This simultaneously resulted in civil disorder and economic difficulties for many. Subsequently, the prevalence of anti-government organizations rose, and violence between the government and these groups increased. In order to combat this uprising, the capital police was created.
The story begins by introducing a girl, later recognized as a "red riding hood", who lies in the center of a riot against the government. Her agenda, one in which she is to suicide bomb, is intercepted by the capital police. Kazuki Fuse, a member of the capital police, fails to kill her due to his morality, and the bomb detonates.
Following these events, the central narrative follows Kei Amemiya, a participant in the uprising, and Fuse. During their first interaction, she hands him an iteration of Little Red Riding Hood, one which will play a major role in deciphering the film’s implications.
The primary lesson that this folktale tries to portray is that the wolf is always the villain whilst little red riding hood remains the victim. Throughout the story, the film criticizes this belief by frequently interchanging them. Depending on the actions that Fuse and Kei make, either could be labeled as the wolf or red riding hood. The film promotes the idea that neither the victim or villain is definite. Instead, it prioritizes humanity, and how,
at its core, Jin-Rou is a raw story about experiencing tender emotion.
The film accurately depicts conflict amidst social disarray, with circumstances that are representational of many current governmental disputes.
The animation within the movie is utterly stunning. The fluidity between frames is seamless, with quality held at nothing but the highest standard. The art style itself utilizes intense realism and immaculate hand-rendered backgrounds to produce an authentic experience. In addition, the soundtracks blend seamlessly with the atmosphere of the film.
The story is deep and complex, one that is difficult to comprehend without analysis, but centralizes on the bare bones of being human and committing sin. It’s a story about coming to terms with your own flaws, recognizing that pain coincides with life, and understanding that victimhood and villainy are not that black and white. Metaphorical, poetic, and a literary beauty, Jin-rou infuses intrinsic truth and a classic story into the perfect amalgamation of a film.
Tho a movie is high on my watchlist so I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it. It is a bit dated, so the fact that you praised its animation speaks volumes. Contrary to many of the anime coming out today, the movie seems to be drenched in heavy themes and things to think about. I’ll be sure to watch it soon!
Hmm... a country seeking a return to former glory, civil disorder and economic difficulty, I'm not sure how everyone's country is doing but here in America these feel like some pretty relevant themes.
Interesting note, apparently the director and key animator for Jin-Rou, Hiroyuki Okiura, also did key animation on Akira! This ones definitely getting a high place on my plan-to-watch list