ARMITAGE III POLY-MATRIX: A thorough analysis of the cyberpunk anime masterpiece

"ARMITAGE Ⅲ POLY-MATRIX" - The appeal of a sci-fi action movie set on the future planet Mars

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

April 20, 1996 - January 1, 0000

■Distribution company

・Gaga Communications

■Frequencies

90 min

■ Director

・Director: Hiroyuki Ochi

■ Production

・Animation production: AIC

■Works

©AIC/Geneon Universal Entertainment

■ Story

Ross Silivas, a detective who is transferred from Chicago to the Mars Police Department, is involved in a murder case as soon as he arrives at the airport. However, it turns out that the victim is an illegal being called a "Third" created with the latest technology. Ross teams up with Naomi Armitage, a detective from the Mars Police Department, to investigate the truth behind the series of incidents.

■Explanation

A sci-fi action film set on Mars in the near future, released in the United States. The original OVA "Armitage: The Third" released in 1995 was re-edited for theatrical release, with new footage added. The cast includes many famous Hollywood stars. The film focuses on the coexistence of humans and androids, and depicts the ethical issues that come with technological evolution. In particular, the film has been praised for its visual appeal and depth of storytelling, achieved by setting it in the unknown environment of Mars.

■Cast

Naomi Armitage/Elizabeth Berkley Ross Silivas/Kiefer Sutherland Duncload/Dan Warren Julianne Moore/Wanda Nawicki

■ Main staff

・Director: Hiroyuki Ochi ・Directors: Hiroyuki Ochi, Takuya Sato, Yukio Okamoto, Satoshi Saga ・Planning: Taro Maki ・Producers: Kazuaki Morijiri, Hidemi Saya, TAK.W.ABE
・Screenplay: Chiaki Konaka ・Design Works: Atsushi Takeuchi ・Character Design: Hiroyuki Ochi ・Art Directors: Norihiro Hirajo, Jun Okabe, Masaru Sato, Hiroshi Kato ・Art Setting: Masahiro Sato ・Director of Photography: Hisao Shirai ・Editor: J Film ・Sound Director: Les Clay pool III
・Music by Hiroyuki Namba ・Music producer by AKIRA KAWASE

■ Main Characters

Naomi Armitage: Sergeant at the Mars Police Department. A woman obsessed with the THIRD-related incidents. Her character has a strong will and a sense of justice, but she is also portrayed as struggling with the meaning of her existence, which gives the audience deep sympathy.

Ross Silivas: A detective transferred from Earth to the Mars Police Department. He teams up with Naomi when investigating a murder case. His character is initially confused by the environment on Mars, but gradually gets closer to the heart of the case, and his growth is fascinating.

-Dunklord: The serial killer of the Thirds on Mars. His character is portrayed as both ruthless and calculating, and plays an important role in increasing the tension of the story.

■ Main robot items

Second: A nickname for the common androids, gynoids, in this world. They are easily distinguished from humans because they have a switch on their heads that stops their functions. Seconds are depicted as beings that support daily life, and play an important role in supporting the infrastructure of Martian society.

Third: An illegal android (gynoid) with abilities far surpassing those of Second. His appearance and emotions are the same as humans, making it difficult to tell them apart. Third is the central theme of the story, and is portrayed as a being who questions the boundary between humans and androids.

■ Related works

・"Armitage the Third" (OVA)
- "ARMITAGE DUAL-MATRIX" (movie)

■ Theme songs and music

・ED1
PHANTOM WORLD
・Lyrics by JEFF DAY
・Composition: Kyoko Matsumiya ・Arrangement: Ikuro Fujiwara ・Singer: Hiroko Kasahara

■Detailed evaluation

"ARMITAGE III POLY-MATRIX" is a sci-fi action movie set on Mars in the near future, and is a work that combines visual appeal with deep themes. Director Hiroyuki Ochi continues from the OVA version, skillfully depicting the desolate landscape and shining city of Mars, making a visual impact. Hiroyuki Ochi is also in charge of character design, and the characters of Naomi Armitage and Ross Silivas are vividly drawn, which is commendable.

The story begins when Ross Sylibus, who has been assigned to the Mars Police Department, becomes aware of the existence of illegal androids called Thirds after a murder case occurs at an airport. In pursuit of the truth behind the case, his team-up with Naomi Armitage delves deeply into the theme of the coexistence of humans and androids. In particular, the setting that Naomi herself is a Third adds depth to her character and evokes strong sympathy from the audience.

The cast includes some of Hollywood's most famous actors, including Elizabeth Berkley, who skillfully portrays the strength and vulnerability of Naomi Armitage, and Kiefer Sutherland, who portrays the character of Ross Sylvia, who starts out confused but then matures, leaving a deep impression on the audience.

The music also plays an important role, with the background music composed by Hiroyuki Nanba effectively creating the desolate atmosphere and tension of Mars. In particular, the ending theme "PHANTOM WORLD" is sung by Hiroko Kasahara, whose voice resonates as if it symbolizes the theme of the story, leaving a deep impression on the audience.

■ Recommendation points

This film is not only appreciated as a sci-fi action movie, but also as a work that delves deeply into the theme of coexistence between humans and androids. I highly recommend this film to viewers who want a work that combines visual appeal with deep themes. You can also enjoy the story more deeply by watching it together with the OVA version of "Armitage the Third" and the movie "ARMITAGE DUAL-MATRIX."

In particular, the story, set in the unknown environment of Mars, combines visual impact with deep storytelling, making it a must-see for science fiction fans. In addition, the growth and conflict of Naomi Armitage and Ross Silivas' characters will surely evoke deep empathy in the audience and draw them into the story.

Furthermore, the acting skills of the cast and the quality of the music are excellent, making this a very well-made film overall. It is a must-watch for viewers who enjoy sci-fi action films and deep themes.