The appeal and review of "Strait Jacket": A masterpiece of dark fantasy

Straight Jacket - An epic battle where science and magic collide

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Light novel

■ Release date

November 2007

■Distribution company

Three G Communications

■Frequencies

75 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Ichiro Sakaki

■ Director

Ushio Shinji

■ Production

Animation production: feel.

■Works

©Ichiro Sakaki/TOE/Endeleizo 2007

■ Story

Straight Jacket - a "straitjacket" worn by those who have sinned. The setting is a world where science and magic coexist. Humans who use too much magic are in danger of becoming demons. One day, a series of terrorist attacks by demons occurs. Regular magicians are unable to handle the incidents, so a request comes to the mysterious "tactical magician" Rayot Steinberg, who is not under the law. Rayot uses his overwhelming power to defeat the demons. However, this was just the beginning of an epic battle that will lead to his past...

■Explanation

Set in a world where science and magic coexist, this gun action masterpiece by Ichiro Sakaki depicts the story of "tactical magician" Rayott Steinberg, who is guilty of murdering his master, and his friends, wearing armor called Mold, fighting against demons! In Tristan, a city where magic and industry have developed together, the people are under threat from demons. To keep the peace among the citizens, they hire "tactical magicians" who are experts in exterminating demons. But one day, a series of terrorist attacks occurs that turn magicians into demons...

■Cast

・Rayotte Steinberg / Shinichiro Miki / Caperta Fernandez / Kei Shindo / Nerin Simmons / Ai Maeda / Jack Rowland / Tatsuya Kobashi / Phylisis Moog / Mayumi Asano / Brian Meno Moderato / Koji Ishii / Fargo Les Paul / Yoshikazu Nagano / Isaac Hammond / Akira Sasanuma / Rachel Hammond / Asami Imai

■ Main staff

・Original work: Ichiro Sakaki (published by Fujimi Fantasia Bunko)
・Director: Ushio Shinji・Series composition, scriptwriter: Sakaki Ichiro・Original character concept: Fujishiro Yo・Character design: Yumoto Yoshinori・Mecha design: Fukushima Hideki・Demon design, guest mecha design: Nakahara Rei・Demon design: Moriyama Yuji・Art supervision: Matsumoto Hiroki・Art director: Suzuki Takafumi・Art setting: Minegishi Isao・Art work: Studio Easter・Color design: Iwaida Hiroshi・Director of photography: Kuchiba Tsuyoshi・Cinematography: Assez Finaud Fabric.
・3DCG Designer: Sato Yuzo ・Editor: Seyama Takeshi ・Sound Director: Enomoto Takahiro ・Sound Production: Dream Force ・Music: Yanagawa Tsuyoshi ・Animation Production: feel.
Producers: Michiyoshi Koyama, Tomoko Kawasaki Executive Producers: Isamu Shibata, Kaoru Mufaume

■ Main Characters

-Leaott Steinberg The protagonist. He looks listless, but he is actually a skilled tactical magician (unqualified). Due to an incident that happened when he was young, he lost all attachment to life.
・Caperta Fernandez
A CSA (half demon, half human) girl. After the incident that Rayott solved, she lost her family and stayed at the Steinberg Mansion. She has two pairs of red compound eyes on her forehead, and can sense the appearance of demons.
Nerin Simmons: Second-class inspector at the Magic Management Bureau of the Ministry of Labor in Tristan City. She met Laioth after the demon terrorist incident that struck Tristan City. She is a serious woman who helps Laioth get his qualifications even though he is unqualified.

■ Related works

・STRAIT JACKET (OVA)
・STRAIT JACKET International Ver.

The appeal and reputation of Straight Jacket

"Straight Jacket" is an animated film based on a light novel written by Ichiro Sakaki, set in a world where science and magic coexist. It was released in theaters in 2007 and captivated many fans with its unique worldview and epic story development. We will explain in detail the appeal and reviews of this work.

Worldview and setting

The world of "Straight Jacket" is set in the city of Tristan, where science and magic coexist. In this world, there is a risk of becoming a demon if you use magic too much, and terrorist attacks by demons are frequent. In this world, the story depicts the exploits of tactical magician Rayott Steinberg, who is not subject to the law.

This worldview is very unique in that it combines science and magic, and has the power to draw the viewer in. In particular, the setting that using magic too much will turn you into a demon creates a sense of tension that the use of magic is risky, adding depth to the story. In addition, the presence of tactical magicians who are experts in exterminating demons also adds to the thrill and excitement of the story.

character

The main character, Riot Steinberg, is a tactical magician with overwhelming power, despite his lethargic appearance. The tragedy hidden in his past and his attitude of trying to overcome it evoke sympathy from the viewer. In addition, attractive characters such as Caperta Fernandez and Nerin Simmons gather around Riot, and their interactions and growth enrich the story.

Caperta is a unique being, half demon, half human, and the world seen from her perspective offers a new perspective. Nerin is impressed by her efforts to support Laioth, despite her concerns about his lack of qualifications. The individuality and growth of these characters make the story deeper and more moving.

Visuals and performance

The visuals of "Straight Jacket" are characterized by high-quality animation by feel. Character design is by Yoshinori Yumoto, mecha design by Hideki Fukushima, and demon design by Rei Nakahara and Yuji Moriyama, each of whom has achieved high quality in their own field of expertise. In particular, the demon designs are both frightening and beautiful, making a strong visual impact.

In addition, director Ushio Shinji's direction skillfully portrays the tense battle scenes and the emotions of the characters. In particular, the scene in which Rayot wears armor called Mold and fights the demons is full of power and draws the viewer in. The sound effects and music by sound director Enomoto Takahiro are also important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the story.

Story and Themes

The story of "Straight Jacket" begins with a series of terrorist attacks by demons and develops into an epic battle that is linked to Riot's past. This story is not just about action, but also deals with deep themes by depicting Riot's past trauma and his relationships with the people around him.

In particular, the setting that Rayott is burdened with the guilt of killing his master symbolizes his inner conflict and deeply moves the viewers. In addition, the theme of the coexistence of demons and humans reflects the problems of modern society and is an element that makes the viewers think.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Straight Jacket" has been highly praised for its worldview where science and magic intersect, its attractive characters, its powerful visuals and direction, and its storyline that deals with deep themes. In particular, the quality of its action scenes and the growth of its characters have been highly praised, and it is renowned as a masterpiece of gun action anime.

This work is recommended for those who like gun action and fantasy anime, as well as those who want to enjoy deep themes. Also, those who have read the original light novel will be able to enjoy the unique interpretation and direction of the anime version. In addition, there are also OVA and international versions as related works, so if you are interested, please check them out.

Conclusion

"Straight Jacket" is a work that depicts an epic battle that unfolds in a world where science and magic intersect. It features a fascinating cast of characters, centered around Rayott Steinberg, and a story and visuals that draw the viewer in. This work is highly recommended for those who like gun action and fantasy anime, and those who want to enjoy deep themes. Please enjoy not only the theatrical version but also related works.