The appeal and evaluation of "Ultra Violet Code044": In-depth review

Ultra Violet Code044 - The Warrior of the Abyss and the Intersection of Fate

The TV anime series "Ultra Violet Code 044", which aired in 2008, is an original anime work that builds its own unique worldview based on the Hollywood movie "Ultra Violet" starring Milla Jovovich. It is directed by Osamu Dezaki and animation director Akio Sugino, the golden duo who have produced many masterpieces at Madhouse. This work tells the story of 044, a female warrior who has gained superhuman fighting abilities through genetic manipulation, and depicts her destiny, battles, and encounters.

■ Story

044 is a female warrior who has been genetically manipulated using a virus to trade off her lifespan for exceptional combat abilities. She is ordered by the government to eliminate the vampire army "Phage," and spends her days fighting. During this time, she meets a young enemy warrior named "Luka," but she is unable to kill him. This encounter will greatly change her fate.

■Explanation

"Ultra Violet Code 044" is the first Madhouse work by director Osamu Dezaki in 28 years since "Ashita no Joe 2". Filled with his stylish direction and action, this work left a strong impression on viewers. Combined with Akio Sugino's character design, the visuals have also been highly praised. In addition, despite being based on a live-action film, the anime adds its own interpretation and development, providing new appeal to fans of the original work.

■Cast

The cast includes a star-studded cast of voice actors, including Paku Romi as 044, Koyama Rikiya as Daxus II, Horiuchi Kenyu as Garcia, and Seki Tomokazu as Luca. Their performances bring out the charm of the characters and add depth to the story. Paku Romi, who plays 044, in particular, realistically expresses the strength of a cold-hearted warrior and the inner conflict that is shaken by his encounter with Luca.

■ Main staff

The director and scriptwriter is Osamu Dezaki, the character designer is Akio Sugino, the art director is Jiro Kono, the cinematographer is Keisuke Nakamura, the color designer is Yuko Kanamaru, the mecha designer is Hirofumi Katagai, the music is Hideki Murai, the music director is Seiji Suzuki, the sound director is Tomoaki Yamada, the sound effects are Shizuo Kurahashi, the producers are Masao Maruyama and Taro Morishima, the production producers are Yasuteru Iwase and Sumio Udagawa, the animation producers are Fumito Hara and Mitsuaki Oishi, the animation production is Madhouse, the animation production cooperation is Tezuka Productions, and the copyright is Sony Pictures Entertainment. This staff works together to improve the quality of the work.

■ Main Characters

044 (Forty-Four) is a special agent of the Ministry of Integration of the Central Government, nicknamed "(044) Forty-Four" after the last two digits of his special clone serial number "EX7213300Λ (Lambda) 8763044". He is a special clone organism developed for combat, and the improved phage virus "SR4 type" injected into his body gives him superhuman abilities, but his lifespan is short, and now that he is 19 years old, he could die at any time. Luca is a warrior of the secret Phage organization, and is the leader of a branch organization operating in Neo Tokyo, succeeding his father, who was also a warrior of the organization. Despite knowing that his life is short, he has dedicated his entire life to underground activities. Daxus II is the head of the Ministry of Integration of the Central Government, and believes that only pure humans are wonderful, and considers not only Phages, but also the clones he uses to be less than human. Garcia runs a local doctor's clinic called Garcia Clinic, and is Forty-Four's doctor, regularly examining her and sending her data to the Central Integration Ministry. King is the head of the Phage Liberation Forum, who has been in charge of the Phage organization for over 20 years and has never been seen by the authorities. Matilda is a friend of Garcia's from his days as a medical student, and is a doctor living in Neo Tokyo who treats and treats both Phage-infected people and ordinary humans without discrimination.

■Subtitle

Episode 1 "Departure..." (2008/07/01), Episode 2 "First Love..." (2008/07/08), Episode 3 "Retrieval Order" (2008/07/15), Episode 4 "Chains" (2008/07/22), Episode 5 "Escape" (2008/07/29), Episode 6 "Coffin of Despair" (2008/08/05), Episode 7 "Clones & Clones" (2008 It is made up of 12 episodes: Episode 1 "The Last Stand" (2008/08/12), Episode 8 "Inspection" (2008/08/19), Episode 9 "Stardust" (2008/08/26), Episode 10 "Reunion" (2008/09/02), Episode 11 "To Earth (Hometown)..." (2008/09/09), and Episode 12 "Flash of Light" (2008/09/16). Each episode depicts 044's battles and growth as the story moves towards its climax.

■ Related works

There is also an "Ultra Violet Code044 OAD version" that is also worth checking out. The OAD version includes additional episodes and character backstories that were not included in the TV series, making it a must-see for fans.

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme "Guilty Pleasure" was written by BECCA, composed by Meredith Brooks, arranged by Rob Daiker, and sung by BECCA. The ending theme "Falling Down" was written and composed by Meredith Brooks, arranged by Rob Daiker, and sung by BECCA. These songs add to the atmosphere of the work.

■ Evaluation and recommendation

"Ultra Violet Code 044" is a work that shines with the stylish direction of Director Osamu Dezaki and the character design of Akio Sugino. In particular, 044's battle scenes are visually stunning and well worth watching. In addition, the encounter between 044 and Luca and the subsequent developments leave a deep impression on the viewer. The contrast between "destiny" and "freedom," which is the theme of the story, is also a thought-provoking element.

This work is recommended not only for those who like action anime, but also for those who want to enjoy a deep story and character growth. In particular, if you like the character 044, be sure to check out the OAD versions of related works. In addition, the theme song sung by BECCA also adds to the atmosphere of the work, making it enjoyable for music fans as well.

The series was broadcast on Animax and BS11 from July 1st to September 16th, 2008. It consists of 12 episodes, each 30 minutes long, making it an easy-to-watch series. Animation was produced by Madhouse, with production cooperation from Tezuka Productions, and copyright is Sony Pictures Entertainment.

"Ultra Violet Code 044" is a work that you cannot miss, combining visual beauty with a deep story. Please give it a watch.