Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato - Highly praised for its fusion of powerful action and deep story

"Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato" - Fierce battles and a deepening human drama

■ Public Information

Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato was released in theaters on May 10, 2019, and is distributed by Shochiku Media Division. It is a 68-minute, one-episode film directed by Tetsuro Araki and animated by WIT STUDIO. The copyright belongs to the Kabaneri Production Committee.

■ Story

As the waves of the Industrial Revolution swept across the world and the modern era was about to transition from the modern era to the modern era, immortal monsters called "Kabane" suddenly appeared. Kabane are terrifying creatures with hearts covered in a steel membrane, and even those who bite them become Kabane. In Hinomoto, an island nation in the far east, Ikoma and his friends board the Kotetsujo, one of the steam locomotives "Shunjo" covered in thick armor, and after surviving a fierce battle with the Kabane, they arrive at the new battlefield, the abandoned mine station "Umimon" facing the Sea of ​​Japan. There, they form an "Allied Forces" with Genro, Torako, and the people of Umimon, who are also trying to seize Umimon from the Kabane, and devise a plan to repel the Kabane. However, Umimon was hiding a "secret."

■Cast

The main cast of this film is as follows:

• Ikoma - Yu Hatanaka
• Anonymous - Sayaka Senbongi
• Iris - Maaya Uchida
• Kurusu - Toshiki Masuda
• Loach - Kanae Oki
• Yuna - Mariya Ise
• Sugaring - Ryota Osaka
• Kibi soil - Kensuke Sato
• Suzuki - Maxwell Powers
• Kageyuki - Shinichiro Miki

■ Main staff

The following staff members are involved in the production of this work:

• Director and screenwriter: Tetsuro Araki
• Composition - Ichiro Okouchi
• Original character design - Haruhiko Mikimoto
• Animation character design and chief animation director: Yasuyuki Ehara
• Sub-character design: Tomomi Ozaki, Ryo Yamauchi
• Concept art - Yo Shimizu, Hiroshi Moriyama
• Design Works - Ippei Katabe, Takuma Ko, Morio Murata
• Prop design - Tonoki Shinobu, Yoshikawa Shinichi, Nishihara Erika
• Art design: Akihiro Hirazawa, Yuho Taniuchi, Tomomi Sugimoto
• Make-up animators: Aika Naka, Ryoko Mita
• Art Director: Shunichiro Yoshihara
• Color design - Masaru Hashimoto
• 3D Director - Shigenori Hirosumi, Kana Imagaki
• Director of photography - Kazuhiro Yamada
• Edited by Fumi Hida
• Sound Director - Masafumi Mima
• Sound effects - Shizuo Kurahashi, Naoto Yamatani
• Music: Hiroyuki Sawano
• Animation production: WIT STUDIO
• Production - Kabaneri Production Committee
• Distribution - Shochiku Media Division
• Theme song - "Sakaseya Sakase" by EGOIST (SACRA MUSIC)

■Main Characters

Let's take a closer look at the main characters of this work.

Ikoma

Ikoma is a young Kabaneri boy who lives between humans and Kabane. He fights the Kabane with his unique weapon, the "Tsuranuke Tsutsubo". He promises to turn Mumei, a Kabaneri, back into a normal human, and continues his journey in the Kotetsujo. Ikoma's character is appealing because he has a strong will and a sense of responsibility, yet never forgets to care for his comrades. His growth and struggles are at the heart of the story, deeply moving the viewer.

Anonymous

A Kabaneri girl, she has high physical abilities and fighting skills that allow her to repel Kabane. She sometimes shows her true face as a girl her age, and her feelings towards Ikoma change during the journey on the Kotetsujo. Mumei's character is a combination of strength and fragility, and her inner conflict and growth add depth to the story.

iris

She is the eldest daughter of the Shiokawa family, who ruled over the Aragane Station. As the representative of the Aragane Station, she plays an important role as the holder of the master key to the Kotetsujo. Although she was once easily influenced by the opinions of those around her, she now takes decisive action and leads the people. Ayame's character is a symbol of leadership and growth, and her determination and courage drive the story forward.

Kurusu

A young samurai who serves Ayame, he has a strict and honest side. He is a loyal character who puts Ayame's safety first. He wields a sword whose blade is forged from the steel heart membrane of a Kabane, and despite being human, he fights against the Kabane. Kurusu's character stands out for his loyalty and fighting ability, which heightens the tension of the story.

Horse mackerel

A steam blacksmith girl, she is a homely girl who takes the initiative in cooking and babysitting. She notices Mumei's change of heart towards Ikoma and secretly supports her. Kajika's character is emphasized for her kindness and her importance as a supporting character, enriching the relationships in the story.

Yuna

Yuna is a driver for the National Railways, and has a calm and collected personality. She is in charge of driving the Kotetsujo. She is a quiet but hardworking, sisterly character who is dedicated to her work. Yuna's character stands out for her calmness and sense of responsibility, and is an essential character in the story's progression.

Snakes

A steamsmith boy, he is sarcastic and cynical, but calm and decisive, and has a strong sense of responsibility. Sukari's character is characterized by his calmness and sarcastic attitude, which relieves the tension in the story while playing an important role.

Kibi soil

He is a samurai who serves the Shikatagawa family, and as a samurai he is very understanding and treats people of different social classes equally. Kibi no Tsukai's character is notable for his fairness and understanding, which deepens the human relationships in the story.

Suzuki

He is the technical leader of the Kotetsujo, and his knowledge and skills are among the best in Hinomoto. He is a character who speaks in a unique way, mixing in English words. Suzuki's character is attractive for his technical ability and unique personality, and supports the technical aspects of the story.

Kageyuki

He is the lord of Kaimon Castle, and five years ago, he fought bravely against the Kabane that were attacking Kaimon, but was bitten by one. He survived by strangling himself, and became a Kabaneri. Kageyuki's character is a symbol of courage and sacrifice, and explores the deeper psychology of the story.

■ Theme songs and music

The theme song for this work is "Sakase ya Sakase" by EGOIST, released by SACRA MUSIC. This song is deeply connected to the theme of the story and is an important element that enhances the emotions of the viewer.

■ Evaluation and impressions

Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato combines spectacular action scenes with deep human drama. Director Tetsuro Araki expands the worldview of the original anime and sets the story in a new setting, Unato. In particular, the development of the relationship between Ikoma and Mumei, as well as the growth of Ayame's leadership, are beautifully portrayed, leaving a strong impression on viewers.

In addition, WIT STUDIO's beautiful animation and Hiroyuki Sawano's music bring out the tension and emotion of the story to the fullest. In particular, the intensity of the battle scenes and the detailed expressions of the characters have been highly praised as visually appealing.

Character growth and deepening relationships are at the heart of the story, making it easy for viewers to empathize with their fates. In particular, the relationship between Ikoma and Mumei, and the growth of Ayame's leadership skills deeply move viewers. In addition, the "secret" hidden in Kaimon brings new developments to the story, garnering viewers' interest.

■ Recommendation points

Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato can be recommended for the following reasons:

1. Fierce action scenes

The battles with the Kabane are visually very impressive and have the power to draw the viewer in. In particular, the battle scenes using Ikoma's Tsuranuke Tsubo and Mumei's high physical abilities are worth watching.

2. A profound human drama

Character growth and the deepening of relationships are at the heart of the story, making it easy for viewers to empathize with their fates. In particular, the relationship between Ikoma and Mumei, and the growth of Ayame's leadership skills, deeply move viewers.

3. Beautiful animation and music

WIT STUDIO's beautiful animation and Hiroyuki Sawano's music bring out the tension and emotion of the story to the fullest. In particular, the intensity of the battle scenes and the detailed expressions of the characters have been highly praised as visually appealing.

4. New Developments and Secrets

The "secret" hidden in the sea gate brings a new development to the story and draws the viewers' interest. How this secret will affect the story will keep viewers glued to the screen until the very end.

Conclusion

"Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato" is a worthwhile work that combines spectacular action with deep human drama. The character growth and deepening relationships, beautiful animation and music, new developments and secrets will draw viewers in. Please watch this work and experience its charm for yourself.