"Babylon" Review: A sci-fi suspense film with profound themes and detailed storytelling

Babylon - A shocking work that questions the mysteries of the abyss and the nature of humanity

Overview

"Babylon" is a TV anime series based on the novel by Madoka Nozaki, which aired from October 7, 2019 to January 29, 2020. It consisted of 12 episodes, each 30 minutes long, and was broadcast on TOKYO MX and AT-X. Animation was produced by REVOROOT and directed by Kiyotaka Suzuki. This work, which visualizes the deep themes and detailed storytelling of the original work, left a strong impression on viewers.

■ Story

The story of "Babylon" begins with Masazaki Zen, a prosecutor at the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office's Special Investigation Division, investigating a pharmaceutical company fraud case. During the course of his investigation, he discovers a strange document with bloodstains mixed with hair and skin and the letter "F". Using this mysterious document as a clue, Masazaki continues his investigation and is confronted with an unbelievable sight. At the same time, a new independent municipality called "Shinki" is about to be born in western Tokyo. As Masazaki investigates the mystery behind the case, a huge conspiracy gradually begins to emerge.

In the second chapter, the new district director, Sai Kaika, declares the "Suicide Law" and 64 people jump to their deaths at the same time, shocking Japan. To uncover the truth behind this incident, Masazaki and his successor, the prosecutor's assistant, Seguro Hima, investigate the case. A secret investigation team is formed across the Ministry of Justice, the prosecutor's office, and the Metropolitan Police Department, and the investigation of the woman who holds the key to the case, Magase Ai, is also underway, but further despair awaits them.

In Chapter 3, as the suicide law is about to be fully implemented in the new area, Masazaki is faced with the deaths of his entire investigation team in the Sai kidnapping plot and is driven to the brink of despair. He pursues the "worst woman," Magase Ai, again, and the story moves towards its climax as he continues to ask himself what justice and evil are.

■Explanation

"Babylon" depicts an era in which the common sense that life is a good thing is overturned. Author Madono Nozaki's shocking story was made into an anime as a forbidden film adaptation. The work delves deeply into the nature of human beings and the contradictions in society, posing many questions to the viewer. In particular, the theme of suicide law is a very sensitive one, yet it is placed at the center of the story and left a strong impact on the viewer.

■Cast

The film has a stellar cast, bringing out the individuality of each character. Nakamura Yuichi plays the main character, Masazaki Zen, bringing out his charm as a calm and sharp investigator. Sakurai Takahiro, who plays Kujiin Shinobu, exquisitely portrays the character of an easygoing detective, while Ono Kensho, who plays Fumio Atsuhiko, gives a great performance as a prosecutor's clerk who is a bit of a joker but is serious at heart. M.A.O, who plays Seguro Haruma, expresses a cool personality, and Horiuchi Kenyu, who plays Morinaga Yasutaka, exudes dignity as the head of the Special Investigations Department. Okitsu Kazuyuki, who plays Handa Ariyoshi, Takaki Katsutoshi, who plays Nomaru Ryuichiro, and Okiayu Ryutaro, who plays Sai Kaikaku, also give deep performances to their characters.

■ Main staff

The original work is Madono Nozaki's "Babylon" series (published by Kodansha Taiga), and the director is Kiyotaka Suzuki. The original character ideas were by Zain, the character designs by Keisuke Goto, the music by Yutaka Yamada, the animation was by REVOROOT, and the production was by Twin Engine. The combined efforts of each staff member resulted in the completion of a film that faithfully reproduces the worldview of the original work.

■ Main Characters

Masazaki Zen is an FBI special agent who left Japan after he believed that Magase Ai was involved in the emergence of cities around the world that introduced suicide laws. Kujiin Shinobu is a police inspector at Tama Higashi Chuo Police Station, and although he is an easygoing detective, he is very smart at his job. Fumio Atsuhiko is a prosecutor's assistant at the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office Special Investigation Division, and although he talks lightly, he is a serious person at heart. Seguro Haruma is a prosecutor's assistant at the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office Special Investigation Division, and has a cool personality. Morinaga Yasutaka is the head of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office Special Investigation Division, and as the head of the special investigation division, he instructs Masazaki and his team to investigate the case. Handa Ariyoshi is a reporter at the Koki Shimbun and Masazaki's best friend from college. Nomaru Ryuichiro is the secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party, and as a key figure in the current ruling party, he is seen as the favorite among the candidates for the district governor elections. Sai Kaika is a former Sagamihara city council member and is attracting attention as the youngest candidate running in the mayoral election.

■Subtitle

The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

• Episode 1/“Suspicion” (2019/10/07)
• Episode 2/“Target” (2019/10/14)
• Episode 3/“Revolution” (2019/10/21)
• Episode 4: "Pursuit" (2019/10/28)
• Episode 5: "Confession" (2019/11/04)
• Episode 6: "Operation" (2019/11/11)
• Episode 7: "The Worst" (2019/11/18)
• Episode 8/“Hope” (2019/12/30)
• Episode 9/“Chain” (2019/01/07)
• Episode 10: "Determination" (2019/01/14)
• Episode 11/“Opening” (2019/01/21)
• Episode 12/“The End” (2019/01/28)

■ Theme songs and music

The theme songs for this work are "Live and let die" (lyrics and composition: Q-MHz, arrangement: Gesshoku Kaigi, sung by Q-MHz feat. uloco.), used in Chapter 1, "Inochi Shokumu Tamashii" (lyrics, composition, arrangement: Q-MHz, sung by Q-MHz feat. Mikako Komatsu), used in Chapter 2, and "The next new world that no one knows (blood stained ver.)" (lyrics and composition: Q-MHz, arrangement: Tsubasa Ito, sung by Q-MHz feat. *Namirin), used in Chapter 3. These songs played an important role in enhancing the viewers' emotions as the story unfolded.

■ Evaluation and impressions

"Babylon" has attracted many viewers with its unique theme and detailed storytelling. It has been particularly praised for providing viewers with deep insight into the sensitive subject of suicide law. The characters are portrayed very realistically, and their struggles and growth are carefully depicted. Also, do not miss the beautiful visuals, the result of the combined efforts of a stellar cast and crew.

However, some viewers said that the story development was difficult to understand. In particular, the story became rapidly complicated from the second chapter onwards, and some viewers found it difficult to follow. In addition, some people said that the theme of suicide methods was too heavy, and some viewers may feel distressed.

■ Recommendation points

"Babylon" is highly recommended for viewers who enjoy deep themes and intricate storytelling. It is especially a must-see for those who enjoy works that make them think about social contradictions and the nature of humanity. Also, do not miss the beautiful visuals, brought together by a stellar cast and crew. However, some parts of the story are difficult to understand, so we recommend taking your time to watch it.

■ Related works

If you enjoy the deep themes and tight storytelling of Babylon, we also recommend the following films:

• "PSYCHO-PASS": A sci-fi suspense story depicting social contradictions and the true nature of humanity
• "Death Note": A story about a god of death using his notebook to take the lives of humans
• "Guilty Crown": Action set in a world destroyed by a virus

Conclusion

"Babylon" has attracted many viewers with its unique theme and detailed storytelling. It has been particularly praised for providing viewers with deep insight into the sensitive topic of suicide law. The characters are portrayed very realistically, and their struggles and growth are carefully depicted. Also, the beautiful visuals, brought together by the talented cast and staff, are not to be missed. However, the story development is difficult to understand in parts, so we recommend taking your time to watch it. This is a work that viewers who want to enjoy deep themes and detailed storytelling should definitely give it a watch.