Volkenraider Reviews

Equilibrium (2002)

Interesting combination of sci-fi classics....

[12 November 2004]

Equilibrium makes a great effort in reviving old-school sci-fi and famous titles. Stands as a movie itself, no need to compare it to another (Matrix).

It is interesting to note that the movie combines elements from many classic sci-fi novels and movies. Among these, the most present novels are "Farenheit 451" by Bradbury, "Brave New World" by Huxley, and "1984" by Orwell. Also there is a strong presence of Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" (1927) both in the Skyline and the scenes of people leaving the public transportation.

As all these three sci-fi novels and movies deal with the issues of perfect societies and the true driving force behind them. We see the inhibiting drug that kills all emotion (taken from "Brave New World"), a society leadered by a figure called Father (resembling a combination of Big Brother and Mustapha Mond), and a central figure who wishes to break away from the system. As in all these works, a group of rebels is present, and our main character makes contact with them.

Christian Bale fulfills the role perfectly as John Preston, and all the other characters play their part to the letter. I especially liked Taye Diggs as his temporary partner and rival. Many people go around saying that it should be compared to Matrix, and they shouldn't, since they are working on different grounds.

Don't consider this movie to be thoroughly deep, since its rehashing old sci-fi themes that have been present in 20th Century novels and works. But the movie itself is quite enjoyable and not that much of a waste. So if you're a sci-fi fan or like even a hint of the subject the movie is recommendable, if not stay away and go watch something of your taste.

4 out of 5

Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac (1986–1989)

Light the fire of my Cosmos!!

[31 August 2003]

If you've just happen to stumble across this series by accident, or are in fact a true Saint Seiya fanatic, please feel free to read this commentary on such a great animated series.

First of all, it is a great break from the typical anime where you have robots and tons of martial arts; the idea behind Saint Seiya is truly original and that is why it still impacts on the world today: Imagine our modern world protected by mythological Gods of hallowed antiquity. We have Palas Athenea, or Athena, protecting our world from evil. She is reborn when the presence of evil is strong. (Around 200 to 300 years usually). Then imagine her sitting on her throne in her Sanctuary, protected by 12 golden saints, each one representing a Zodiac sign, each with a unique power, armor and cosmos. (Cosmos is from where these Saints obtain their power, taking it from thier constelation).

But there are more than 12 saints. The Saint order has three different ranks: Golden, Silver and Bronze. Each Saint holds the power to a different constelation, and this is where our main characters come in: the Bronze Saints are also twelve, and are the destined ones to replace the Golden Saints in the future, but till then, they hold their own armor representing minor constelations. And from these twelve, five stand out as the strongest and bravest: Seiya of Pegasus, Shiryu of the Dragon, Shun of Andromeda, Hyoga of Cygnus, and my personal favorite Ikki of Phoenix (not the city), who happens to be Shun's older brother and probably the most troubled of the five.

To sum things up, each character has their own unique personality, their own unique and cool repetoir of attacks, problems and existential angst. But they are the sworn protectors of the Goddess Athena, and all that is good on Earth. (No matter how corny that sounds)

The series back in 1986 saw these five Saints battle it out in the Sanctuary against the false High Pope (keeper of the Sanctuary until Athena is reincarnated) and the Golden Saints who did not realize the High Pope was evil; against Madam Hylda and her Seven Warriors of Asgard in the frozen regions of Scandinavia; and against Poseidon's reincarnation and his Generals: the Marine Scales. The series finished with them defeating Poseidon, but the Manga (comic) actually had a continuation, where they battled Hades, the Lord of the Underworld, and his 108 specters (of which only about 20 are important). For any of you interested, TOEI animation has decided (after 17 years!!) to continue the series where it left off. And it will be aired in english and spanish later this year!!!

So to sum up, imagine a series where the characters each represent a myth, and hold in their soul the power of a Constelation. Battling Gods, monsters, and even their own troubled minds. So if you do get to watch this series, be delighted because it is a rare gem in the TV World. (Check out Cartoon Network, I think they're playing it now on a regular basis).

So the only thing I can say (and all you fans know what this means) is: Pegasus RyuSeiKen!!