"Human Lost" Review

By Justin D Williams

Story - From the chief director of PSYCHO-PASS, director of Afro Samurai, and the studio that brought you Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters. The year is 2036. A revolution in medical treatment has conquered death by means of internal nanomachines and the "S.H.E.L.L." system, yet only the richest can afford to partake. Yozo Oba isn't the richest. Troubled by strange dreams, he flippantly joins his friend's biker gang on an ill-fated incursion to "The Inside", where society's elite lives. This instigates a journey of terrifying discovery that will change Yozo's life forever.

"Human Lost" is an anime film that I enjoyed throughout. One thing I really enjoyed about the film is the central theme of what is it to be human? As described in the synopsis the year is 2036, and there is a medical treatment breakthrough that allows the elite to cheat death thanks to nanomachines. There is a central conflict between the haves and the have nots. We follow Yozo Oba who is caught in the middle of this. His friend is planning an assault to enter "The Inside" and things don't go too well. This assault leaves to Yozo discovering something inner and darker about himself and the S.H.E.L.L system. The story for the most part succeeds. Yozo is a compelling character and the driving force of the central theme. I really love the concept of “The Lost”. The Lost is a creature that humans transform into that S.H.E.L.L. system takes out. Without going to spoilers it has a lot to do with Yozo arc and I like how they use him to drive that struggle of man and beast. What is it to be human? Are you human if you can’t die? These are some of the questions and themes the film raises and explores. I will say my only gripe with the story is the exposition is a little bit too much. There are things that over-complicate the plot and sometimes it makes it hard to follow. This is where the film suffers is during the second act where the key players behind the scenes start to show themselves. Other than that I did enjoy the story.

Animation- I’ am not a huge fan of 3D anime because I’ am one of those who likes anime 2D or classic hand-drawn. However “Human Lost” is gorgeous in the visual department. This is a dark film with the tone and with the animation. The use of color and lightining works very well to give a feel of dread for a city that is divided. They have some really good action scenes and the highlight will be the motorcycle sequence that will remind you of Akira.

Voice Acting & Music - The voice acting is really good in this film. I’ve watched the film in Japanese Dub with English Subtitles. Mamoru Miyano is excellent as Yozo. He gives Yozo a performance that keeps you watching as a character that is down on life in the beginning to a man who knows his purpose. The score is pretty good as well. The music fits the tone well and has a nice combination of various styles from classical, rock and much more.

Final Grade B+ : “Human Lost” is a fun and compelling anime film that can at times get lost in its own exposition. However, it has a solid anime production, a stellar cast, and some great action sequences.

   Limited Theatrical Release -

                  U.S.: October 22 (Subtitled) & 23 (Dub)

                  Canada: November 6 (Subtitled) & 9 (Dub)

WHERE:   In select locations across the U.S. and Canada. Check local listings.

                  Theater locator: http://www.funimationfilms.com/humanlost