Roujin Z...
Years ago, I used to have the VHS version of Roujin Z...
Last night, I decided to revisit Roujin Z. The animation quality appears somewhat dated, but, overall the title still manages to hold its own. Set in the future, Roujin Z, is the tale of an automated bed -- possessed by a computer simulation of the occupant's dead wife. It's ultimate objective, a stroll by the beach. Oh, did I mention that this bed has military applications... Of course, Roujin Z is a bit silly near the end, but, still very enjoyable.
I used to have the dubbed VHS version and the English dub was not half bad. But, recently, well after the apparent demise of Central Park Media, the original US distributor, I happened to come across the DVD, so, I decided to bring it home with me. I gave Roujin Z a 4 out of 5.
Written and designed by Katsuhiro Otomo - the director of the ground breaking film Akira - and featuring the top names in Japanese animation industry - Director Kirohuki Kitakubo (Patlabor - The Movie, Black Magic M66), and Animation Director Fumio Lida (Wings of Honneamise)!
An elderly invalid, Takazawa, is volunteered for a bizarre experiment that may revolutionize care for the elderly - despite the protests of his young nurse, Haruko. The Z-001 is supposed to be the ultimate surrogate nurse - it can monitor, bathe, feed, exercise, and provide entertainment by linking with the patient's brainwaves.
However, the capabilities of the mechanical caregiver grow beyond the designer's original plans when it attempts to satisfy Takazawa's every need. Responding to his whim, the Z-001 transforms into a bizarre, unstoppable robot - which smashes out of the hospital and battles its way through police barricades en route to the beach! However, one of the designers has a hidden agenda and unveils a secret military prototype of the Z-001 - Codenamed: Alpha. The only person who can rescue Takazawa from the over-protective grip of the Z-001, and Alpha, is the person who knows him best - Haruko.
Last night, I decided to revisit Roujin Z. The animation quality appears somewhat dated, but, overall the title still manages to hold its own. Set in the future, Roujin Z, is the tale of an automated bed -- possessed by a computer simulation of the occupant's dead wife. It's ultimate objective, a stroll by the beach. Oh, did I mention that this bed has military applications... Of course, Roujin Z is a bit silly near the end, but, still very enjoyable.I used to have the dubbed VHS version and the English dub was not half bad. But, recently, well after the apparent demise of Central Park Media, the original US distributor, I happened to come across the DVD, so, I decided to bring it home with me. I gave Roujin Z a 4 out of 5.
