Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001)
Animation | Fantasy | Adventure | Sci-Fi | Action

Unleash A New Reality

A cutting-edge, sci-fi action adventure using all computer-generated images with voices by: Alec Baldwin, Steve Buscemi, Ming-Na, Ving Rhames, Donald Sutherland and James Woods.

Storyline: In the year 2065, the next great assault against an invading race of phantom-like aliens is about to be launched. Dr. Aki Ross, a brilliant young scientist, races to find the invaders' secrets, not only to save the planet, but herself as well after her body is infected by alien particles. She teams up with the prestigious Deep Eyes military squadron, led by her old friend Grey Edwards. But as Aki, her mentor Dr. Sid, and Grey work toward a peaceful end, the scheming General Hein devises a plot to eradicate the aliens in one swift, destructive blow...even if it destroys the Earth right along with them. Written by H2F

Reviewer's Note: Reviewed by Dustin Somner on April 19, 2009 -- It's hard to believe Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within hit theaters eight years ago [in 2009]; and it's even more surprising that realistic computer generated imagery (CGI) has not advanced very far beyond the capabilities on display in this film. I remember anxiously waiting to see The Spirits Within when it was originally released, and feeling somewhat letdown when I walked out of the theater. It wasn't disappointment in the film or the animation, but more a matter of not meeting my expectations as a video game enthusiast. I've played a number of "Final Fantasy" games on various gaming platforms over the years, so I approached this film with the hope that it would follow a familiar plotline from the games. Sadly, the inclusion of "Final Fantasy" in the title is really just a placeholder to indicate this is a creation of Square's animation studio. Although the film failed to meet box-office expectations, I've grown to appreciate it more and more on repeat viewings, especially now that we can view the stunning animation in high-definition.

Earth has been plagued by the presence of alien "ghosts" that possess the ability to remove the soul of humans they come into contact with (and render the body instantly dead). Aki and Dr. Sid are scientists that believe in the taboo idea that the Earth contains a spirit known as Gaia, and seek to obtain eight individual spirits that they believe hold the key to containing the alien ghosts. In fact, Aki's body appears to hold the primary key to combining the eight spirits, which have worked in unison to contain the alien virus that has grown inside her. On the other side of the coin, we have the military, who want to bring about the ghost's destruction by reigning heavy artillery down on the location where the alien meteor struck the Earth 30 years prior (and is believed to be the source of the alien ghosts). Earth's grand council has agreed to grant Dr. Sid and Aki additional time to search for the two remaining spirits, but the sinister General Hein intends to use a weapon known as the Zeus Cannon to wipe out the ghosts. Fearing for the fate of Earth's Gaia if the Zeus Cannon is unleashed, Dr. Sid and Aki enlist the aide of her prior boyfriend (a military captain), and his squad of soldiers. Will Aki be able to solve the mystery of the alien ghosts in time, or will the military recklessly destroy Earth's lifeforce?From a plot standpoint, The Spirits Within offers an intellectual sci-fi tale that doesn't play to the lowest common denominator. Like I said earlier, the first time I saw the film, I certainly wasn't enamored with the story, but now that I've seen it more than five times, I can appreciate the themes in the plot on a greater level. There are still some plot holes that are glossed over (such as why certain items or things are "spirits"), but those few elements won't diminish the experience if you let yourself become immersed in the onscreen action.The animation is simply stunning, with an unprecedented level of detail. Facial models and character movement still don't come close to approaching real life, but I also don't find the animation at all jarring. I'm still amazed at the precision of facial textures on close-ups of Aki, or the intricate stubble on the face of Captain Ross. I wonder how many years we have until filmmakers will be able to create realistic CG renderings of actors that passed away years ago. It's not too hard to picture a film coming out in the future that features a young Cary Grant or Audrey Hepburn.If I had one complaint with the film, it would be the pacing. There are several sequences that seem unnecessary, and drag the film down. Perhaps the runtime could have been shortened a little bit, but it starts to feel like the plot can't sustain the full 105 minutes. I'm sure many people would disagree with my assessment on the pacing, and this comes down to a matter of personal preference, but if it weren't for the rich visuals, I may have found myself nodding off during one or two extended slow scenes in the film.

If you couldn't tell by now, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within is a film I'd highly recommend. If you love science fiction or animation, you'll find a lot to like about this film, and should not hesitate in adding it to your collection. If you're already a fan, and own the film on DVD, you'll be blown away by the technical merits of this Blu-ray, and should add this to the top of your upgrade list. Here's hoping Sony treats their upcoming release of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children with the same level of care they've shown on this release.

User Comment: Lars Hellberg from Sweden, 16 December 2004 • It's a pity this movie failed at the box office, because in my opinion, it's really good. It combines combines the classic dystopic sci-fi future with a scorched Earth, a few heroes struggling against enigmatic aliens and a corrupt military force, action style sequences that are at times quite intense, and the typical slow-paced Asian movie storytelling. Add to this a rich amount of influences from the FF games, including eight mysterious spirits that must be found in time or the heroine will succumb, as well as a lot of mythological references that must be taken for granted rather than analysed to bits if the viewer is to find any pleasure in this film.

The trouble is that the FF video game fans wanted a story based on the games, or on their particular favourite in the series, and were disappointed with both the story, the setting and the characters. The average sci-fi movie fan, though, who ought to have loved the wicked general (excellently voice-cast by James Woods) and his huge space cannon, as well as the 'Aliens' styled surroundings and technology, was put off by all the talk about spirits and world souls. Leaving for a few of us who went to see the film with no real expectations, to enjoy it.

Because it is a good film. The animation is, for the most part, excellent, even if some scenes have a too blatant 'look what we can do' boast to them. Particularly all the scenes of Aki's hair waving in the wind. Personally, I didn't think the story was either too slow-paced, nor too weird. It works well, especially if you like Asian movies. For the European and American market, though, there's probably not enough action and too much talking.

If this movie had been released this year, it would probably have been given a better reception. The thought of fully computer animated films isn't as new and strange anymore, and with films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, The Ring and Hero, the west is opening up for the Asian way of telling stories. I hope to see more films like this, at least if they are this well made.

Summary: The right movie for the wrong audience

[CSW] -2.8- The CG animation was excellent even though not being a Final Fantasy follower, I didn't completely understand the plot line.
No D-Box -There are supposed to be motion codes for this title but they could not be found for this DVD edition.

--- JOYA ---

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