As naïve as it may sound on my part, at times I honestly believe it’s fate that I’ve ended up as a contributor at this freakish madhouse known as Cheshire Cat Studios. How come, you ask? Simple. It’s ‘cos there’s just so much me and the rest of the, hmph, ‘residents’ have in common. For instance, much like my good friends and fellow contributors LaughingMan and Kenny Farino, I’m not very fond of anime. Actually, let’s not mince words, shall we? I think most of it is crap. Look, nothing personal, ok, anime fans? It’s just not my cup of tea, that’s all. For the most part, that is. Yes, you see, over the years–and partially thanks to our good pal and resident anime expert, ONOE–I’ve been exposed to a number of peculiar titles, some of which, I must confess, I not only thoroughly enjoyed but can also recommend to others as examples of outstanding and superb story-telling, pacing, atmosphere, character development, animation, etc., if need be. Indeed, Hellsing, Ghost in the Shell, Cowboy Bebop, Higurashi no Naku, Death Note, Black Lagoon – these are the aforementioned noteworthy titles that have convinced me that anime, just like any other medium, has its own array of hidden gems which are a) unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, and b) totally worth the time you’ll spend digging through all the generic, lackluster trash that makes up ninety-nine percent of all anime just to discover them. Well, guess what, folks? I’ve just found another one! Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present Time of Eve: The Movie – possibly one of the most intellectual, thought-provoking, yet ultimately heartwarming feature-length films I’ve seen in quite a while.
Alright, alright. Seeing as how all your jaws have just hit the floor after I, Cheshire Cat Studios’ most callous, inexorable cynic, admitted to liking a film which at first glance seems like your average insipid anime junk–complete with the usual excessive amounts of strained high school melodrama and snot bubbles–that I had publicly censured only a few sentences ago, looks like I’ve got some explaining to do. I... I honestly can’t remember how I first learned about Time of Eve: The Movie (you’ll understand why I keep tagging along the film’s subtitle soon enough, I promise), but I do know I’ve wanted to see this movie badly for a long, long time. You see, the film deals with one of my all-time favorite recurring themes in science fiction: human-robot interaction. You know, Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics, humans losing touch with their humanity and becoming more and more like machines, while the latter, in their turn, develop emotions and learn how to feel – that kind of stuff. However, unlike most other movies that pretend to explore this interesting, fertile topic, only to use it as an excuse for a huge mind-numbing, special-effects heavy ‘Man Vs. Machine’ battle at the end (yes, I’m looking at you, I, Robot), Time of Eve: The Movie promises to provide a fresh, never before seen take on the subject that’ll force the viewer to rethink the answer to the ultimate, eternal question: “What makes us human?” Well, does it? Yes. Yes, it does – and how!
Having said that, it is important to understand that Time of Eve: The Movie is no Blade Runner or Ghost in the Shell – two renowned, critically acclaimed science fiction films that share a similar motif. It doesn’t have the same grandiose scope; there’s certainly not as much action, if any at all; and what’s ever more important, while all the aforesaid profound, thought-provoking themes are undoubtedly present in the movie, they’re never directly pointed out or overtly discussed by the characters like in the case of the previously mentioned two sci-fi classics. On the contrary, it seems like instead of bold-facedly imposing their own values and morality upon the viewer, as is so often the case with this kind of movies, the creators of Time of Eve: The Movie have opted to just tell an engaging, interesting story and let us, the audience, formulate our own conclusions. Quite an audacious decision worthy of admiration, don’t you think? However, the important question is: “Does it pay off?” Maybe. Then again, maybe not. In any case, I guess you’ll just have to keep on reading the review to find out!
...and you thought your man was a cold-hearted, abusive prick, ladies.
The story of Time of Eve: The Movie is rather simple, actually, yet at the same time, nothing short of brilliant. Rikuo Sakisaka, an ordinary Japanese high school student, has been indifferent to robots for most of his life. To him they’ve never been anything more than mere everyday realities of his time, just another piece of advanced, sophisticated technology created for the sole purpose of making his life easier if you will. One day, however, the lad notices that his family’s household android, Sammy, hasn’t been acting like herself of late; disobeying direct orders and even sneaking out of the house without permission on a daily basis. Bemused (but mostly indignant, though) by this, he checks her activity logs, only to find a cryptic message in place of the usual set of numbers and data. The said message reads: “Are you enjoying the Time of Eve?” Needless to say, this mystery intrigues him. After all, it’s not like Sammy to neglect her duties and do whatever the hell she wants. Hell, it’s not like any robot to behave like that!
Determined to get to the bottom of this conundrum, Rikuo, along with his best friend, Masakazu Masaki, tracks down Sammy's footsteps which, strangely enough, lead him to the threshold of an unusual café called, shockingly, “The Time of Eve.” Now, what sets this place apart from other similar joints is its main rule that the barista, Nagi, informs the Hardy Boys of as soon as they set foot into the café: “No discrimination against humans and robots.” At first Rikuo and Masaki think this is some kind of bad joke; after all, they haven’t seen a single robot since the two entered the place, so she can’t be serious, can she? However, after noticing the android who had entered the café only seconds before them sitting at a table opposite of theirs, casually drinking coffee and having a chit-chat with another customer, the two’s sphincters clench so hard that if you were to insert a pencil in there, it’d shatter into pieces from all the high pressure. Oh, but it gets worse! You see, not only does the android in question behave like a normal human being, but he also has his holographic halo (i.e., the only possible way to visually distinguish man from machine, for the uninitiated) turned off. And in case you haven’t guessed it, that’s kind of big taboo for them. Not only that, but if this bloke, whom the pair would’ve never even suspected had they not seen his ‘true form’ beforehand, turned out to be an android, what’s to say the rest of the café’s clients aren’t machines pretending to be humans as well?
It’s hard to tell whether it was morbid curiosity or just paralyzing fear, but for some reason Rikuo and Masaki didn’t storm out of the place screaming about the impending invasion of the machines like a bunch of deranged lunatics the moment they had realized the truth. On the contrary, not only did the two of them decide to stay, but they’ve also taken upon themselves to attend “The Time of Eve” every day until the two wannabe sleuths get a clear idea of what’s really going on in this accursed place. And this is when the film gets real good, my darlings. 'Cos for the next hour or so we, the audience, will become witness to genuine character growth on Rikuo and Masaki's side, as the two get to know all the regulars a little better, learn about their pasts, views on close human-robot relationships, and, eventually, realize that, you know, perhaps humans and androids aren't all that different after all. Sure, at the end of the day it's just the two of them for now, while the rest of the world remains as cold and indifferent towards Sammy and her kind as always. But hey, where there's one there are bound to be more, right? All that is needed is time. And that's the general idea of Time of Eve: The Movie – that perhaps, one day, we, humans, will finally get rid of all of our prejudices and peacefully coexist with other species, be they either organic or mechanical. A little cheesy and, perhaps, even naïve, yes.
Still, one can hope...
Could you honestly tell that more than half of these people are not human?
"So, you've just summarized the basic plot of the movie, eh, CineMax?" So I have. "Splendid! Now how about providing some real criticism, you poor excuse of a film critic?!" Coming right up, chief!
Like I said, the story of Time of Eve: The Movie is simply beautiful in its simplicity; however, if you ask me, it's definitely not the film's strongest point, not by a long shot. Well, what is then, you ask? Why, the characters, of course. Yes, you see, experience has taught me that there are usually two kinds of driving forces in a good movie: either it's the plot or the characters. And in the case of Time of Eve: The Movie, it's the latter. I believe I've already mentioned how both Rikuo and Masaki have a genuine character arc to go through over the course of the story, but don't let that deceive you. The humans aren't the most interesting partakers of the story (as a matter of fact, there's only, like, three or four of actual importance, while the rest is a giant, faceless robot-hating mass), it's the androids. Yup, you heard me right: the machines are far more interesting and even, dare I say, human than their living, breathing masters. Take for example the already familiar duo, Sammy and Rikuo. As much as I don't want to use the word under the fear of being branded as a weaboo (I mean, first I review an anime, now I'm using "animu" terms), I'm afraid there's not other way to describe the girl but "adorable." Yeah, yeah, I know what you're thinking. But it's true! The way she tries her best to understand humans, appease her uncaring masters, and, as hopeless as it sounds, perhaps even befriend Rikuo — that kind of sincere, altruistic behavior is more than enough to bring a pleasant, joyful smile on the face of even someone as emotionally restrained as me.
Of course, at the same time, it also irritates me to no end knowing that all of Sammy's tremendous pains were all for naught, 'cos trust me, if there's an even bigger asshole than yours truly in this movie, it's Rikuo.
Oh, what? Just 'cos the obnoxious doofus is the main character doesn't mean I have to like him, you know. In fact, I can practically guarantee that by the time the movie reaches the final thirty minute mark, you simply won't be able to help but to badmouth this loathsome little punk — just like I'm doing right now. How come, you wonder? Simple. 'Cos he's a hypocrite. Allow me to expand. Like I said before, Rikuo doesn't have a problem accepting other costumers for who they really are (i.e., androids) and even making friends with most, if not all, of them, yes. However, when it comes to Sammy, it takes the son of a bitch a good hour of screen time just to, and I quote, forgive her. Forgive her for what, you impudent little brat? For not telling you she and the rest of her kind have reached self-awareness? Whelp, you sure didn't seem to hold a grudge against the other who-knows-how-many-million androids for keeping their owners in the dark as well, so tell me, how's Sammy any different? Also, fuck you. No, really. I mean, you and your little friend there were ready to call in the friggin' National Guard the first time you two realized what's going on in the café, yet you expect me to believe you would've calmly and open-mindedly accepted the truth had Sammy revealed her secret to you in private? Bah! Don't make me laugh, you little two-faced... Actually, you know what? I'm done trading insults with a fictional character who can't even respond me back. I haven't entirely lost my mind yet, you know.
"Oh, but what about the aforementioned character arc?" you ask. Whelp, like I've said, he does change his attitude towards androids and even befriends most of them by the end of the movie, yes. But again, not when it comes to poor Sammy. The best she got was the clichéd bullshit anime "I don't hate you" treatment which doesn't even begin to make sense, if you ask me. I mean, at least hate is some form of emotional response, right? However, if he doesn't hate her but, at the same time, doesn't think of her as a friend too, where does that leave them? Exactly. Right back where they began. Eh, whatever. I've already spent too much time ranting about Rikuo that I should've. Touching story, likable secondary characters (especially Sammy), but lousy protagonist – you can't win them all, I guess. Now let’s move on.
Pictured above: Rikuo realizes that one of the regulars of the café and the first person with whom he ever made friends there, Akiko, was actually an android all along.
Yup, totally the reaction of an open-minded and understanding person. Uh-huh.
Right. So, seeing how I'm reviewing an animated feature this time instead of a live-action one like usual, I suppose a few sentences about the animation style and its quality on my part are in order. Before that, however, I believe it's about time you, oh dear reader, finally learn the truth. Remember how a couple of paragraphs ago I said there's a reason why I keep referring to this movie as, well, "The Movie"? Whelp, that's 'cos, believe it or not, Time of Eve: The Movie was originally released as a six-part ONA series back in 2008. What exactly is an "ONA," you inquire? A web series, to put it simply. "Oh, that's nice. Hey, wait a second! So that means..." Exactly. The version I got hold of is a 2010 re-edition/compilation of all six episodes released as a single, feature-length movie. I... I'm afraid I'm in no position to judge the differences between the two versions since I went straight for the movie re-edition without bothering with the original series first. A little bit inconsiderate on my part, perhaps. However, I hear the two versions are practically identical, save for a few added extra scenes, so I promise not to punish myself too hard, okay?
Now then, back to the topic of animation. Like I've said, Time of Eve: The Movie was originally released as a six-part Internet series, which makes it even more surprising just how bloody beautiful the animation is. No really, I mean it. The art style is so crisp and exquisite that it can even give most high-profile anime series released on TV or straight-to-DVD/Blu-ray a run for their money!
Also, I'm not sure if I should mention this or not (again, this is my first time reviewing an anime, so I'm kind of a n00b when it comes to stuff like this), but as you might've noticed from all the images I've posted for comedic purposes as usual, the art style of the movie is a lot more realistic and, err, "Westernized" in general than the one you'd see in such anime series like, say, Higurashi no Naku or, may the Elder Gods forgive me, Demonbane. Once again, I'm not sure whether this is actually a big deal or not, or it's simply my anti-anime prejudices speaking as usual; however, if you ask me, the more mature approach to the art style on the the director's, Yasuhiro Yoshiura's, side was no doubt a wise decision, given the fact that, despite the events of Time of Eve: The Movie taking place in the near future, the world we see in this movie is supposed to be a direct reflection of our own, complete with all the biases and hate which, alas, are oh so familiar to all of us. Somehow I doubt the same "Sweet Jesus, we're not better than them!" effect would've been achieved had all the characters had green hair and eyes the size of grapefruits.
You know, just sayin'.
The real beauty of Time of Eve: The Movie's art style lies in brief, subtle even moments like the one captured above.
Right. So, now that we've analyzed each and every aspect of the movie in detail, I surmise that leaves us with only one, final question. "Which is, CineMax?" What did I think of Time of Eve: The Movie as a whole, naturally. "Ah, I see. So?" Honestly? I loved it. No, really, I did! It's one of those rare, heart-warming kinds of movies that bring a genuine, radiant smile to your face due to its overall uplifting tone and likable characters to whom you get attached over the course of the story, and, as a result, don't want to say goodbye once it's over. At the same time, however, it's also quite a though-provoking experience, just like I mentioned in the opening section of this review. Personally, I caught myself pondering about Time of Eve: The Movie and the message it tries to convey to us, the viewers, several days after I first saw it, I kid you not. You don't get that kind of impact from a lot of movies, Hollywood or foreign, live-action or animated, these days, do you? No. Sadly, you don't.
Of course, all this time I've also allowed for the possibility that, perhaps, it's just me overthinking Time of Eve: The Movie's subject matter too much, so the film doesn't deserve really as much credit for its complexity and depth. But hey, unintentionally clever is still better than intentionally dumb if you ask me, so no real problem, right? Nah! This can't be true. I mean, I'm really good at spotting bullshit, pseudo-intellectual trash that, in reality, doesn't have a single profound thought behind it, you see. And trust me, Time of Eve: The Movie isn't one of them! It's a simple, touching story, well told and virtually guaranteed to tug at some of your heartstrings. The characters are well-rounded and likable enough (with the exception of Rikuo, obviously), the tone is more exhilarating than a box full of cute smiling kittens, and the film definitely has a thing or two to say about human nature, our phobias and biases, fears and prejudices, etc. All of this, of course, begs the question, "What more do you need?" I... To tell you the truth, I don't know. I know I've enjoyed the film immensely, but who the hell cares about that, right? After all, the reason why you're reading all of this right now is 'cos you want me to tell you whether Time of Eve: The Movie is worth your time and money or not. "Well, is it?" It depends.
If you're a hardcore anime fan like ONOE, then this film is, without a doubt, a must-see. If, however, you're someone like me (i.e., a person who's a casual anime viewer at best, and even then watches only the best the genre has to offer), then I'd say it's up to you. For example, while I personally found Time of Eve: The Movie exceptional, at the same time I'll also admit that it's definitely not in the same league with the works of Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Ponyo) or Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell, Patlabor 2: The Movie, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence). It just isn't. Like I said before, the reason why I was so eager to watch the movie was the aforementioned, 'human-robot relation' sci-fi angle. If you're not into that, though, I doubt you'll really find anything interesting in a ninety-minute melodrama where anything exciting barely happens. Grr... It's a tough cookie, this one. On one hand, it is one of the few anime series/movies that I genuinely enjoyed and can recommend to others, but on the other, it's definitely not for everyone, so I don't know whether any of my readers will be interested in this film at all. What I do know, though, is that Time of Eve: The Movie definitely deserves a hell of a lot more exposure than it has now (no really, this movie is highly obscure even amongst die-hard anime nerds), so if this review has piqued your curiosity, you owe it to yourself to check this movie out and, in case you like it, recommend it to all your friends.
I mean, who knows? If more people show interest in well-written, intellectual pictures like Time of Eve: The Movie instead of the usual, insipid giant mecha/high school romance/fantasy crap, then perhaps, one day, movies like this one will cease to be the minority, and we'll start seeing more serious, high-profile chefs-d'oeuvre coming from the Land of the Rising Sun. Yeah, yeah. I know, fat chance. But again, one can hope...
One-word summary?
Perky.
