REVIEW: The Empire of Corpses (Wit Studios, 2015)
The Empire of Corpses (屍者の帝国) is a 2015 Japanese science fiction adventure anime film produced by Wit Studio and directed by Ryoutarou Makihara. Its main character is an alternative Doctor John Watson (prior to meeting Holmes).
In an alternate version of 18th Century England scientist Victor Frankenstein discovered a method of reanimating a corpse with a soul that could think, feel and speak. After his creation was destroyed another method was used to replace the missing soul with an artificial soul known as "Necroware." It can be upgraded like a computer program, though the corpses are unable to talk, feel or think for themselves. By the 19th century, the use of corpses becomes more common as Necroware is improved daily via a machine known as the Analytical Engine, invented by Charles Babbage, which Corpse Engineers have access to. John Watson, a medical student and an aspiring corpse engineer, illegally creates his own Necroware and resurrects his deceased friend who he renames Friday. M, a member of British Secret service, makes a deal with Watson after catching him: either he goes to prison or becomes an agent of the British Empire. Watson chooses the latter………
I must admit that despite my geek credentials, I haven’t watched a lot of anime. However, I enjoyed this a good deal (having come across the details of it online and ordering the DVD). The animation was excellent and the story (although confusing at times) sped along at a rapid pace for the whole of its two hour runtime, with the action moving around the world (including the very canonical Afghanistan) before returning to London for the denouement. It reminded me a little of 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' (the comic not the film). There was also mid-credits scene that featured the cameo that I had been waiting for throughout the film and a very ‘Young Sherlock Holmes’ revelation. Definitely worth a couple of hours of your time.
Rating: 
(4/5)
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