Gantz

Blood, gore, flashing lights, explosions, rubble, mystery and unnecessarily tight latex suits; just another day in the world of Gantz, the latest high-concept thriller/horror/action film Japan has submitted into its strong genre-based cinematic repertoire.

Based on the ongoing anime series of the same name, Gantz follows the exploits of Kei Kurono and Masuro Kato, two childhood friends who had become estranged in adulthood only to run into each other at the most precarious of moments, resulting in them both being mowed down by an oncoming train. Yet instead of waking up in the afterlife, they find themselves in a room with a group of strangers and a mysterious black orb known as Gantz. Gantz arms the group with futuristic weaponry and slinky power catsuits before instructing themp to pursue a target that “smells of onions” and sending them out onto the streets. Thus begins a series of action-filled battles with a variety of alien life forms in conveniently deserted locations.

The first major problem with Gantz is its pacing. It quickly unravels from the tight scenes filled with intrigue and foreboding that shape the film’s beginning to a series of drawn-out action scenes between needlessly long sequences exploring the emotional transformations of the main characters, the latter of which still manages to seem somewhat shallow. The acting feels a little stilted, but nothing too out of the ordinary for the superhero genre.

Nonetheless, the cinematography is clean and the action scenes are refreshingly free of blurred moments from too much rapid cutting. It’s also heavy enough on atmosphere that it still manages to draw you in and hold your attention in spite of the frustrating pace.

Overall, Gantz is an engrossing film that manages to wrangle all the usual hallmarks of the gothic superhero genre with finesse. However, be warned: the film is only part one, so don’t bother unless you’re willing to commit to seeing part two, Gantz: Perfect Answer.

2 stars

Gantz
Director: Shinsuke Sato
Based on the Graphic Novel by Hiroya Oku
Japanese with English subtitles, 130 mins

Screened as part of the Japanese Film Festival
Distributor: Madman
Available on DVD and blu-ray on December 14, 2011