Project Itoh: The Empire of Corpses Review (Anime)
An anime set in Britain and starring John Watson (yes, that Watson from Sherlock Holmes) who conducts experiments to reanimate the dead so that they can help society with work but when they suddenly become bloodthirsty and are used as weapons, it’s up to Dr. Watson and others to get to the bottom of these new mysteries.
The Empire of Corpses is set in an alternative 19th century where Watson illegally creates Necrowear – an artificial soul placed back into the dead to give them life – and brings his friend, Friday, back to life. Necrowear is based on Victor Frankenstein’s work where he was successful in bringing someone back from the dead and into a state where it was as if they never died at all. When M, a member of the British Secret Service, gives Watson an ultimatum between going to prison for illegally using the Necrowear machinery or working for the British Empire, it’s no wonder that Watson takes the opportunity to not go to prison.
The Empire of Corpses is a clever, engrossing movie
The Empire of Corpses is a clever, engrossing movie that rolls along at a quick pace where you’re always guessing what’ll happen next and why the undead have suddenly turned and wish to murder anybody still living. Watson is an interesting character with his own selfish, yet understandable, motivations in that he wants to have Friday fully come back to the world of the living like Frankenstein’s original experiment yielded, and the other characters are equally as strong, well-written and help carry the film to an exciting finale. I’m excited for the next two movies in this series and checking out the source material (a series of books written by Project Itoh) as this is a fantastic ride I’d happily watch again. The Empire of Corpses brings action and intelligence together in a way that not all anime can do, and it doesn’t let up.
I didn’t know who handled the animation before I stated watching but it was obvious within seconds that Studio WIT were breathing life into The Empire of Corpses and, if their previous works such as HAL or Attack on Titan didn’t convince you, it’s clear that Studio WIT are one of the most talented animation studios around right now. The characters and environments are brimming with equal detail and the lighting is notably brilliant, capturing the atmosphere and feel of the heavy use of stone and lanterns used in the 19th century. It’s a beautiful film with explosive, tense action scenes, realistic emotion and a painstaking attention to detail – Studio WIT proved that they were the perfect choice for a film such as this, and I can only wholeheartedly agree with whoever brought them on-board.
you won’t regret putting aside two hours for this.
Yes, the audio is as good as the rest of the movie. The English dub has actors and actresses who perform very convincing British accents and hearing the likes of Jason Liebrecht, Todd Haberkorn, J Michael Tatum, Micah Solusod and Morgan Garrett is a joy. The English dub is powerful, well-acted and, as was the case with Studio WIT, I’m impressed with voice director Mike McFarland’s casting and direction and the excellent performances on show here. If English dubs aren’t your thing, then you can watch the Japanese voice-over which I also have no issue with – both are really good. The atmosphere is helped by the film’s soundtrack and main themes and whilst this is the aspect of the movie that I don’t remember quite as fondly, I do remember liking how it enhanced the film overall and I’m going to pay more attention to it on my second viewing.
Project Itoh: The Empire of Corpses starts off the trilogy of films on a great note that has me eager to watch and learn more, and I’m happy that Anime Limited picked this up as I’d been unfamiliar with it before – I’m grateful to have seen it, and I know many others will enjoy it too. The first film doesn’t slow down and proves to be an intelligent spectacle that makes it easy to watch and rewatch without it being overwhelming with lore and science. In case you’re still wondering then yes, you should buy Project Itoh: The Empire of Corpses – you won’t regret putting aside two hours for this.
- Super Mario Odyssey Celebrates its One Year Anniversary - October 28, 2018
- Dragon Ball Z KAI Final Chapters Review (Anime) - October 28, 2018
- Resident Evil 2 Remake Gets a Steelbook Edition in Europe - October 24, 2018
