Since the ‘Blade Runner’ we are concerned with the question if cyborgs can dream and if they remember the past. Now, Alita: Battle Angel shows that cyborgs are even able to develop great emotions. Moreover, she shows that they can be more human that a human itself.
From visionary filmmakers James Cameron (Avatar) and Robert Rodriguez (Sin City), comes an epic adventure of hope and empowerment. It’s based upon the Manga graphic novel series by Yukito Kishiro.
THE MAIN CHARACTER
ALITA (ROSA SALAZAR)
In a future world, Alita (Rosa Salazar) awakes with no memory of who she is. But Ido (Christoph Waltz), a compassionate cyber-physician, accommodates her. Instantly, he realizes that somewhere in this abandoned cyborg core is the heart and soul of a young woman with an extraordinary past.
Alita learns to navigate her new life and the treacherous streets of Iron City. But Ido tries to shield her from her mysterious history. However, Alita’s new friend Hugo (Keean Johnson) offers instead to help trigger her memories.
Finally, Alita discovers a clue to her past when the deadly and corrupt forces that run the city, headed by Vector (Mahershala Ali), come after Ido and her.
At this moment, she recognizes that she has unique fighting abilities ingrained in her. Thus, she knows, that those in power will stop at nothing to control her. If she can stay out of their grasp, she could be the key to saving her friends, her family and the world she’s grown to love.
ALITA’S FRIENDS
HUGO (KEEAN JOHNSON)
The young cybergirl isn’t alone. Because of her curiosity and open-mindedness, Alita makes quickly new friends. So, she meets Hugo, a young biker-guy. Hugo introduces Alita to his friends. He shows her Iron City and helps her to feel accepted. Moreover, he helps her to feel human.
Dr. IDO (CHRISTOPH WALTZ)
Since the friendly cyber-physician has found Alita’s torso on a junkyard, he tries to protect her. When he examines Alita’s body, he recognizes that she isn’t a young cybergirl, but a very unique creature with a great secret. Besides, Dr. Igo himself hides even some special secrets. One of them is about his daughter.
ALITA’S ENIMIES
VECTOR (MAHERSHALA ALI)
Quickly, the powerful leaders of Iron City recognize that Alita could become dangerous to them. Among all Vector. He is the mastermind of town who controls everything and everybody.
NYSSIANA (EIZA GONZÁLEZ)
Vector controls also the mystical creatures Nyssiana (Eiza González). Armed with dangerous blades, she can move like a spider.
ZAPAN (ED SKREIN)
Zapan is a very arrogant bounty hunter, who takes a lot of care of his face. He is mean and selfish. Furthermore, he would kill his best friend – if he would have one – for money.
THE MYSTICAL CHARACTER
CHIREN (JENNIFER CONNELY)
Chiren is a highly-attractive scientist, and partner of Vector. Before, she was in relation with Dr. Ido. They had a daughter, but a tragedy seperated them. Now, Chiren thinks she knows her way. But maybe she is totally wrong.
THE PRODUCERS & DIRECTOR
JON LANDAU & JAMES CAMERON
The friends already teamed up for blockbusters like Titanic and Avatar. Now, they have realized their personal vision of a powerful and pure heroine. For this, they have adapted a Japanese manga written by Yukito Kishiro.
ROBERT RODRIGUEZ
The gifted talent gave Alita Battle Angel his personal touch. He is one of the best friends of Quentin Tarantino, and he was responsible for amazing blockbusters like “From Dusk Till Dawn”, “Sin City” and the very special movie “Machete”. Furthermore, he shows now, that he is also able to create huge emotions with his pictures .
REVIEW
Alita Battle Angel is a modern fairytale in the best form. Although, it is computer-dominated, the film creates huge emotions. Most of all, because of the amazing acting of Rosa Salazar (Alita). From the very first moment of her appearance, Alita touches the hearts with her beauty and power paired with a childlike naivety and curiosity.
When she develops her power, she shares that moment with you. Her story and Rosa’s acting motivates, inspires and, thus, it gives you power back.
Furthermore, from Iron City to the Motorball Arena to Zalem, the last of the Sky Cities, the locations and action sequences are simply stunning. In an IMAX movie theater, you will recognize and feel all dimensions, including the height. Thus, it’s better to watch the movie in 2D, if you should suffer from vertigo.
Of course, it’s an action movie including a story, which – as the name implies – is based on the battle between good and evil. But Alita Battle Angles offers more than fast-paced action. It’s a story about the path, which everybody has to find for oneself. Furthermore, it’s a story about pre-judges, true love and friendship.
Alita Battle Angel inspires to contemplate if it’s possible that we – the humanity – mutate to machines. Moreover, it raises the question, if machines aren’t only smarter, but able to create more true emotions than the humans themselves.
Thus, all science fiction and action enthusiasts will love Alita Battle Angel. However, those who don’t like 3D-spectacles should open their minds to give Alita a chance. By doing so, you will experience a very profound, lovely and perfectly produced film, with – of course – a futuristic imagery and story, and also with an important and timeless message too.
Pictures © 20th Century Fox
