In
an attempt to colonize Mars, 21st century scientists seed the planet
with algae to absorb sun light and purify the atmosphere. They also
dump cockroaches on the planet which - theoretically - will spread the
algae as they feed. Five hundred years later, the first manned rocket
is sent on a discovery mission to Mars but, as soon as they land, all
contact with Earth is lost. A second ship is immediately sent to investigate
but the crew finds unimaginable danger
when they discover how the cockroaches have evolved.
Based
on the long-running manga by Yu Sasua and Kenichi Tachibana [which was
also the source material for the mega-popular Japanese animated TV series],
this is the 102nd project for workhorse director Takashi Miike. After
his insane SciFi fantasy AS
THE GODS WILL, he was the obvious choice to helm this blockbuster.
The film features beautiful color schemes, especially on the Mars landscape,
which contrasts jarringly with the garish neon of Earth. In an attempt
to create a true living manga, Miike also combines flesh-n-blood with
obvious CGI to purposely create a rudimentary alternate universe.
A Japanese film;
widescreen format (16:9), Japanese language with English subtitles,
uncut (110 minutes), DVD encoded for ALL REGION NTSC WORLD FORMAT. Extras
include theatrical trailer.
