Set in the late 21st century, Earth is in crisis and the future of mankind is at risk. Hope lies in a geneticist's discovery of a "Neo-Cell" which can rejuvenate the human body, but it is used by an evil corporation to create a race of mutants bent on the annihilation of humanity.

A powerful warrior, Casshern, emerges in the battle against this new menace. Only he can save the human race as it fights an ultimate war againsts its own exinction.




Written and directed by Kazuaki Kiriya, Casshern, based upon the the 1973 Japanese animé of the same name, takes place in the future, in a polluted post-apocalyptic society called Eurasia after a war against Europe, the planet is devastated by the effect of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. The geneticist Dr. Azuma (Akira Terao) develops a technique called "neo-cell", capable of regenerating the body of human beings, sponsored by an evil corporation. His son Tetsuya Azuma (Yusuke Iseya) dies in the war, but after an accident in the laboratory of Dr. Azuma, Tetsuya revives as the powerful warrior Casshern, while a new breed of mutants called "neo-humans" is generated in the plant. The neo-humans decide to annihilate the humans and raise a new world.

This is a film that was majorly overlooked by American audiences-- as most foreign films are. Littered with countless satires on the current state of our world and the people inhabiting it, Casshern is a dark, depressing tale, spliced with over the top action, in Japanese tradition. While, the 300-like visuals, at times, become an annoyance, they fit perfectly with the tone and the world. The CGI is mainly outdated with today's, but it holds up fairly well.
Foreign countries, unlike the United States, are masters at developing well thought out, flawed characters that are relatable, forcing the viewer to become emotionally attached and care about said characters. Casshern is no exception. Throughout the course of the film, I was confused as to just who was the villain of the story. As I reached the climax, I realized that while the actions of certain characters may not be for the better, they have a believable reasoning behind why the characters would carry out these actions.

My only complaint with the film is that it didn't seem to sure of itself what it wanted to accomplish with itself. Did it want to be a gateway to open the minds of the viewers to the darkness and filth of humanity? Did it want to be an over-the-top Sci Fi, action film? Or both? If both, I think the director failed in some ways. I do believe action can be mixed with satires and emotions, science fiction especially, but the action was so over-the-top that it contradicted itself repeatedly.
Overall, Casshern is yet another gem from over seas with a unique artistic approach, thought provoking characters, and an overall intriguing storyline.