Moving on from the terrible experience that was had while seeing this movie, there is still plenty to say about it. Let’s get right into it.
Promare is co-produced by XFLAG and Studio Trigger, serving as the former’s latest release and first full-length feature film. Trigger co-founder, Hiroyuki Imaishi (Kill la Kill) returns as the director to team up with Kazuki Nakashima (Gurren Lagen) once again to bring an action-packed, vibrantly colored, enjoyable experience.
Hiroyuki Sawano (Seven Deadly Sins, Attack on Titan) is the film’s music composer. Benjamin Anderson and mpi (Suck your blood, Kill la Kill) return once again alongside Laco and other long-time Sawano collaborator, Gemie, on six vocal tracks. From the uplifting main theme — Inferno, to the haunting ballad — ASHES, and the energy-packed synth battle number — NEXUS, each track is an absolute treat. Non-vocal tracks are a quintessential blend across the board of rock, rap, and electronic elements that breathe life into every scene.
The story takes place in a not-so-distant future where select people have been gifted with the ability to create and control fire. However, as the years tick by, the public becomes increasingly hostile towards these gifted individuals, due to increasing threats of crime and tantrum-induced disasters, some even causing colossal damage and endangering public safety worldwide. These safety hazards are dubbed “the Burnish.” Enter the members of Burning Rescue: a task force assigned with fire control and detaining out-of-control Burnish. At first, this seems acceptable to the public, even as innocent Burnish civilians are being identified and arrested, despite having their powers under control. Galo Thymos, a new member of Burning Rescue, questions this and seeks answers. After a run-in with a particularly dangerous Burnish fugitive, Lio Fotia, the truth of their detainment comes to light and the world is threatened.
Promare’s side characters are, for the most part, just that. While the movie opens with the entire Burning Rescue team, everyone slowly fades away until otherwise needed to help Galo push forward, or for comedic downtime. While they all get their moments in the spotlight, it’s clear the story is about Glao and Lio. It’s understandable, with about two hours to tell the story. Still, there is enough screentime that you want to learn more about Galo’s team members and Lio’s sidekicks.
The animation is stunning. Both 2D and 3D styles are used throughout, and with the exception of one or two scenes, no renderings feel out of place. The 2D art style blends well with the 3D renders, moving in the same smooth fluid motion. 3D objects often act as though they were hand-drawn alongside everything else. The majority of the film uses a bright neon color palettes and minimal line work. Character designs are unique and diverse, although Galo — a fireman — is shirtless most of the time.
All in all, Promare is a breathtaking production with an interesting plot, compelling characters, and catchy music sure to please dedicated fans of Studio Trigger, or anyone just looking for good entertainment. While it is about to finish theatrical runs here in Japan, GKIDS has since licensed the film for a US release set to premiere on September 17th and 19th, followed by releases in select theaters on September 20th. The English dub is being handled by NYAV Post (Berserk, FLCL, Mobile Suit Gundam).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f_CnQRMRHc
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