MovieChat Forums > Metoroporisu (2002) Discussion > One of the best climaxes in film history...

One of the best climaxes in film history? - SPOILERS

posted 8 years ago by TwiZone
4 replies | jump to latest

I know this is saying a lot, especially for an animated film, but the climax to Metropolis is honestly one of the best I've ever seen. The visuals, the animation, the brilliant use of soundtrack dissonance by incorporating Ray Charles "I Can't Stop Loving You" together with the destruction and explosion of the ziggurat, the lyrics perfectly matching Kenichi's feelings and actions for Tima at that moment and the non-cliched approach of having Tima fall to her death as she was too late to grab Kenichi's hand, all of this just screams genius. It floors me every time I watch it.

I love Rintaro's approach to this climax and how much I believe he hearkened back to the ending of Stanley Kubrick's "Dr. Strangelove." Honestly, I think Rintaro managed to out-do Kubrick here, which is saying a lot I know, even though the ending to Dr. Strangelove is still memorable and brilliant.

This is one of the reasons I love Japanese animators. Their willingness to go all-out and reach for brilliant film-making, without having to resort to the traditional, cliched and expected approach that American animators would have given to this film, where the music is dramatic and Kenichi saves the day by rescuing Tima and they live happily ever after. You just wouldn't get the actual climax in a Disney or Pixar film.

Here's the video just in case you need a reminder:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UNj-VK43iQ

Anyone else feel the same way?

[–] TutuAnimationPrincess 8 years ago

Yes, without a doubt. I have come to be convinced this is the most underrated animated film and it's a shame. There is more intrigue, artistry, depth, and overall amazing execution in this film than so many others that are called "masterpieces". I could go in deeper but you and that user who posted the "criminally underrated" topic have done more than enough.

"Unless you're an alien, time traveler, or esper, your opinion doesn't matter."

[–] PreachCaleb 8 years ago

I wouldn't call it underrated, but I would definitely call it over looked.

Let's be bad guys.

[–] TutuAnimationPrincess 8 years ago

Normally I would do the same, but even among those who have seen this movie, it seems to get as much negative attention as positive. I get it, but I still feel the film is misunderstood and underrated.

"Unless you're an alien, time traveler, or esper, your opinion doesn't matter."

[–] PreachCaleb 8 years ago

Really? How interesting. Everybody I've ever watched it with loved it.

And especially the climax. It's haunting and beautiful. It does seem to be a forgotten gem of anime.

Let's be bad guys.