Metropia (2010)

Absolutely the worst movie.

It's complicated... I really like the directing, acting and writing but, there are issues with the way it's shot that I just can't deny. As much as I love the storytelling and the fantastic performance but, there are also certain scenes that didn't need to exist.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

A very unique Scandinavian-English language film from the technical aspect. The only one kind in the whole world which is actually an experimental product from the new productions. It was made primarily using photoshop, and then adobe after effects for animation. If you're wondering what kind it is, actually a 2.5D animation, that means it is neither 2D or 3D, but between those two. Like tricking the 2D object as the 3D material.Well they have succeeded to bring a visually impressive animation that mainly focused on the film character faces. The story was decent which is another dystopian concept where metro trains are the main content, hence it is called 'Metropia'. But the title also means 'visual refraction', that's what the story is slightly related too.Anyway, it was very suspenseful till the final and mostly talking drama than physical action sequences. At some point I felt it was like the recent stop-motion animation 'Anomalisa', but realised that I predicted wrong and the story travelled in a different path to end decently. Though the overall film was very impressive from both technical and narrative wise. One must not miss it, just for a its rare kind, especially you like animations, but best suitable for adults.7/10

Tarik Saleh's Metropia is for me the most striking animated film of the decade. It's crafted with a process called photo montage, in which the likenesses of the actors, or vague traces of them, are mapped into stunningly rendered images of eye boggling depth and clarity. The color palette and tone is groggy, grey and bleak, but because of the dazzling animation, such bleary proceedings seem gorgeous, a feast for the eyes and minds of anyone who loves innovative technology. The story itself isn't particularity groundbreaking, although well executed and with moments of singular brilliance. Because of the unique visuals on display though, we coast along on that high, and the story rises to meet it. Oddball cult favourite Vincent Gallo plays Roger, a timid office drone in a drab futuristic Europe, connected by an intricate underground metro system. He begins to hear voices, which are nefarious in nature, and lead him on a search that brings him to a multinational corporation involved in mind and body control for the sake of product sales, run by tyrant tycoon Ivan Bahn (Udo Kier, having a ball). He's pursued by the companies security force, headed up by Ralph (Stellan Skarsgard) and meets the voice itself, a drone just like him played by Alexander Skarsgard. He is aided by the mysterious Nina ( Juliette Lewis) in his search for the truth and a way out of the confusing conspiracy plaguing him. It's a paced, methodical movie, instead of loud diversions or cheap thrills, like a lot of animated gunk these days. It uses its skills sparingly to advance plot, making the magic in its animation all the more impactful when we do get to see it. It's also really funny in parts. It owes it's story to Orwellian efforts like 1984, as well as Terry Gilliam's Brazil, but makes an effort to break new ground of its own. A treat, if you're able to find it anywhere.

The film uses an animation technique not unlike a photographic quality South Park. That technique is visually interesting but eventually cripples the narrative because no one can move very fast or even effectively turn their heads. Everyone seems to be wearing a neck brace. And in the few "action" sequences, characters only shuffle a little more quickly than usual, like crabs rushing from the next wave.The dialog is particularly frustrating. The characters in this movie are determined not to convey any information with words. You might as well watch without the sound because no one is able to construct a complete sentence. The protagonist in particular stumbles over his words in a way that just gets tedious after a while.There are really no significant science fiction ideas either. The film ends where it began. It's a shame too because the performances are fine, and obviously a lot of work went into the animation. But there was nothing here for me. And since I put in my 2 hours, I'm compelled to tell others that it was wasted in my opinion.

can't quite understand the negative reviews on this movie. yes, the animation isn't 'high tone' but the story line will keep you glued to the movie.the other more positive reviewers have finely analyzed and explained this short movie so i will not repeat their efforts. but i do suggest to give this most unusual film a look.there are some weak spots in the story but as a whole it all works! it's different in look and atmosphere and isn't that what movie buffs seek out.please don't approach this little gem of a movie expecting a wow wee in special effects. that's not what it's about. i believe the director is making a subtle comment on our times.