As a longtime fan of Gunnm(Battle Angel Alita), I am satisfied. I appreciate the production team took their time to do the research of the original serials. The adaptation is great, they filtered out few "acquire taste" and swapped in elements that would make much more appeal to general public. The film really kept true to the original manga and reassembled almost everything from the manga the scenes, mechanical bodies, characters and the world they lived in. They did a great job on capturing Alita's slightly naïve stubbornness, the "all in or all out" euthanasic, and the pursuit of who she is.
Storywise, the film ingeniously weaved the first 11 books of manga together, brought up few events that was happening in the 2nd chapter of Alita's adventure to the 1st movie. Which is nice since I bet they're already thinking of the next Alita movie. But as few of Cameron's work, the dark side and the ugliness of irontown wasn't rendered enough. The lack of depth on the ugliness made the whole plot a bit light, the emotional conflict wasn't intense enough and the romance plotline which is very important in the 1st chapter a little bit lack of depth.
The overall CG is stunning. Other than the wanted flyer and the parasite's face the rest of CG is absolute marvelous.
All in all, definite a great Gunnm movie, will definite watch it again and again till the sequel is out!!!
2,665 Reviews
fascinating
Kirpianuscus3 December 2019
It remains, for me, a mystery the source of seduction of this film. Sure, the story, the fights, the determination and vulnerability of the lead character. But it is more. Something becoming, scene by scene, the answer to deep expectations of the viewer. The story is simple and many pieces of it are so familiar. But it remains, from the beginning to the last scene, just fascinating. No explanations. Only a great and solid show.
Astonishing
The-honest-critic13 February 2019
I'll be honest, when I went into to cinema to watch this movie I was expecting to not like it. I had seen a little bit of the trailer and it did not really "speak" to me and Alita's eyes were off putting. When the movie had begun I was actually searching for things to dislike but surprisingly there were none apart from a few cringeworthy moments. I quickly got used to Alita's eyes and they became in fact likeable. The story began to draw me in and I got completely absorbed into the story and the visuals.
The world is extraordinary and beautiful and the action scenes in this movie are fantastic, quite honestly some of the best I have seen. The story is a bit fast paced but not to a degree that it feels rushed. Alita as a character is great, she is kind-hearted, innocent, naive and protective. Throughout the movie Alita grows as a person and learns about sacrifice, loss, love and the horrors of the human mind. Alita is very likeable because she is such a good person in such a horrible world and you can't help feeling very sympathetic for an innocent being like her as she is exposed to the cruel world of Iron City.
I watched this movie without knowing the source material and I loved it. I was drawn in very early on and had to watch it a second time. I can definitely recommend this movie to anyone.
The world is extraordinary and beautiful and the action scenes in this movie are fantastic, quite honestly some of the best I have seen. The story is a bit fast paced but not to a degree that it feels rushed. Alita as a character is great, she is kind-hearted, innocent, naive and protective. Throughout the movie Alita grows as a person and learns about sacrifice, loss, love and the horrors of the human mind. Alita is very likeable because she is such a good person in such a horrible world and you can't help feeling very sympathetic for an innocent being like her as she is exposed to the cruel world of Iron City.
I watched this movie without knowing the source material and I loved it. I was drawn in very early on and had to watch it a second time. I can definitely recommend this movie to anyone.
Stunning and touching movie with trivial flaws
h-930747 March 2019
In general, I really like this movie. I even consider it as one of the few movies that actually touched my heart.
Many think the plot is bad, which I don't think is very accurate. I am currently reading the manga. The story is GREAT! Only they didn't take full advantage of this great story to build the characters, except Alita herself. The ultimate goal of story telling is building characters. And this movie brilliantly shaped Alita, and Alita only. Other supporting characters seem to have fewer background stories, which makes them less vivid. Like Grewishka (aka Makaku in the original manga), Hugo and his brother, they all have very intriguing life stories, but the movie did not tell us. Also, there are many other fascinating characters in the manga did not even appear in the movie, such as Jasugun the motorball champion, Alita's motorball team manager Ed and many others.
Also, the plot is jumping around a lot. If you read the manga, you'll notice the exact same style. But I still think they could've done better in the transition between scenes. After all this is a movie, not comics.
Besides this, I think "Alita: Battle Angel" is perfect. The CGI face is absolutely the peak of our tech. And the emotion brought by this tiny body was so exploding and touching. I, as a man, was moved by this empowered female character. She showed us how to find our true selves and how to stay pristine in the ugly world.
And to James, Robert, Rosa and everyone who were a part of this project, GREAT JOB GUYS!! PLEASE MAKE A SEQUEL ASAP!!
Many think the plot is bad, which I don't think is very accurate. I am currently reading the manga. The story is GREAT! Only they didn't take full advantage of this great story to build the characters, except Alita herself. The ultimate goal of story telling is building characters. And this movie brilliantly shaped Alita, and Alita only. Other supporting characters seem to have fewer background stories, which makes them less vivid. Like Grewishka (aka Makaku in the original manga), Hugo and his brother, they all have very intriguing life stories, but the movie did not tell us. Also, there are many other fascinating characters in the manga did not even appear in the movie, such as Jasugun the motorball champion, Alita's motorball team manager Ed and many others.
Also, the plot is jumping around a lot. If you read the manga, you'll notice the exact same style. But I still think they could've done better in the transition between scenes. After all this is a movie, not comics.
Besides this, I think "Alita: Battle Angel" is perfect. The CGI face is absolutely the peak of our tech. And the emotion brought by this tiny body was so exploding and touching. I, as a man, was moved by this empowered female character. She showed us how to find our true selves and how to stay pristine in the ugly world.
And to James, Robert, Rosa and everyone who were a part of this project, GREAT JOB GUYS!! PLEASE MAKE A SEQUEL ASAP!!
Entertaining from start to finish
na_icecream5 February 2019
I really love this movie. The storyline is really great. Exciting from start to finish. The graphics are really cool. Its like I didn't wanna blink at all.
The plot is not mind-numbing as critics say. Well it seems like I have to stop listening to them. Because this film is worth watching by everyone.
Thank you for all people behind this movie. I'm sure this movie wasn't easy to make.
Now I really hope I don't have to wait too long for the sequel...
Flawed but visually stunning
dynamiteheaddy-4338711 February 2019
You can't help but admire the world they have created with remarkable CGI and special effects as-well as having some amazing action scenes. Its not without its problems though as they tried to cram far too much into the movie making it feel bloated. There are also pacing issues and a lack of emotional connection but it's still worth watching and preferably on the biggest screen you can find.
Please let the franchise continue
bowmanblue4 March 2019
Yes, every film these days isn't just a film. It's the beginning of a larger body of work, a shared universe, or trying to set up an ongoing franchise. And, besides the Marvel Shared Universe and a few pre-existing properties like 'Star Wars,' most fledgling film franchises struggles beyond the first offering. That's simply because they make setting up a wider universe more of a priority than actually simply telling a good story (that 'Dark Universe' saga that tried to get off the ground with Tom Cruise at the helm, anyone?).
Now, I'm not going to say that the producers of 'Alita: Battle Angel' wouldn't love the franchise to still be going in ten years time (complete with all sorts of spin-off tales of secondary characters and probably a TV series to boot), but at least it stands on its own as a great story and - if it doesn't get a sequel - can be looked at as a whole, rather than something that started and was never concluded.
It's set well into the future where the world has been ravaged by one giant war (aka 'The Fall') and half the (unlucky) population live in a junkyard of a city on Earth, while those better off live in a floating city above it, known as 'Zolum.' The status quo remains until a Dr Dyson Ido (Christoph Waltz) who specialises in creating cyborgs out of spare parts finds the remains of a young cyborg girl ('Alita,' in case you haven't guessed!) on the scrap heap and takes it upon himself to rebuild her. Of course the plot needs her to have forgotten who true identity and - naturally - this all links in with what will become her destiny to bring a little more equality between the two last cities on Earth and the mysterious ruler who 'watches all.'
So, it's kind of one of those 'prophecy/saviour' type films which certainly aren't that original, but, if done right, are very entertaining - and Alita is very entertaining. First of all Rosa Salazar is a very likable lead and, despite not having too many major roles to her credit, does brilliantly at holding the weight of the story on her shoulders. She's also got on hand Christoph Waltz, who always turns in a great performance in whatever he's in. This is no different and their relationship is the character-highpoint of the film.
Alita's love interest is 'Hugo' (Keean Johnson) and, although I couldn't really find fault with anything about his performance, I got the impression that his part could have been played by anyone. Jennifer Connelly is on the cast-list, but I felt she was a little underused and could have been in it a lot more. And, despite being a big fan, I only found out that Jackie Earle Haley was in the film after seeing his name on the credits and having to look up who he played online afterwards
It's all stylishly directed by Robert Rodriguez, despite having James Cameron as co-producer and writer, the directoral honours seemed to have gone to Rodriguez. His natural style of fast-paced shots work better for the action and amount of CGI used. I know Cameron did - practically - an entire film ('Avatar') in CGI, but in Alita (and this could just be because a more modern film can blend live action and computer effects together) better, the effects look for more polished and real when compared to 'Avatar.' The soundtrack is also pretty generic and you certainly won't be humming the theme tune for months to come after leaving the cinema.
But, that's just a minor gripe. Basically, if you're in the mood for some great action and don't mind the lengthy two-hour run-time, you should definitely check this one out. After only a couple of scenes you'll stop wondering why Alita's eyes are so (CGI) big and concentrate on her growth as a character (and, is it just me, or is she using 'Sting' i.e. the sword from 'Lord of the Rings' to save the world?).
I see that it's only got a big of a lukewarm reception from some critics, but, if you see what the fans are saying about it, I think you'll know who to believe. Bring on the next installment.
Now, I'm not going to say that the producers of 'Alita: Battle Angel' wouldn't love the franchise to still be going in ten years time (complete with all sorts of spin-off tales of secondary characters and probably a TV series to boot), but at least it stands on its own as a great story and - if it doesn't get a sequel - can be looked at as a whole, rather than something that started and was never concluded.
It's set well into the future where the world has been ravaged by one giant war (aka 'The Fall') and half the (unlucky) population live in a junkyard of a city on Earth, while those better off live in a floating city above it, known as 'Zolum.' The status quo remains until a Dr Dyson Ido (Christoph Waltz) who specialises in creating cyborgs out of spare parts finds the remains of a young cyborg girl ('Alita,' in case you haven't guessed!) on the scrap heap and takes it upon himself to rebuild her. Of course the plot needs her to have forgotten who true identity and - naturally - this all links in with what will become her destiny to bring a little more equality between the two last cities on Earth and the mysterious ruler who 'watches all.'
So, it's kind of one of those 'prophecy/saviour' type films which certainly aren't that original, but, if done right, are very entertaining - and Alita is very entertaining. First of all Rosa Salazar is a very likable lead and, despite not having too many major roles to her credit, does brilliantly at holding the weight of the story on her shoulders. She's also got on hand Christoph Waltz, who always turns in a great performance in whatever he's in. This is no different and their relationship is the character-highpoint of the film.
Alita's love interest is 'Hugo' (Keean Johnson) and, although I couldn't really find fault with anything about his performance, I got the impression that his part could have been played by anyone. Jennifer Connelly is on the cast-list, but I felt she was a little underused and could have been in it a lot more. And, despite being a big fan, I only found out that Jackie Earle Haley was in the film after seeing his name on the credits and having to look up who he played online afterwards
It's all stylishly directed by Robert Rodriguez, despite having James Cameron as co-producer and writer, the directoral honours seemed to have gone to Rodriguez. His natural style of fast-paced shots work better for the action and amount of CGI used. I know Cameron did - practically - an entire film ('Avatar') in CGI, but in Alita (and this could just be because a more modern film can blend live action and computer effects together) better, the effects look for more polished and real when compared to 'Avatar.' The soundtrack is also pretty generic and you certainly won't be humming the theme tune for months to come after leaving the cinema.
But, that's just a minor gripe. Basically, if you're in the mood for some great action and don't mind the lengthy two-hour run-time, you should definitely check this one out. After only a couple of scenes you'll stop wondering why Alita's eyes are so (CGI) big and concentrate on her growth as a character (and, is it just me, or is she using 'Sting' i.e. the sword from 'Lord of the Rings' to save the world?).
I see that it's only got a big of a lukewarm reception from some critics, but, if you see what the fans are saying about it, I think you'll know who to believe. Bring on the next installment.
As Alita battles in the futuristic world, she ought to hit the right angles in finding a spot to meet people's expectations.
iamianiman5 February 2019
Once in a while, there comes a time when a movie is constantly talked about due to its huge CGI element. Like Ready Player One, Alita: Battle Angel shares the same genes as those movies. It's already coming to an end of a decade, the beginning of the spectrum successfully wowed people merely with dazzling images and outstanding camera tricks but as viewers see this over and over again, they are numb by that so-called 'WOW' aspect. Hollywood may not acquire the thinking, but viewers want something more than 'just' CGI. Can and will Alita: Battle Angel surpass audience and critics' expectations?
The dystopian city is engaging to see as it manages to explore for the first 30 mins of the film, with groundbreaking motorball sport, new gladiatorial arena, visually striking neon-coloured lights and inventive vehicles.
Alita undoubtedly keeps the movie going by concentrating on the character development to drive the plot forward. Of course, it is imperative to possess the former however, it gets too dependent that the audience feels as if the movie is void of storytelling because of the meticulous details of the robotic-machinery cyborg's life.
Alita: Battle Angel truly deserves an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects. The attention to visual details on Alita's figures is precisely well done as it blends the real-life human feat. CGI vessels into a character played by Maze Runner and Bird Box's actress, Rosa Salazar. What's spectacular is the audience will feel the humanity side of Alita as she makes careful nuances of expressions on her robotic face.
It does not deliver an action-packed showcase but every time Alita knocks down on enemies, she punches just the right angles to amaze you with her slick choreographed attack movements that neither bores or disappoints viewers.
Leaving the viewers bewildered, Alita: Battle Angel puts away the spotlight for introducing the focal point of an antagonist, instead we are provided by a foggy gallery of villians with each of them serves different agendas that lead back to square one, Alita.
Humorless script as it is, Alita stays away from the typical sideline jokes but one will wonder hilarious things that may be bared as plot holes unless are answered such as, 'Will Alita get pregnant after an intimate relationship?', 'How does she have intercourse?' and etc.
Most of the roles here are wasted due to the tremendous amount of time is sacrificed for Alita's story. Mahershala Ali's fails to show off his true villain, Lana Condor's only on the screen for a line of dialogues, Jennifer Connelly's chemistry with Alita and Ido is unbearable and Baby Driver hot girl, Eiza Gonzalez's character... erk... just shoot me already.
A few scenes fail to impress the viewers, as the contents may be lame or tedious albeit they move the story forward.
Verdict: Alita certainly captures the eyes of every beholder in theaters by the stunning and mesmerizing visual experience but the crew's lackadaisical attitude may drain down the greasy malfunctioning plot and it surely targets to produce half a dozen sequel after this beforehand predecessor or the least, a set of 'bermuda trilogy'.
The dystopian city is engaging to see as it manages to explore for the first 30 mins of the film, with groundbreaking motorball sport, new gladiatorial arena, visually striking neon-coloured lights and inventive vehicles.
Alita undoubtedly keeps the movie going by concentrating on the character development to drive the plot forward. Of course, it is imperative to possess the former however, it gets too dependent that the audience feels as if the movie is void of storytelling because of the meticulous details of the robotic-machinery cyborg's life.
Alita: Battle Angel truly deserves an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects. The attention to visual details on Alita's figures is precisely well done as it blends the real-life human feat. CGI vessels into a character played by Maze Runner and Bird Box's actress, Rosa Salazar. What's spectacular is the audience will feel the humanity side of Alita as she makes careful nuances of expressions on her robotic face.
It does not deliver an action-packed showcase but every time Alita knocks down on enemies, she punches just the right angles to amaze you with her slick choreographed attack movements that neither bores or disappoints viewers.
Leaving the viewers bewildered, Alita: Battle Angel puts away the spotlight for introducing the focal point of an antagonist, instead we are provided by a foggy gallery of villians with each of them serves different agendas that lead back to square one, Alita.
Humorless script as it is, Alita stays away from the typical sideline jokes but one will wonder hilarious things that may be bared as plot holes unless are answered such as, 'Will Alita get pregnant after an intimate relationship?', 'How does she have intercourse?' and etc.
Most of the roles here are wasted due to the tremendous amount of time is sacrificed for Alita's story. Mahershala Ali's fails to show off his true villain, Lana Condor's only on the screen for a line of dialogues, Jennifer Connelly's chemistry with Alita and Ido is unbearable and Baby Driver hot girl, Eiza Gonzalez's character... erk... just shoot me already.
A few scenes fail to impress the viewers, as the contents may be lame or tedious albeit they move the story forward.
Verdict: Alita certainly captures the eyes of every beholder in theaters by the stunning and mesmerizing visual experience but the crew's lackadaisical attitude may drain down the greasy malfunctioning plot and it surely targets to produce half a dozen sequel after this beforehand predecessor or the least, a set of 'bermuda trilogy'.
Alita is beautiful, stunning and an incrediable film
gerry_barnaby6 February 2019
Alita Battle Angel is what happens when Hollywood finally get an Anime film right, ive gotta say James Cameron and Robert Rodriguez should work more together because this film is incredible.
This film had heart and soul poured into its story and you could tell that 1000 of hours of work have gone into making this film. They've pulled one of the best films this year with incredible visual effects and CGI work that give this film a beautiful setting and background.
The visual effect of Alita (voiced by Rosa Salazar) we're incredibly done giving detail in her eyes which made her character on screen look more like an actual human actress. Her character and acting is what made this film, they give her a human soul and a purpose with the writing which is so well done, it gives the audience an emotional journey of a young woman trying to discover who she is.
The love interest side of the film is so done right it doesn't feel forced as well which along with its action sequences as well as it supporting cast was nothing short of perfect. The story does a great job of not revealing too much to earlier as slowly building up characters so you understand the story and draws you into every moment, this is matched by the awesome fight scenes and great formidable villains of the film adding to incredible film.
This is one of those films that deserves a sequel and to be a successful film as of what they've realised here is one of the best live action anime films, with a damn near perfect if it was for slight pacing issue that doesn't really affect the film but is noticeable.
Does it live up to the hype? HELL YES this film live up to the hype this is a must to watch on teh big screen hopefully were see a sequel come from it because it so needs it.
Dislikes: The only flaw I spotted as ive said there was a slight issue with pacing, not that it affects the film in any way but was noticeable.
This film had heart and soul poured into its story and you could tell that 1000 of hours of work have gone into making this film. They've pulled one of the best films this year with incredible visual effects and CGI work that give this film a beautiful setting and background.
The visual effect of Alita (voiced by Rosa Salazar) we're incredibly done giving detail in her eyes which made her character on screen look more like an actual human actress. Her character and acting is what made this film, they give her a human soul and a purpose with the writing which is so well done, it gives the audience an emotional journey of a young woman trying to discover who she is.
The love interest side of the film is so done right it doesn't feel forced as well which along with its action sequences as well as it supporting cast was nothing short of perfect. The story does a great job of not revealing too much to earlier as slowly building up characters so you understand the story and draws you into every moment, this is matched by the awesome fight scenes and great formidable villains of the film adding to incredible film.
This is one of those films that deserves a sequel and to be a successful film as of what they've realised here is one of the best live action anime films, with a damn near perfect if it was for slight pacing issue that doesn't really affect the film but is noticeable.
Does it live up to the hype? HELL YES this film live up to the hype this is a must to watch on teh big screen hopefully were see a sequel come from it because it so needs it.
Dislikes: The only flaw I spotted as ive said there was a slight issue with pacing, not that it affects the film in any way but was noticeable.
astonishment and surprise
FrenchEddieFelson25 February 2019
The epitome of everything that I think is wrong with modern Hollywood
Stenun9 February 2019
What starts as "Robocop with a teen girl" turns into "Rollerball" and ends as "Elysium". There isn't anything original with the plot here and the characters are all bland and two dimensional and none of them stand out from any other generic interpretation of the same tropes that we've seen in countless previous blockbusters.
For years, Hollywood blockbusters have been ramping up the special effects and the visuals and sidelining storytelling and characters. And finally we reach the epitome of that style of film making.
No amount of visual pizazz can compensate for bland characters and bland story.
Alita
0U12 February 2020
I loved this movie! Alita: Battle Angel is my type of movie. I love the science fiction and the great action throughout the entire movie. It also has a very substantive story as a solid foundation. The setting is very grim but Alita's character is uplifting and gives viewers hope. I liked how Alita's story also involves a quest of finding out who she truly is. She finds herself in a world where she can be seen as somewhat ordinary. But she comes to find out that she's far from ordinary. She's an angel from heaven. I really enjoyed this movie and the story itself can be explained further in other films. I hope there's a sequel as the ending laid the framework for more films. This movie is emotional, action filled, and has intense action sequences. The creators of this film did a nice job of spacing out the action. They didn't rush into it and every battle scene was meaningful. I would definitely recommend this movie.
Don't analyze the script, just enjoy it for what it is: an action movie with a very likeable heroine and great VFX
mmccauley-523095 February 2019
I'm a 47 year old man who went to film school. I loved this movie. There's no point in trying to dissect what Alita: Battle Angel got right or wrong in terms of script or pacing or character development or whatever else film snobs like to blather on about. This is just a fun, action-packed first installment of what I hope will at least be a trilogy, if not more. And they couldn't have cast Alita more perfectly, even if her on-screen form is completely digital. Great movie. Tons of fun. Don't overthink it.
Lovable
Boykinkoot15 March 2019
You can't help but fall in love with Alita. Not just because of her big eyes, she is so full of wide eyed wonder, it's truly endearing. Absolutely adorable. Like the boy says about her, she may be cgi, but she is the most human feeling in the entire movie. With that said, the same boy either had bad acting or bad lines, or both. I expected a much different story from the title "Battle Angel". By that I mean I did not expect the roller derby subplot, or the get to the prestigious sky city climax. I guess I was expecting a war story. I came into this movie unfamiliar with the anime so I really didn't know what to expect. I was told to see Alita instead of captain marvel because it's a much better character and story, and I must agree. I saw both. There wasn't much of a climax so it slightly fizzled at the end but it really left it open for sequels which is what they were obviously going for. I hate to say this, because I'm against the transhumanist cyborg agenda being pushed on society (take notice all the robot commercials in the last super bowl) but I fell in love with Alita, and you will too.
Anime has finally come on board!
jameswwfilm5 February 2019
I've always loved Anime, and it's always been frustrating watching Hollywood movies destroy it (Ghost in the shell). Alita however did an amazing job in fusing Hollywood and Anime. I believe it was a great story adaptation by James Cameron, breathtaking action scenes and directing by Rodriguez, and great casting. I saw this in 4DX 3D in Seoul and It was a roller coaster ride. I was afraid the movie might put me to sleep, but it kept me engaged and watching from beginning to end. I think the most important element for movies should be the ability to engage the audience and never let them go until the very end. This movie delivers. And also I am very proud of Director Rodriguez for taking on this enormous task. He put a lot on the line to make this film.
An interesting thing I found was for some reason I felt there were elements of John Carpenter here.
Overall one of the best 3D films made so far. I believe the bar has been pushed higher for all filmmakers. A must watch in 3D exerpience!
Fantastic achievement
humbertodfpacheco19 February 2019
Alita battle angel is pretty amazing, visually, the movie is a marvel to watch, the special effects are some of the best ever, the set design, art direction is all on par, to make this world fill alive, and it does.
The acting is pretty amazing by Rosa Salazar part, giving alita a really great personality, Christopher waltz, mahershalla Ali, and Jennifer Connolly are pretty good in the fim also, just the actor whom played Hugo, didn't convince me enough
The script is really good and tight, giving everyone a good backstory, and reasons for their actions, sometimes the exposition is kind of heavy, but it makes us understand the races and classes present in this alternate universe.
I was exited for this film, but spectical at the same time, but I did not left disappointed. It did not surpassed my expectations, but it was an amazing time at the cinema.
Great movie experience in the theatre
idzwanismail5 February 2019
Marvelous effect with some great actions make this movie not to be missed seeing it in the big screen. But the thing I love the most is Alita herself. There were a few times I had a smile on myself watching Alita as she was so loveable and badass.
Really really hope it will goes beyond just this one movie as the world building in Alita was so fascinating and of course, need to see more Alita.
Sci-fi romance done right and the best manga adaptation ever made
jqw-0373621 February 2019
This was not what we needed, this was what we deserved from an anime/manga adaptation. I'm gonna be honest with y'all, I love reading manga and watching anime but I've never in my life seen a good adaptation of those things. Sure the Bleach one wasn't as bad as Death Note and all the attack on titan and what not, but I still didn't enjoy it. I haven't enjoyed any of them.
That was until I saw Alita: Battle Angel this weekend. I haven't read the manga "Battle angel Alita" or seen the anime adaptation "Gunnm". But I know enough to know where the film should go to be considered a good movie. It starts of really well but then kinda drops the pacing a bit until it gets really good. So the beginning is really well made but the pacing can feel a little bit out of place sometimes, especially after the start of the film. I wanted to know a little bit more about Alita and her origins. Other than that I think the film really kicks you in and you can just enjoy the whole film without worries.
It has great characters, especially the main characters being: Alita and Hugo. They are such well written characters with great origins and story's to tell, though I would've wanted a little more backstory for them both. They also have a really great villain, which I do not want to spoil cause he's so mysterious and just screams villain. The other bad guys also feel really thought out and it's clear what they want to do, which is really re-freshing, cause I think that can be a really stupid problem in modern movies.
The plot itself is really easy to understand and I think this movie really tells what it wants to in a really good way. The surroundings feel so old but at the same time so new and modern. They have this really cool sport called motor ball which can both feel very cool cause it really says a lot about the characters when they're playing it but It can also feel like they're trying to do this really big, modern sport but not quite mastering it.
And as I said before, I haven't watched or read any of the manga or anime adaptations of this story but I can tell you that this works really good as a stand alone movie but also as a love letter to all of the many fans out there that have been dying for this movie to finally come out. It's really worth the hype!
Final verdict:
Though the story was a little too fast sometimes and I wish I could know the characters a little bit more then we already knew I think this movie was really well written and I would love to see a sequel after the avatar sequel. It's easy to say that this is true to the source material and I do highly recommend it to all types of movie fans. Whether you've read the manga or not this is a truly fantastic and beautiful movie and I will now watch the anime and read the manga until the sequel comes out.
That was until I saw Alita: Battle Angel this weekend. I haven't read the manga "Battle angel Alita" or seen the anime adaptation "Gunnm". But I know enough to know where the film should go to be considered a good movie. It starts of really well but then kinda drops the pacing a bit until it gets really good. So the beginning is really well made but the pacing can feel a little bit out of place sometimes, especially after the start of the film. I wanted to know a little bit more about Alita and her origins. Other than that I think the film really kicks you in and you can just enjoy the whole film without worries.
It has great characters, especially the main characters being: Alita and Hugo. They are such well written characters with great origins and story's to tell, though I would've wanted a little more backstory for them both. They also have a really great villain, which I do not want to spoil cause he's so mysterious and just screams villain. The other bad guys also feel really thought out and it's clear what they want to do, which is really re-freshing, cause I think that can be a really stupid problem in modern movies.
The plot itself is really easy to understand and I think this movie really tells what it wants to in a really good way. The surroundings feel so old but at the same time so new and modern. They have this really cool sport called motor ball which can both feel very cool cause it really says a lot about the characters when they're playing it but It can also feel like they're trying to do this really big, modern sport but not quite mastering it.
And as I said before, I haven't watched or read any of the manga or anime adaptations of this story but I can tell you that this works really good as a stand alone movie but also as a love letter to all of the many fans out there that have been dying for this movie to finally come out. It's really worth the hype!
Final verdict:
Though the story was a little too fast sometimes and I wish I could know the characters a little bit more then we already knew I think this movie was really well written and I would love to see a sequel after the avatar sequel. It's easy to say that this is true to the source material and I do highly recommend it to all types of movie fans. Whether you've read the manga or not this is a truly fantastic and beautiful movie and I will now watch the anime and read the manga until the sequel comes out.
Extravagant Entertainer
ashwinkumarnagarajan13 February 2019
Alita:Battle Angels is just the beginning of bigger universe that we are yet to see. The build up about her past and curiousity about her future could have been crafted better. Although it makes us think what is gonna happen next in sequel, it didn't create the urge and curiosity of a James Cameron Film. Music and VFX department has to complimented here. I watched the movie on IMAX 3D and boy you need this to Experience the full potential of the movie. Overall an it's an average story with a world class making.
Just make up your mind!
ahpalmer10 February 2019
My biggest issue is that there is no clear plot and nothing actually happens. One minute it's about becoming a bounty hunter, then we're trying to go to a city in the sky and the next thing everyone's enjoying roller derby. I honestly didn't know whether I was coming or going, the whole thing have me whiplash, The special effects are stunning but without plot the whole film is just dull, superficial and a waste of time.
I wish the film was longer
Gordon-116 May 2020
The story is good, the pace is fast, the visuals are very good. And Alita's eyes are really big! I actually enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. I thought the ending was too abrupt - I wish the film was longer.
Alita Chapter One: Battle Angel
Fudge-35 February 2019
The head and shoulders of a female cyborg is discovered by an engineer in a junk pile. Somehow; the brain is still alive. He puts her back together and treats her as his daughter..
Really good science fiction flick. Would have enjoyed it a lot more if I'd been forewarned that it was part one of a series. Cos: it doesn't really end. With a little research I could have discovered this. I've not read the source material but I do know that Alita was originally a Manga series. (Japanese graphic art novels.) It seems Cameron is bringing the first four books to the cinema.
In eastern stories it's a tradition that any hero is the last practitioner of a secret, killer martial art. In Alita's case this is Panzer Kunst which means Tank Art according to the online translator. So that's OK. She also, predictably, has no memory of her past which means we can go on a voyage of growth and discovery together. So that's OK too.
The story is set in the South American, Iron City in the shadow of a gigantic floating station (space elevator technology) three hundred years after a great war. So: post apocalyptic dystopia. There is a blend of architectures, super cyberpunk characters, ruins and fragments of forgotten technologies. It looks great. The CGI is fantastic.
There is plenty of action blended with decent character development. The story evolves slowly and I was wondering where it was going. I only realised the story was going to another movie when that titles came up.
We get introduced to the brutal spectator sport of Motorball. The carnage is more important than the score. I could have happily watched more of that. The winner gets a ticket to the space station, but that's another film.
For me this film lost a point in the last two scenes where it spoils its own conclusion and then sets up the next chapter.
Do you need to watch it in 3D? Recommended but not essential. The flying jumps and weapon projectiles do look good.
Who is it intended for? Teenagers and older. There's no sex, very little blood and the worst violence is off screen but it is loud, threatening and lots of things get smashed or broken.
Really good science fiction flick. Would have enjoyed it a lot more if I'd been forewarned that it was part one of a series. Cos: it doesn't really end. With a little research I could have discovered this. I've not read the source material but I do know that Alita was originally a Manga series. (Japanese graphic art novels.) It seems Cameron is bringing the first four books to the cinema.
In eastern stories it's a tradition that any hero is the last practitioner of a secret, killer martial art. In Alita's case this is Panzer Kunst which means Tank Art according to the online translator. So that's OK. She also, predictably, has no memory of her past which means we can go on a voyage of growth and discovery together. So that's OK too.
The story is set in the South American, Iron City in the shadow of a gigantic floating station (space elevator technology) three hundred years after a great war. So: post apocalyptic dystopia. There is a blend of architectures, super cyberpunk characters, ruins and fragments of forgotten technologies. It looks great. The CGI is fantastic.
There is plenty of action blended with decent character development. The story evolves slowly and I was wondering where it was going. I only realised the story was going to another movie when that titles came up.
We get introduced to the brutal spectator sport of Motorball. The carnage is more important than the score. I could have happily watched more of that. The winner gets a ticket to the space station, but that's another film.
For me this film lost a point in the last two scenes where it spoils its own conclusion and then sets up the next chapter.
Do you need to watch it in 3D? Recommended but not essential. The flying jumps and weapon projectiles do look good.
Who is it intended for? Teenagers and older. There's no sex, very little blood and the worst violence is off screen but it is loud, threatening and lots of things get smashed or broken.
Forget the glut of bland superhero movies... just watch Alita!
warren-8723514 February 2019
Since Titanic and Avatar, I've stopped expecting Cameron movies to be great, but having seen this on 3D Imax the other day... let's just say he and Robert Rodriguez won me over again! Alita is the best big sci-fi action movie I've seen in a _long_ time. In an age where we're just seeing the same plots recycled again and again with interchangeable, soulless super-heroes, I enjoyed the hell out of this. I'm not saying it was perfect, but I was pleasantly surprised. I could have sat in that cinema for another couple of hours, without any worry of boredom. I can't remember the last time I watched a big effects movie and felt so completely lost in it.
Although I was aware of Battle Angel Alita, I've never been a massive Anime fan and never read or watched the original anime, so I had no preconceptions or expectations going in. Many of the plot themes and ideas may have been done before(**cough** Rollerball - amongst others **cough**), but you can say that about almost any movie. The real question is whether those ideas are packaged in a new engrossing story with interesting characters and the answer, in Alita's case, is a big yes.
Rosa Salazar is brilliant as Alita. The level of emotion she gets through the mo-cap is astonishing, and quite honestly puts many live action stars to shame. The large eyes may stem from honouring her anime origins, but you soon forget them, and only see the character. Not only that, but in the context of the story and her past, they feel quite logical.
There's a hefty dose of Robocop to her story, in a good way, whilst her character has a sincerity and (non-annoying) innocence that all combines to make her a sympathetic hero that you want to see succeed. So from my perspective, I can't recommend Alita enough! This is the kind of blockbuster I hope is successful, because I truly want to watch the sequel.
As with so many big-budget effects movies, I went in hoping for the best, but expecting yet another 'all-flash, no-substance' movie, like so many of the Marvel films. I was happy to be wrong for a change.
I can't wait for the 3D Blu Ray to enjoy this again, and especially watch how it was made. I may even have to see it again at the cinema, before it finishes its run... It's been a while since I could say that about a big blockbuster!
Although I was aware of Battle Angel Alita, I've never been a massive Anime fan and never read or watched the original anime, so I had no preconceptions or expectations going in. Many of the plot themes and ideas may have been done before(**cough** Rollerball - amongst others **cough**), but you can say that about almost any movie. The real question is whether those ideas are packaged in a new engrossing story with interesting characters and the answer, in Alita's case, is a big yes.
Rosa Salazar is brilliant as Alita. The level of emotion she gets through the mo-cap is astonishing, and quite honestly puts many live action stars to shame. The large eyes may stem from honouring her anime origins, but you soon forget them, and only see the character. Not only that, but in the context of the story and her past, they feel quite logical.
There's a hefty dose of Robocop to her story, in a good way, whilst her character has a sincerity and (non-annoying) innocence that all combines to make her a sympathetic hero that you want to see succeed. So from my perspective, I can't recommend Alita enough! This is the kind of blockbuster I hope is successful, because I truly want to watch the sequel.
As with so many big-budget effects movies, I went in hoping for the best, but expecting yet another 'all-flash, no-substance' movie, like so many of the Marvel films. I was happy to be wrong for a change.
I can't wait for the 3D Blu Ray to enjoy this again, and especially watch how it was made. I may even have to see it again at the cinema, before it finishes its run... It's been a while since I could say that about a big blockbuster!
Fantastic special effects but mediocre story
MinistryofDoom9 July 2019
This is the story about a female cyborg, named Alita, found ravaged and destroyed in a futuristic city's dump by a doctor who specializes in robotics and prosthetic limbs. He rebuilds her, she comes to life, and then she spends the rest of the film learning about her new world.
Now the good and the bad. The good: This was a fantastic movie with mind-blowing special effects. Of course, Alita was directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by James Cameron who lent Rodriquez the tech he used to create Avatar, and it shows. There are CGI films and then there is THIS, which surpasses many recent films in both quality and style. This film could have never been possible 20 years ago. There is just no way. The bad: while film was great, mainly for its special effects and visuals, and set up a world that is so rich with life and wonderment that it demands further exploration, the story was, unfortunately, weak. Rodriguez meticulously created this world for us, yet he failed to put in the same amount of effort into creating the character of Alita, herself. By the film's abrupt end, we are left with many questions about who she is, where she came from, who created her, why she was created, what purpose she served, etc. Throughout the film, we are given bits and pieces but nothing quite so clear. The same goes for the antagonists of the film. It's not clear what the role of Jennifer Connelly's character is in the film nor what is her motivation. Likewise, we don't get to know what is behind the other antagonists all the way up to the top villain, who isn't even revealed until the very end.
The film ends with no real conclusion to the story because there wasn't a coherent story. Sure, Alita battles a bunch of other cyborgs but she never goes head to head with her real enemy and so what we have is 2 hours of Alita discovering herself and her abilities and testing them out on random cyborgs.
One final note: I understand the reason to give Alita her big anime-style eyes, knowing that the film itself was adapted from a manga and anime with a similar big-eye art style. However, the choice to have Alita be the ONLY character with this characteristic makes her look weird and out of place. Are we to simply accept that this is who she is and how she looks? Or do the other characters in this world acknowledge this strange uniqueness to her as well? If the choice to give her this characteristic is an aesthetic device to give nod to the film's anime/manga roots, then why is it that none of the other characters are done in this style?
Now the good and the bad. The good: This was a fantastic movie with mind-blowing special effects. Of course, Alita was directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by James Cameron who lent Rodriquez the tech he used to create Avatar, and it shows. There are CGI films and then there is THIS, which surpasses many recent films in both quality and style. This film could have never been possible 20 years ago. There is just no way. The bad: while film was great, mainly for its special effects and visuals, and set up a world that is so rich with life and wonderment that it demands further exploration, the story was, unfortunately, weak. Rodriguez meticulously created this world for us, yet he failed to put in the same amount of effort into creating the character of Alita, herself. By the film's abrupt end, we are left with many questions about who she is, where she came from, who created her, why she was created, what purpose she served, etc. Throughout the film, we are given bits and pieces but nothing quite so clear. The same goes for the antagonists of the film. It's not clear what the role of Jennifer Connelly's character is in the film nor what is her motivation. Likewise, we don't get to know what is behind the other antagonists all the way up to the top villain, who isn't even revealed until the very end.
The film ends with no real conclusion to the story because there wasn't a coherent story. Sure, Alita battles a bunch of other cyborgs but she never goes head to head with her real enemy and so what we have is 2 hours of Alita discovering herself and her abilities and testing them out on random cyborgs.
One final note: I understand the reason to give Alita her big anime-style eyes, knowing that the film itself was adapted from a manga and anime with a similar big-eye art style. However, the choice to have Alita be the ONLY character with this characteristic makes her look weird and out of place. Are we to simply accept that this is who she is and how she looks? Or do the other characters in this world acknowledge this strange uniqueness to her as well? If the choice to give her this characteristic is an aesthetic device to give nod to the film's anime/manga roots, then why is it that none of the other characters are done in this style?
Alita, best film since Blade Runner 2049
awko-2111114 February 2019
"I WILL NOT STAND BY IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL", an inspiring line spoken by the protagonist in Alita: Battle Angel when facing an indomitable and frightening villain got me thinking that I will not stand by in the presence of clueless movie critics giving lukewarm reviews to this excellent movie. Hence my motivation in writing this review to a film that I consider a great visionary triumph with such groundbreaking special effects not experienced since Avatar and a world-building as dazzling as last year's critically acclaimed Blade Runner 2049.
Based on the manga by Kishiro, the creative combo of Rodriguez and Cameron have created a world so technically stunning and cinematically immersive that it stirred and delighted my soul during the whole movie.
At its heart, Alita is a tantalizing adventure about teenage self discovery and self fulfillment, although disguised by the plot which stated the protagonist as a 300 year-old alien berserker. The story combines science fiction with martial arts in a dystopian future. The fight scenes are as well choreographed as say The Matrix but avoid over indulging in extended and repetitive fight sequences. There's a lot of exposition fitted into a 2-hour movie, hence some scenes seemed to be truncated in order for the story to advance accordingly.
That said, the plot has familiar elements made new but in more interesting ways. Elements of a world constantly being monitored borrow heavily from The Hunger Games, with the adrenaline infusing Motorball acting as "the game". The action scenes are thrilling, at times violent but as explained earlier, never over indulges. And when such scenes are short, I found myself wanting for more, hence repeat viewing ensues.
The film ends with somewhat of a cliffhanger, with fanboys like me hoping against pessimistic box office forecast that this movie will make enough money to warrant 2 more sequels to complete the overarching story of one of the most interesting female characters in one of the most visually arresting, imaginative and energetic science fiction movies of all time.
Go watch Alita: Battle Angel. Highly recommended.
Based on the manga by Kishiro, the creative combo of Rodriguez and Cameron have created a world so technically stunning and cinematically immersive that it stirred and delighted my soul during the whole movie.
At its heart, Alita is a tantalizing adventure about teenage self discovery and self fulfillment, although disguised by the plot which stated the protagonist as a 300 year-old alien berserker. The story combines science fiction with martial arts in a dystopian future. The fight scenes are as well choreographed as say The Matrix but avoid over indulging in extended and repetitive fight sequences. There's a lot of exposition fitted into a 2-hour movie, hence some scenes seemed to be truncated in order for the story to advance accordingly.
That said, the plot has familiar elements made new but in more interesting ways. Elements of a world constantly being monitored borrow heavily from The Hunger Games, with the adrenaline infusing Motorball acting as "the game". The action scenes are thrilling, at times violent but as explained earlier, never over indulges. And when such scenes are short, I found myself wanting for more, hence repeat viewing ensues.
The film ends with somewhat of a cliffhanger, with fanboys like me hoping against pessimistic box office forecast that this movie will make enough money to warrant 2 more sequels to complete the overarching story of one of the most interesting female characters in one of the most visually arresting, imaginative and energetic science fiction movies of all time.
Go watch Alita: Battle Angel. Highly recommended.
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