I love sci-fi, but in my experience French sci-fi is usually a wishy-washy, strange faux-poetic and mostly pretentious view of the world that doesn't really make sense on close inspection. I actually expected something akin to "Scavenger Reign" - yes, it's pretty and strange, but no, the world doesn't make any sense from science / biology perspective. But from the first minutes of this animated film, it gets you hooked. The story is actually pretty robust, the world is consistent and the animation is packed with cool action. So, it was a pleasant surprise and I cherished every minute of this film. Hopefully we will see more of this type of animation in the future. In terms of the story - it's a cyberpunk/Detroit:Become Human mix, and frankly nothing too original, but it's made really well. There are some small cool ideas, shown in a matter of fact way, like an alternative to car airbags - you can see that a lot of thought went into building a believable tight world, which is rare. There are excesses of the "French" type, like the RoboCop style heavy robot mixed with Japanese-style military organics or the ending itself, which in my mind doesn't make too much sense, but given that I was on a great ride before that, I didn't really mind. Recommend this to all fans of cyberpunk / tight plot sci-fi.

I saw Mars Express, starring the voices of Lea Drucker-Last Summer, War of the Worlds_tv; Daniel Njo Lobe-Le Code_tv, Marseille_tv; Mathieu Amalric-The French Dispatch, Quantum of Solace and Genevieve Doang-Wakfu_tv, Munch_tv. This is an animated sci_fi thriller that reminded me a little bit of Blade Runner-it has a detective working with and against robots in the future. It takes place in the 2200's where Lea, a human, is a private detective that is hired to find Genevieve, another human. Daniel is Lea's android companion that used to be a human but was converted to a robot after his death. The trail starts on Earth and leads to Mars, where Mathieu runs a robotics company that is up to no good. The animation is good and there are different types of robots in this futuristic world. I liked the killer scorpion looking ones in particular. The only problem I had was with the story itself-it was a little hard to follow at times. The film was made in France and used mostly French voice actors. It's rated NR but has violence, language and sexual content-partial nudity-and has a running time of 1 hour & 28 minutes. It's not one that I would buy on DVD but it would be alright to stream.

"Mars Express" stands out as a remarkable amalgamation of sci-fi cinema and animation experimentation, offering an unparalleled viewing experience over the past decade. Combining the essence of iconic sci-fi films such as "The Matrix," "Terminator," "Blade Runner," and "Total Recall" with the evocative anime aesthetics reminiscent of "Paprika" and "Ghost in the Shell," the film elevates itself to a league of its own. This cinematic masterpiece seamlessly integrates the visionary influences of revered comic creators like Moebius and Jodorowsky, resulting in a truly unique artistic creation. Its compelling narrative unfolds with an intriguing plotline, accompanied by captivating character portrayals that transcend the boundaries of conventional storytelling. What sets "Mars Express" apart is its adept blend of humor, suspense, mystery, and scientific intrigue, creating a multifaceted experience that resonates deeply with its audience. It is a cinematic tour de force that not only entertains but also challenges and inspires. Undoubtedly, "Mars Express" is a must-watch for enthusiasts of the genre, destined to carve its place as a timeless cult classic for generations to come. Its unparalleled excellence and flawless execution render it a truly perfect cinematic achievement. Simply incredible!

At first glance, Mars Express may seem like Blade Runner, having a similar premise, and indeed it homages previous cyberpunk stories, like one scene bringing to mind the Million Machine March from the Animatrix. However, it manages to be a fresh intro into this genre. Great help in this department is the animation, which is almost infrographical in nature. There are surreal mental scenes, but some robots designs are appear in down to earth scenes as well, like the cat robot at the beginning. Overall, a creative, imaginative science fiction world full of bright aesthetics and clever themes and motifs.

Extremely derivative work but in a good way. It reminded me of The Matrix, Terminator, I, Robot, Fifth Element, Blade Runner, Scavengers Reign, Minority Report, Chinatown, Ghost in the Shell and other cyberpunk animes. And these are just a few I didn't even write down. But the fact that it is derivative it doesn't matter that much. It's just a very interesting and kinetic animation about robots and robot A. I., all part of a big conspiracy conducted by a cool duo formed of a woman and her partner, Carlos, a human in the body of a robot. I can say I was just absorbed by the story and animation. It's not something new but it's just something I enjoy.

Visual style reminiscent of Promare, sci fi-cyberpunk world building reminiscent of I,Robot. Immersive soundtrack. That's what this movie does the best. I also loved all the little details of the future tech: TV screen that moves to wherever you're looking, a bottle topper that acts as another barrier to prevent AA members from drinking, etc. The weak point is the plot in my opinion, it's just average and I don't think the characters have enough backstory to really make us care deeply about them. These don't ruin the movie, but it does everything else better. Overall, I would recommend this one. Especially for Sci Fi lovers.

The creators seem to have focused more on the visual spectacle than on crafting a cohesive and engaging narrative. The inclusion of flying phones feels out of place. In a world where characters have embedded communication devices, having a robot pick up a physical phone seems inconsistent and undermines the believability of the universe. Additionally, the portrayal of hacking appears generic and uninformed, lacking the depth and realism one might expect in today's technologically savvy world. Character motivations also feel weak and underdeveloped. The cop robot, for example, is never fully explained in terms of its functionality. This raises questions about why certain actions, like recovering a woman from the dead, aren't possible within the movie's own rules. The lack of clarity and adherence to established rules can be frustrating for viewers seeking a coherent narrative. The restriction mode on a woman's alcohol consumption is mentioned but never elaborated.

The world building really elevated this movie. It felt like there was a tv season's worth of material compressed into a 1.5 hour movie, but it worked, and it worked wonderfully. The world world was well thought-out, everything fit together well. It's about a private investigator and her robot partner investigating the disappearance of a college student. As we learn more about the case, we also learn about the world this story is set in. This movie is like a perfect showcase for "show, don't tell". There's very little exposition, if any. It's one of the best sci-fi movies I've watched recently, animated or otherwise. Highly recommended.

"Mars Express," the French animated sci-fi film directed by Jérémie Périn, takes viewers on a visually stunning and thought-provoking journey set in the not-so-distant future. The film combines elements of mystery, action, and philosophical introspection, creating a compelling narrative that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish. The story revolves around Aline Ruby, a classic hard-boiled private detective, and her android partner, Carlos Rivera. They are hired to track down a missing scientist on Mars, a mission that quickly spirals into a web of intrigue involving corporate conspiracies, artificial intelligence, and the complex relationship between humans and technology. The dynamic between Aline and Carlos is one of the film's highlights, showcasing a blend of camaraderie and tension that adds depth to their characters. The animation in "Mars Express" is nothing short of spectacular. The film's creators have crafted a vibrant, futuristic Mars that is both beautiful and menacing. The color palette and art style bring the Martian landscape to life, capturing its stark beauty and the bustling energy of its colonies. The fluid animation and attention to detail make every frame a visual treat, enhancing the immersive experience. "Mars Express" delves into several thought-provoking themes, such as the ethics of artificial intelligence, the nature of humanity, and the socio-political dynamics of a future colonized Mars. The narrative is layered, with twists and turns that keep the audience guessing. The film does an excellent job of balancing action-packed sequences with moments of quiet introspection, allowing viewers to reflect on the deeper implications of the story. The film's soundtrack, composed by renowned artists, complements the futuristic setting and the unfolding drama. The music enhances the emotional impact of key scenes, whether it's a high-speed chase through the Martian desert or a poignant conversation between Aline and Carlos. The voice acting is top-notch, with the cast delivering performances that bring their animated counterparts to life. The actors' ability to convey subtle emotions and maintain the intensity of the plot is commendable. "Mars Express" is a standout in the realm of animated sci-fi films. It combines a gripping storyline with stunning visuals and a thought-provoking exploration of futuristic themes. The film not only entertains but also prompts viewers to ponder the ethical and philosophical questions it raises. For fans of sci-fi and animation, "Mars Express" is a must-watch, offering a unique blend of action, mystery, and intellectual depth. In conclusion, "Mars Express" is an underrated cinematic gem that showcases the best of French animation and sci-fi storytelling. It is a film that will likely be remembered for its artistic excellence and its ability to challenge and engage its audience on multiple levels.

All the Do Androids Dream of Electric Sleep? Tropes are well-worn by now (notwithstanding the updated understanding--and not--of these technologies), but this French anime is worth existing if only for being another example in major motion picture theater chains of how much cooler a world we could be living in. The movie is most successful when it's being a thriller. I do appreciate the makers of this picture actually trying to depict the more metaphysical cyberpunk scenes (jacking into a brain-farm; transcending one's robot body into a collective digital conscious), even if the success is only relative (anti-climactic lines of code; a 2001: A Space Odyssey redux, respectively). This superflat animation--which dips into some digital animation action and vehicle sequences--calls attention to itself.