Wonderful Days (2003) Sky Blue 

Directed by Moon-saeng Kim, Park Sunmin

Animation

An imitation anime from South Korea, the basic plot could have come from any one of dozens of Japanese anime films or series. Its the usual world in a mess, polluted, most of humanity wiped out with a small percentage of the survivors living it up while the rest are just fodder to provide the luxurious lifestyle of the few.

Of course someone is forced to rise up and cause a revolt against the few leaving the world a better place for everyone, ridding the world of the pollution that was deemed necessary to provide the perfect lifestyle for the elite. Its all been done before and with a lot more originality and style, Miyazakis Nausica of the Valley of Wind is the perfect example of a story with a strong environmental message. Wonderful Days aspires to be a Korean Akira but is unfortunately more of a Spriggan, the cliched storyline is only one of its problems.

Graphically, theres a mix of 2D animation for the characters in a 3D computer generated environment, I have yet to see an animation like this work. A lot of scale models were also used then ditgitised to fit in with the overall look but they stand out like a sore thumb. CG only works with 2D animation when it is used sparingly and sympathetically within the style of the animation.

A plus point, a really nice sound track with a good variety of music that blends well together and within the context of the film.

I cant recommend this because of the Clichd plot, the bizarre mix of animation styles and the fact that it is sheer plagiarism.

Cheers Trev.

BBFC rated 15.

Available on region 3 ntsc dvd.