I'd tried to watch it on VHS many years ago, and I'd given up. It was good to finally see it on the big screen, as it's definitely one of those cult classics worth knowing about.
And that's maybe the problem with this film: I'd heard so much about it; how it had influenced The Matrix; how it was incredible; how it was going to be made into a live action film with Scarlett Johansson; and all the rest.
But to be honest, this film has really dated. Such a great idea nestling behind it all – tech-fused with humanity, tech developing human characteristics etc. etc.
But this film is sooooooo slow. It takes ages to get going, and when it finally does, it's over. It's just a sad fact that Japanese animation has come on a long way since.
There was a sneak preview of the live action film before this screening, and I have to say – that did look pretty cool. I may have to check it out, perhaps it can develop on from concepts established in the original. But this anime film, I neither love nor hate. 5/10
