Last Exile
Alternate Titles: None
Original Japanese Release Date: 2003
Episode Length/Run-time: 26 ( 23 mins ea. )
Summary:
In a world that appears 19th century, but with anti-gravity devices, Claus and Lavie are pilot and co-pilot of a Vanship and work as couriers. They become involved with a mission after rescuing a little girl from a weird star-shaped killing machine. Not willing to let the girl die, they finish the mission by delivering her to the Sylvana, a legendary mercenary ship. After which, they are recruited into the crew as fighter pilots.
Review:
Last Exile has a very unique setting. Its a world of war, and chivalry determines how the opposing sides conduct battle. Battle occurs using floating airships that are powered by anti-gravity devices called “Claudia engines”. For arms, they use cannons and muskateers that are positioned at the edge of the ships. Very old school style, except for the floating part. There are also ships called Vanships, which use much newer technology like lasers, holographic displays, and the like. Somehow, the creators managed to merge these two pretty well, which to some is like getting oil to mix with water. A difficult task indeed.
The show opens with a massive battle consisting of large battle ships. With bullets flying around everywhere, massive artillery going off, its bound to keep you on your seat. Oh, did I mention that Last Exile is also visually stunning? In the middle of all this is Claus and Lavie, who have been flying pilot and navigator together since their dads died long back on a mission. The story really starts to open up once they find themselves on a battle ship called the Sylvana. It revolves largely around the Claus and Lavie, but also involves some of the other crew on the ship. I can’t give much detail on the story without giving it away.
Throughout the series though, there are recurring epic battles between multiple types of ships that may leave you finding your jaw dropping. They even throw in a familiar feeling vanship race into the series. Put all of this together, and you find yourself more addicted than you know what to do with.
Much of the show is done up in CG, and the art isnt really that detailed, as can be seen in the backgrounds and environment. The CG sometimes fails to keep the pace up to speed and gets a bit choppy. This bothered me a bit, but its nothing to turn you off of the show.
The plot is pretty good, but is a bit slow to unravel, as it only really starts to open in the second half of the show. However, there is enough entertainment to keep you watching. All in all, the show was excellent and definitely deserves the score it received.
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