ANI-MOVIES, *Sky Blue

Originally titled Wonderful Days, the 2003 Korean animated movie Sky Blue is a mixed media project combining 2D animation, CGI, and live footage doctored to appear animated which finally got its American release in 2004, although there has never been a western release of it on Blu-Ray or DVD, or any authorized streaming in English even though there is a dub of it. Sky Blue was released in Japan after Gainax rewrote it, and in many versions of the movie there are a few minutes cut out of releases outside Korea mostly for pacing with an alternate prologue. Another change from foreign releases was having the musical score replaced with totally different songs possibly due to licensing issues, but this radically changes the context of certain scenes. It is nearly to the point where Sky Blue and Wonderful Days are mutually exclusive movies, so it depends on which copy on the film you come across. There was also a director's cut of Sky Blue came out a decade later with an additional 9 minutes added on to it, so be sure you don't overpay for a copy of it.

Taking place in 2142, the environment has broken down, and the remaining humans are surviving in the dystopian city of Ecoban powered by recycled waste, and those who live in the wastelands become scavengers in order to survive. Shua is one of the outsiders who are trying to stop Ecoban's energy production which is polluting life outside the city which blocks out the sun with stormy clouds. Shua works for Dr. Noah who was outcast after he built this poisonous ecosystem destroyer and has to see about shutting it all down. Shua is mixed with his dedication toward his allies and his feelings for one of the city's security agents, his childhood friend Jay who is now working under the thumb of the commander Cade who got Shua banished in the first place by blaming him for the death of a superior officer years ago. There's a huge clash between Ecoban's ruling class and their military which a ragtag rebellion is able to counter with their attack on the city's power complex.

This was the directorial debut of Kim Moon-Saeng who prior to Sky Blue only worked on commercials although he presents a very professional production in his first and so far only fully animated movie. Aside from being featured at several international film festivals, but despite that there wasn't an authorized physical release for English speaking audiences to enjoy. It is an amazing cyberpunk spectacle with stunning animation even though the characters fall flat and are basic action movie stereotypes.