Appleseed: Ex Machina
7.3
Quality Score
0.42 (Positive)
Audience Mood
6 / 10
Controversy
23,244
MAL Ratings
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
Deunan, a young female warrior, and Briareos, a veteran cyborg-soldier, are both partners and lovers. As members of E.S.W.A.T., the elite special forces serving Olympus, they are deployed whenever trouble strikes. The two fighters find their partnership tested in a new way by the arrival of a new member to their ranks—an experimental Bioroid named Tereus.
Audience Consensus
Audience reception for Appleseed Saga Ex Machina is split, with strong praise for its advanced CGI and action sequences, often described as a visual feast. However, this is frequently overshadowed by significant criticism regarding a weak, predictable plot, underdeveloped characters, and uninspired dialogue, leading to a divisive viewing experience.
Strengths
- Visually dazzling CGI, with highly detailed environments and realistic character movements.
- Well-choreographed action sequences, especially aerial battles.
- Strong female characters are highlighted, with a likeable dynamic between Deunan and Briareos.
- The soundtrack, while not always memorable, generally fits the mood well.
- The movie's visual design, particularly the architecture of Olympus, is praised.
Weaknesses
- Story is considered weak, predictable, and plagued by plot holes and contrived coincidences.
- Character development is lacking, with many characters being generic or inconsistent.
- Dialogue is often criticized as cheesy, cringe-worthy, and lacking substance.
- CGI facial expressions are minimal and often stiff, with some characters looking 'painted in' or having unnatural hair.
- The film assumes prior knowledge of the first movie, making it difficult for new viewers to follow.
- Some action scenes are too short, choppy, and formulaic.
- The English dub is considered atrocious by some viewers.