A Wind Named Amnesia

A Wind Named Amnesia is an intriguing science fiction anime film from 1990, directed by Kazuo Yamazaki and based on a novel by Hideyuki Kikuchi. This Japanese movie, produced by Madhouse and distributed by Central Park Media, adheres to the typical intensity, depth and artistry associated with anime, creating a graphical narrative that flawallessly combines emotions, suspense and the questioning of human existence.

The story revolves around the central character, Wataru, voiced by the talented Kazuki Yao, who embarks on a journey across a post-apocalyptic United States. The apocalyptic event referred in the movie as "A Wind Named Amnesia", is a mysterious occurrence that leaves humanity void of their knowledge and memories. This event, explained through Wataru’s flashbacks, wiped out human civilization, reverting mankind to a primitive state without understanding or knowledge of what they used to be.

Whilst on his travels, Wataru encounters a peculiar woman named Sophia, voiced by the dynamic Keiko Toda. Sophia appears untouched by the amnesia-causing wind, stirring up intrigue regarding her existence and immunity. The relationship between these two characters offers an intriguing dynamic that prompts probing questions about human nature, memories, and civilization’s reliance on inherited knowledge.

The journey also features encounters with remnants of human society that have been earlier transformed due to the amnesiac wind, with characters voiced by renowned actors like Kappei Yamaguchi and Noriko Hidaka. The core message of the film emphasizes the worth of human knowledge, memory, and the thin line that differentiates human beings from other creatures.

A Wind Named Amnesia uniquely balances philosophical introspection with subtle romantic undercurrent, making it an anime feature that's compelling on multiple levels. The film is full of evocative scenery, blending both grim post-apocalypse visuals and captivating landscapes, attributing to the contrast between the beautiful and barren visions of the world the characters traverse.

Fluctuating between moments of fear, excitement, and contemplation, the film ensures that the viewers remain engrossed while simultaneously questioning the essence of human existence. The storyline takes a sophisticated approach to post-apocalyptic world depiction – instead of focusing on survival in a destroyed world, it sheds light on the essence of civilization and how it shapes us as human beings.

Furthermore, the audio work of this film is commendable. Engaging music and sound effects resonate through the viewing experience, echoing the intense emotions and enhancing the melancholic and mysterious atmosphere. Each alternation in the tone of scenes, from gloom to excitement, from terror to bliss, is vividly communicated through its brilliant sound design.

The animation style of the film is reflective of the typical style of the 90s, implementing a mix of traditional hand-drawn and computerized animation techniques. Viewers can anticipate an aesthetic blend of detailed, gritty illustrations with dynamically bold coloring that typical of the era.

A Wind Named Amnesia is more than just an anime film; it is a unique thought experiment that provides thoughtful insights into the human condition and societal norms while traversing through an epic story of survival and rediscovery. For fans of speculative fiction, post-apocalyptic narratives, and anime that leans toward the philosophical, this movie is an enthralling watch, with Kazuki Yao, Keiko Toda, Kappei Yamaguchi, and Noriko Hidaka offering compelling voice performances.

Throughout its run time, this film maintains a consistent balance between thrilling action, profound introspection, bleak realities, and threads of hope, serving a narrative that is both captivating and inciteful. A Wind Named Amnesia is indeed a fascinating expedition not only across the United States but also through the vast expanse of what makes us human.