Rock N' Rule

Rock N’ Roll, originally known as Ring of Power, is a whimsically avante-garde sci-fi animated film that combines music, myth, and post-apocalyptic madness. Produced by the Canadian animation studio Nelvana and directed by Clive A. Smith, the movie was among the first full-length animated features intended for an adult audience. Released in 1983, the film, with its edgy themes and vibrant, surreal visuals, gathered a cult following despite its initial commercial failure.

Set in the distant post-apocalyptic future following the demise of humanity in an event known as the 'Wrath', the world is inhabited by humanoid animals or mutants. Rock N’ Roll centers around the lives of three such survivor - Angel, Omar, and Dizzy - who form a rock and roll band in the fictional land called Ohmtown which resembles a grim and gritty industrial city. Their unity gets rattled when the charming yet sinister music mogul, Mok, enters the scene. Mok, designated as a legendary super rocker, is in search of a very special voice that could help him fulfil a sinister agenda involving an ominous scheme.

Angel, a lead vocalist in the band who possesses a distinct and unique voice, unknowingly becomes Mok's target. The neon-drenched dystopia brings a stark contrast where Rock n’ Roll and dark magics intermingle with frightening consequences.

Mok's character is a standout in the movie, with his larger-than-life persona and manipulative temperament. His aboveboard mimicry of real-life rockstars contributes to a clear parody while adding a level of intrigue and suspense to the storyline.

There’s a unique sense of style and tone throughout Rock N’ Roll. The animation artwork flourishes with beautiful graduate coloring, backgrounds that are texturally dense and deeply atmospheric and visually compelling character designs. From Mok's sprawling, menacing castle to the grimy backstreets of Ohmtown, the film masterfully portrays a dystopian world.

The film showcases a distinctive blend of traditional hand-drawn animation with elements of rotoscoping, making it a remarkable example of the animation craft in the early 1980s. Its animation and key illustrations look mature and sophisticated, carrying an intriguing mix of a comic book feel balanced with a slightly darker, more complex undertone.

Unsurprisingly, music forms the beating heart of Rock N’ Roll. Each character has their own unique musical style, with sounds ranging from ballads, pop, punk, and hard rock. To enhance this theme, the film also boasts an impressive original soundtrack with songs from eminent artists such as Cheap Trick, Debbie Harry of Blondie, Lou Reed, and Iggy Pop. Their vocals for the main characters and contributions to the soundtrack provide it with a rich, authentic rock soundscape, further drawing audiences into the futuristic, post-apocalyptic world of the film.

However, what's most striking about Rock N’ Roll is how it daringly merges several seemingly disparate themes. It's a melange of sci-fi and post-apocalyptic genre combined with the show business's glamour and darkness, interspersed with elements of the occult. It offers a vibrant, animated snapshot of the cultural zeitgeist of its time with a twisted, exaggerated view of the rock-n-roll lifestyle.

While Rock N' Roll may not be your conventional animation feature, it makes a standout with its compelling narrative combined with some stellar rock music. Plus, the characters, plot, animation, and music all conspire to create a vivid and immersive universe that remains unique even today.

With its epic "good vs evil" struggle, Rock N’ Roll offers the audience a thrilling ride that syncs to the beat of its own drum (or in this case, guitar). The film makes for an intriguing watch for animation enthusiasts, rock-n-roll fans, or anyone who enjoys cult classics from the 80s.

The movie’s bold attempt at unconventional storytelling infused with rock music reaffirms its status as a cult classic and showcases the immense potential animation has in conveying complex, deeper narratives. Rock N’ Roll is essentially a testament to the time it was created in, and today, it stands as an enduring symbol of the fusion of rock music, animation, and post-apocalyptic fiction.