WXIII: Patlabor the Movie 3

WXIII: Patlabor the Movie 3 is a Japanese anime film from 2001, directed by Fumihiko Takayama. The film is part of the Patlabor franchise which is set in the late 20th-century, where the technological advances have led to the development of advanced robots known as 'Labors'. Employed in various purposes, from construction to public safety, these robots are an everyday part of life in this universe. However, with the rise of Labor crime, the police have established a specialized division to handle Labor-related crimes - the Special Vehicles, Section 2, Division 2.

The story of WXIII (Wasted Thirteen) unfolds in this larger universe and narrates a new and chilling chapter in the Patlabor anthology. Diverging from the previous installments centered mostly around the police unit, the focal characters in WXIII are two detectives Kusumi and Hata - voiced by Katsuhiko Watabiki and Hiroaki Hirata. They are investigators from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department who stumble upon a series of strange and mysterious incidents happening around the Tokyo Bay Area.

The talented voice actress, Atsuko Tanaka, lends her voice to the character of Saeko Misaki, an important character helping to unravel the central mystery. The plot is set into motion when Labor accidents begin to unusually increase in frequency within and around the artificial island of the Bay Area. As detectives Kusumi and Hata delve deeper into their investigation, they come across something far more sinister and complicated, suggesting that these are not mere accidents but possibly related to a monstrous destructive force. The investigation brings them face to face with dangers and the grim reality of urban decay, corporate malfeasance, and a monstrous biological weapon known only as "Wasted Thirteen".

WXIII is admired for its brilliant combination of mystery, police procedural drama, and science fiction undertones that perfectly blend into a gripping narrative. It successfully marries the classic detective genre with the realm of mecha anime, while also delving into biological horror. The robust world-building and intriguing storylines of the Patlabor franchise lead the way for a dark and gripping tale that WXIII successfully delivers.

Production-wise, the artwork and animation in WXIII maintains the high standards established by the previous installments in the Patlabor franchise. Madhouse, one of Japan's premier animation studios, brought the detailed artwork to life, and the characters are all beautifully designed with a more mature style, distinct from typical anime aesthetics. The film's screenplay by Miki Tori creates an engrossing and tense atmosphere that keeps the audiences on the edges of their seats.

Besides, the movie is enhanced by a top-notch audio design which only adds to the tension with sound effects that contribute to the eerie setting and a mood-setting soundtrack that adds layers of depth to the intense, bone-chilling scenes. Moreover, Kenji Kawai's haunting score adds a layer of intensity to the narrative, ably aiding the film in creating its chilling atmosphere.

However, despite the darker tone and mature theme, the third installment continues the tradition of social commentary and philosophical themes rooted within the franchise. The themes of urban decay, unchecked scientific advancement, and its potential downfall reflect the complex relationship between society and technology.

Overall, WXIII: Patlabor the Movie 3 is an impressive addition to the Patlabor franchise with a gripping storyline and exceptional production values. It is especially a must-watch for fans of the series and those who appreciate a good mystery and suspense rooted in the world of sci-fi. It's a prime example of how to effectively expand a well-established universe while taking a fresh and innovative approach by venturing into different narrative spaces.