We continue our series of reviews chronicling all of the (non-Studio Ghibli) animated films distributed by GKIDS Films — some of the most original and breathtakingly beautiful animated films from around the world — and how they hold up for a young American audience.

The entire retrospective is found here, and this time we’ve got…

Promare (2019):
Hiroyuki Imaishi, director

What’s it about?

Thirty years ago, the Burnish – a race of “flame-wielding mutants” – appeared and destroyed half the world with fire. Today (at least the “today” of Promare), the world is a rebuilt, shiny version of the post-apocalypse. On the scene to protect against both normal fires and Burnish attacks is Burning Rescue, a motley crew of futuristic firefighters who use Voltron-like armor instead of boring old ladder trucks.

Galo Thymos is the (mostly shirtless) leader of Burning Rescue; he’s also the universally recognized “idiot” who leaps before he looks. He’s our big dumb hero. And even though Burning Rescue is charged with stopping Burnish attacks across the city, they also recognize that the Burnish are, essentially, humans.

For their part, the Burnish are Fire Benders who are feared by society at large and whose existence has been criminalized. When a new group of aggressive Burnish – calling themselves the Mad Burnish – appears on the scene, its leader (Lio Fotia) renews the fight for justice and equal rights.

But there’s a secret both sides are about to discover – the secret why the government really NEEDS the Burnish to be feared… and rounded up. It needs their power for something far more nefarious than mere fire bending.

What are the cultures at play? And how about the languages?

Promare is the first feature-length film from Japanese animation studio TRIGGER (Kill la Kill, Little Witch Academia). It’s set 30 years in the future along an alternate timeline. The film isn’t really grounded in any current country, so there shouldn’t be any cultural confusion at least. However, the Burnish are convenient stand-ins for far too many marginalized communities whose very existence is often made to feel illegal.

Normally, I recommend watching all movies in their original language. And I tried with this one, I really did. However, the pace is relentless, and I found it almost impossible to both read the subtitles and follow what was happening on screen. I just couldn’t keep up. Your mileage may vary, but I ultimately switched over to the (quite good) English dub and was able to follow the story.

Will my kids like it? Is there anything objectionable for young kids?

Again, your mileage may vary (i.e., you know your kids best). There’s a lot of wanton destruction and violence, but there’s nothing exceedingly gory or bloody. Really young kids might have trouble following the story or what’s happening on screen (since it moves so fast), but based on reviews, Promare really hits the sweet spot for many anime fans of all ages.

Will I like it?

Remember when Mad Max: Fury Road came out and people were like, “Whoa! It’s a 2-hour chase scene that never lets up. It’s just nonstop for 120 minutes!” Well, Promare is basically that but in animated form. It’s 111 minutes of nonstop action that just doesn’t let up.

It’s full of adrenaline and – quite honestly – might not be to everyone’s taste. When the film hit theaters earlier this year, my Twitter feed was LOVING it. And Promare has indeed garnered plenty of rave reviews; it’s currently 96% on Rotten Tomatoes!

On one hand, it lives up to many of the stereotypes about anime non-anime fans probably have about the genre. It’s frenetic, overwrought, exaggerated, full of cheesy dialogue, violent, and full of screams and explosions.

On the other hand, it delivers an incredibly timely message about human rights… and a more-than-subtext queer relationship between the two leads (Guy and Lio).

Ultimately, Promare is a lot of fun. Just go into this one knowing what to expect.

How can I see it?

GKIDS and Shout! Factory released a Blu-ray edition of the film (also in a Steelbook version) that has a nice selection of special features: an interview with the director, Studio TRIGGER roundtable, Side: Galo and Side: Lio short films, a behind-the-scenes featurette with the English cast, and some trailers.

Shout! Factory also put out a collector’s edition Blu-ray that includes (in addition to the special features mentioned above) the CD soundtrack, a 52-page booklet, a mini-poster, a decal sticker, and an English souvenir script.

The film is also available digitally from most retailers, but only iTunes and Google Play specifically indicate both languages are included.

Final word?

If you’re a fan of fast-paced anime, you’ll love it. If you’re more a fan of quiet, more meaningful and thought-provoking films, this might be too much. I’m not going to lie; it’s a lot. And if you’re not on board in the first 15 minutes, nothing that comes after is going to change your mind.

But the animation is gorgeous, the story is full of metaphorical meaning, and it’s one hell of a ride.