Revisions Season 1 (2019) Review

A familiar yet intriguing time-travel mecha ride.

When Revisions premiered as a Netflix Original, it drew a lot of attention right away thanks to a striking ad image of teens controlling sleek mech suits against huge mechanical enemies. It seemed like an easy sell for sci-fi anime fans, especially those who like stories with a lot of robots. 

The idea of time travel and war in the future seemed like it could have been straight out of a list of well-known genre tropes. With a mysterious prophecy, a group of high school students, and a city that has been spliced through time, Revisions pretty much shouts that it was made with current anime sensibilities in mind.

The show premiered in Japan and is now available worldwide on Netflix. It fits in with other popular sci-fi anime, clearly drawing on bigger names in the genre while also seeking its own style. It combines elements of time-travel stories like those in Doctor Who with the well-known "people vs. machines" plot. The result is a show that is both comfortable with the familiar and sometimes new, though it doesn't always manage to balance the two well.

Revisions is mostly about Daisuke Dojima, a second-year high school student whose life was changed by a strange event in his youth.

Years ago, he was kidnapped for unknown reasons, and only a strange woman named Milo was able to save him. In that moment, Milo tells Daisuke and his friends that they will one day save the world. Daisuke takes this prediction much more seriously than anyone else.

Now we're in 2017, and that forecast is starting to come true in a big way. Shibuya, a busy area, is quickly taken over 300 years into the future, cutting it off from the rest of the world. This future doesn't look good. The city is being attacked by huge machines called the Revisions, making the people who live there fight desperately to stay alive.

Milo comes back, but this time she doesn't seem to remember much about her past contacts with Daisuke. Even so, she gives Daisuke and his friends high-tech mechsuits called "String Puppets" because they are the only way for humans to defend themselves against the machines that are coming to take over. From here on out, the story is a mix of mystery, survival drama, and time-travel adventure.

One of the best things about the anime is the story. Instead of telling the story in a straight line from beginning to end, Revisions tells it in pieces. Pieces of the past, present, and future are slowly exposed, and sometimes not in the right order. This creates a multi-layered mystery that makes people want to figure out the truth on their own.

The non-linear storytelling, with its penchant for withholding key details until the moment is ripe, is superb at cranking up the suspense. The story weaves together time loops, hidden agendas, government plots, and the core of the Revisions, all at once. It keeps viewers guessing, offering just enough to ignite theories, then flipping the script with new twists.

This storytelling method keeps the audience engaged even when the story slows.

On the other hand, this level of complexity can also be a disadvantage. Although the text mentions pandemics, political problems, and various historical contexts, it doesn't provide enough detail about these topics. At times, ideas are presented in a seemingly arbitrary fashion, lacking the careful consideration and structured arrangement that would enhance their impact.

This disparity becomes evident as the story progresses. The first episode is good because it quickly sets up the stakes and the mystery. However, the middle part of the series is much slower. With this "slow burn" style, you have to be patient because the story builds up slowly to its big reveal. Some viewers might not be able to stay interested long enough to reach the later episodes, especially the climax, which features satisfying turns and powerful action.

In Revisions, the main characters don't always develop consistently. In contrast, the supporting characters often show more complexity. Each of these characters brings something unique to the story, which then affects how the main characters interact. These interactions enhance the narrative, and many viewers may find resonance in the characters' reactions to the unusual events, as they parallel personal experiences.

Daisuke, unfortunately, isn't quite so lucky. In anime, he's stuck in the "chosen one" trope, complete with a hero complex – a character type that's become all too common. From the beginning, Daisuke is certain that saving the world is his calling. This belief colors his entire character, sometimes making him a bit difficult to warm up to.

His impulsive actions, combined with his strong arrogance and lack of empathy, lead him to prioritize his self-defined "mission." Despite Daisuke's character development throughout the narrative, he remains a source of irritation. His tendency to act heroically often prevents him from fully developing his true self, which hides the complexities of his inner struggles.

While he possesses abilities akin to those of protagonists in series such as Sword Art Online, he lacks the same emotional resonance, ultimately diminishing the story's overall impact. It's fascinating that people like Gai, who doesn't trust Daisuke and occasionally looks down on him, help make up for this fault.

Gai is one of the more realistic and believable characters in the story.

The story is also balanced by supporting characters like Marin and the rest of the group, even if they don't always get enough attention. Revisions look different, but not always in ways everyone likes. The anime's visual aesthetic sets it apart from conventional 2D animation, primarily due to its heavy reliance on computer-generated imagery (CGI).

At first, it might seem a little strange, especially for people used to more traditional animation. The character models look a little stiff, and the facial reactions in some scenes don't feel natural.

It's easier to appreciate the amount of detail and creativity once you get used to the style, though. Both the String Puppets and the Revisions have really well thought-out designs for their mechs. While giving the impression of drawing inspiration from traditional mecha design, they yet manage to exhibit a unique style. They achieve a balance between the familiar and the innovative.

Specifically, the action sequences are where the animation really shines. The battles between the mechs and the Revisions are dynamic and well-staged, successfully conveying a strong sense of movement and power.

The fights maintain their appeal thanks to camera angles and rapid editing.

These parts are among the best of the show, and they offer a visual reward for the slower parts of the story. Another skill is using color. The difference between Shibuya in the present day and the future setting intensifies feelings of displacement and stress. Even with all the chaos, the world feels lived in.

The sound design in Revisions works well with the animation. Electronic and orchestral music make up a big part of the soundtrack, which emphasizes both the future setting and the emotional weight of key scenes. The music isn't anything new or groundbreaking, but it does its job well, building up tension during battles and making quieter times more interesting.

There is strong voice acting throughout, with performances that really bring the characters' personalities to life. The intensity and sometimes pushiness in Daisuke's voice really show in his personality, but that might not make him more likable. During battle, the sound effects are powerful, giving the explosions and mechanical fights more weight.

The sound effects in fight scenes make them even more intense, making them among the most memorable parts of the show. While some cartoons are new and some are old, Revisions is just right in the middle. Using time travel, giant robot battles, and the "chosen one" story, which are common in the genre, the narrative creates a story that is both engaging and, at times, frustrating.

The best thing about this work is that it focuses on conveying stories. For folks who adore stories about time travel, this one is extremely interesting. The narrative structure, which is layered rather than straightforward, and the gradual revealing of secrets, are key features.

Those who persevere will find the series' conclusion satisfying, packed with unexpected twists and turns.

Still, the series has its share of shortcomings. The pacing occasionally drags, particularly in the central episodes, and the sheer volume of concepts can be overwhelming, making it difficult to stay focused. It's especially challenging to become invested in the narrative when the protagonist is, frankly, rather unappealing, especially when the tension ramps up.

The anime takes risks with its CGI style, which some people might not like, but it works well for action scenes in the end. When combined with strong sound design and fun combat, these features help the series overcome its weak story. At the end of the day, Revisions is neither a groundbreaking nor a memorable cartoon. But it's fun to watch and makes you think, especially if you like this type of movie.