The Empire of Corpses

Set in an alternate Victorian-era world, The Empire of Corpses introduces a fascinating concept where scientists have discovered how to reanimate corpses for labor. The film starts strong, offering a unique mix of steampunk aesthetics and philosophical musings about life, death, and what it means to be human. Unfortunately, the plot quickly spirals into confusion. It tries to juggle too many themes-philosophy, science fiction, and a detective-style adventure-but ends up doing none of them justice. The pacing is erratic, with a narrative that feels both rushed and dragging at the same time, making it difficult to stay invested.

While the visual design is undeniably impressive, with detailed backgrounds and an eerie atmosphere, the story's execution feels disjointed. The characters lack depth, making it hard for viewers to care about their fates. The film aims to deliver profound messages about the human soul but gets bogged down in convoluted exposition. By the time the film reaches its climax, it feels more like a collection of half-baked ideas rather than a cohesive narrative. Despite its intriguing premise, The Empire of Corpses ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying experience, leaving viewers confused rather than emotionally moved.

At two hours, I'll be the first to admit, The Empire of Corpses is a movie you have to find the time to watch. With references to historical figures galore (Thomas Edison, Ulysses S. Grant and Charles Bumbray) as well as literary ones (John Watson, Victor Frankenstein, M, etc), it's not a film you want to watch half heartedly, as you will be doing yourself and this beautiful movie a disfavor The Empire of Corpses is one of the most beautifully animated films I've seen in some time. Every scene ebbs and flows like water. The voice acting is perfect, with each character perfectly suiting their anime counterpart, but it's the story that is truly something spectacular. With deep philosophical questions about Death, Souls, Ambition, Free Will, War and Love just to name a few. It's one of those movies you can watch and enjoy on the surface (The story isn't that complicated and can be easily followed if you're paying attention), or if like myself, you like to peel back the layers and see what's underneath, The Empire of Corpses will not let you down. I will admit to the final act being flawed. Without spoiling anything, the main villain's reason for doing what he was doing was…..weak/weird? While I could go along with M's reason for his evil plan (to make the world one way so there would be no more conflict or wars), I couldn't get behind the Final/Main Villain's reason. Everything got super confusing at this point. The ending also was very 'up in the air', with an end credit scene (with Sherlock Holmes no less), that while a nice nod to fans of literature, added nothing to the story and left you with more questions than answers. I'm sorry I took this long to watch it, but I'm glad I took my time. This a movie I could spend hours dissecting, but for the sake of this review I will simply say, it's not just for anime fans, this is a full length, well written, beautifully executed movie that deserves to be seen by all.

This film takes a well known story of Dr Frankenstein and adds a different spin on the ideas of death.

I thoroughly enjoyed it and was one of the first anime films i watched outside the Studio Ghibli collection. The idea of bringing corpses back from the dead as working puppets, is a very dark matter and i believe this film manages to convey its story.

However it may of helped me relate to the characters and have a better understanding towards their motives, if more background was given into their lives.

Enjoyed so much have ordered myself the steel-book blu ray version to enjoy :)

While the Empire of Corpses is by far one of my most favorite films of all time, you have to be prepared to go full in when watching it. It's not your typical anime movie, it deals with big problems, and stuffs so much into its 2 hour and 6 min run time, that I found myself watching it twice just to process it all. The animation is stunning, the characters believable and ''human'' and the overarching question of what it means to have a soul really makes this film. The ending (as you'll find most people were unhappy with) is due to the writer passing away before finishing. After learning this I take it as creative liberty on the co-writer's behalf, as I believe we'll never know the true ending the writer was aiming for. To sum this up, I give this movie a 9/10, the 9 only because of the ending. Which I noted before I can look past.

This was a very enjoyable story. Good graphics, compelling story line, adventure and a reasonable end. The ending is possibly the weak spot of the movie, but the journey to get there is very enjoyable.