Redline

『レッドライン』
Reddo Rain

Introduction by LeSean Thomas. Directed by Takeshi Koike and animated by studio Madhouse, Redline is a ferociously animated far-future action-adventure film spiraling around an intergalactic race. Over the top in its story, characters and visuals, it was in production for almost a decade, and the result is a nonstop electric rush that only the medium of animation can create. Yet, despite all this, it was a box office flop upon its initial release, and only years later, would go on to become a cult classic beloved by cinephiles, animation fans and professionals on both sides of the Pacific.

Dir. Takeshi Koike, 2010, 102 min., Digital, color, in Japanese with English subtitles. With Takuya Kimura, Yu Aoi.

LeSean Thomas on Redline:
“I mean, what can I say about Redline? Redline, to me, is an anime version of Blade Runner. It’s a seminal work and groundbreaking no matter when you watch it. It’s a technical marvel, and something only Takeshi Koike could do. Redline is Takeshi Koike’s magnum opus.” LeSean would go on to work with Koike in his Netflix series Yasuke, with Koike contributing the project’s character designs. “To be able to have Koike design all the characters for Yasuke is a dream come true. To be able to work with my anime production idol closely was outstanding.”

About LeSean Thomas
South Bronx-born LeSean Thomas is among the distinguished few Black Americans making their mark in the TV anime industry and is currently the only Black American to successfully create, produce and direct original TV anime series in Japan. LeSean’s most recent triumph is the critically acclaimed and NAACP Image Award-nominated Netflix series Yasuke. 

Part of Foreign Exchange: Anime Inspirations & Visionaries with LeSean Thomas

Admission to this film also includes free entry to the Japan Society Gallery’s Acky Bright: Studio Infinity, Japanese pop culture illustrator Acky Bright’s first solo gallery exhibition in NYC.

Image: © 2010 Katsuhito Ishii, GASTONIA / MADHOUSE / REDLINE Partners.

Co-organized with the Japan Foundation, New York and the Imagination Project Inc.

Japan Society programs are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Film programs are generously supported by ORIX Corporation USA, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Anime NYC and Yen Press. Endowment support is provided by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund and The John and Miyoko Davey Endowment Fund. Additional season support is provided by The Globus Family, George P. Hirose, David Toberisky, Joseph Rajaratnam and Dharshini Iolanthe Sivakumaran, and Film Circle members.

Transportation assistance is provided by Japan Airlines, the official Japanese airline sponsor of Japan Society Film Program. Housing assistance is provided by the Prince Kitano New York, the official hotel sponsor of Japan Society Film Program.