Mardock Scramble: The First Compression: Director's Cut
Released By: Manga Entertainment

Rating: 18

Running Time: 60 Mins

Audio: English and Japanese DD 5.1

Release Date: Out Now!

Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

The story concerns young Rune Balot, a prostitute who through her young life has been left alone by her mother for reasons that are not explained in the movie. In her loneliness she searches for those who will see her as a friend, and unfortunately finds her way into men's beds, even perfect strangers, not understanding the dangers she would be putting herself in. In her search for affection, she finds Shell, a cold-hearted and cruel man who acts as her pimp. His evil knows no bounds and when he doesn't have any further use for her, one day he gets her into his car, makes love to her, and leaves, locking her in the car, and gassing her to death. The police want answers and bring her back to life in order to find out who the killers are that committed the crime.

Dr. Easter is a scientist who has worked on Rune, bringing her back to full health as a cyborg with the help of Oeufcoque a golden mouse. She can be herself once again, not the hurt teenager before. She has power now, and an enhanced body that can do much damage as it can take. She still feels tainted from what Shell had done to her, but she hopes that her new found companions can look beyond what sort of person she was before. Easter and Oefcoque don't seem to be bothered about it, only that she be given the chance to make Shell's life a living hell - which she does before long.

Tow Ubukata's latest offering is a far cry from his previous works; Le Chevalier D'Eon, and Fafner-Dead Agressor. Mardock Scramble, is richly animated with striking scenery, strong characters and a lot of violence and intense drama.

Bonus Material: None

Verdict: An interesting movie if you just see it as an exciting sci-fi anime