The rain never seems to stop on Mars. Not the red dust storms you might expect, but a persistent, grimy drizzle that slicks the towering neon canyons of Saint Lowell. It’s a city choking on its own technological marvels, a place where humanity clings to life under biodomes while wrestling with the implications of its own creations. And into this suffocating gloom steps Ross Sylibus, an Earth cop haunted by loss, only to be partnered with Naomi Armitage – a woman whose aggressive style and barely-there attire are the least unusual things about her. Armitage III: Poly Matrix drops you straight into this mire, a cyberpunk noir that feels less like a story being told and more like a chilling premonition whispered late at night.
Right from the start, Armitage III establishes a thick, almost palpable atmosphere. Much like its clear progenitor, Blade Runner, this is a future coated in grime and melancholy. The 1997 movie version, Poly Matrix, is actually a condensed edit of the original 1995 four-part OVA (Original Video Animation) series. While this streamlining inevitably trims some narrative fat – and perhaps some muscle too – it creates a relentless forward momentum perfectly suited for its hardboiled mystery plot. Detective Sylibus arrives on Mars seeking refuge from a past tragedy involving rogue cybernetics, only to find himself investigating a series of brutal murders targeting "Thirds" – highly advanced androids virtually indistinguishable from humans, except perhaps for their impossible beauty and mysterious origins. His partner, the fiery Armitage, knows more than she lets on, her own existence deeply entangled with the victims they pursue.
The animation, typical of mid-90s high-budget anime, delivers a world that felt stunningly detailed back on our flickering CRT screens. The blend of traditional cel animation with early CGI for some backgrounds or tech elements gives Saint Lowell a distinct, tangible feel. Directors Takuya Satō and Kevin Seymour (for the English adaptation) conjure a vision of Mars that's both technologically advanced and decaying, a pressure cooker of societal tension where anti-android sentiment runs high. The score complements this perfectly, a blend of moody synthwave and occasional bursts of action cues that heighten the noirish dread and the cyberpunk cool.
One of the most talked-about aspects of Poly Matrix, especially upon its Western VHS release, was its star-studded English dub cast – a rarity for anime at the time. Landing Kiefer Sutherland (then known for films like Flatliners and Young Guns) to voice the gruff, cynical Ross Sylibus was a significant coup. Sutherland delivers a suitably world-weary performance, grounding the character's trauma and determination. More controversial, perhaps, was the casting of Elizabeth Berkley as Naomi Armitage. Fresh off the notoriety of Showgirls, her sometimes flat, detached delivery was often criticized. Yet, viewed through a retro lens, doesn't that slight emotional distance almost suit a character wrestling with her artificial nature, trying to understand or emulate human feeling? It’s a debate fans still have. And for a real "before they were famous" kick, listen closely for the voice of Ross's ill-fated Martian partner, Eddie Barrows – it's none other than Bryan Cranston (credited as Lee Stone), years before he’d become Walter White or Hal Wilkerson. Finding these familiar voices pop up in unexpected places was part of the joy of exploring the anime shelves at the local video store.
The creation of Armitage III itself carries echoes of the themes it explores. The character designs by Hiroyuki Ochi aimed for a more realistic (by anime standards) look than many contemporaries, grounding the fantastical elements. The original OVA series allowed writers Chiaki J. Konaka (later known for Serial Experiments Lain) and Akinori Endo more room to explore the philosophical questions about artificial life and prejudice. Condensing it into the Poly Matrix feature required tough choices, sometimes simplifying complex relationships or subplots. Reportedly, the English dub script also took liberties, occasionally altering dialogue to streamline the plot or perhaps tone down certain elements for Western sensibilities, a common practice during the 90s anime import boom. Discovering the original OVA after seeing Poly Matrix on VHS often felt like uncovering deleted scenes, adding layers back to the story.
Beyond the slick visuals and recognizable voices, Armitage III: Poly Matrix grapples with classic cyberpunk anxieties. What defines humanity? Can artificial life possess a soul, the capacity to love, or the right to exist? The persecution of the Thirds mirrors real-world prejudices, adding a layer of social commentary beneath the action and intrigue. Armitage herself is the focal point of this – her struggle for identity, her violent defense mechanisms, and her burgeoning connection with Ross force uncomfortable questions. The film doesn't shy away from the darker aspects, featuring moments of startling violence and a pervasive sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. Did that final reveal about Armitage's origins genuinely catch you off guard back then? It certainly added another complex layer to her character.
The action sequences are well-executed for their time, often brutal and kinetic. Armitage's fluid, almost inhuman fighting style contrasts effectively with Ross's more grounded, police-procedural approach. While some plot points might feel rushed due to the condensed format, the core mystery remains compelling, driving towards a confrontation that feels both personal and politically charged.
Armitage III: Poly Matrix stands as a potent example of 90s cyberpunk anime – dark, stylish, violent, and thought-provoking. It successfully blends high-octane action with noir sensibilities and existential questions. The atmospheric world-building is top-notch, and the central mystery keeps you hooked. While the Poly Matrix edit might sacrifice some of the OVA's depth, it offers a focused, intense experience. The unique English voice cast adds a fascinating layer of retro curiosity. It might not reach the philosophical heights of Ghost in the Shell, but it carves out its own distinct niche.
Justification: Poly Matrix delivers strongly on atmosphere, visuals, and its core cyberpunk mystery (8/10 potential). The notable English voice cast is a significant point of interest for retro fans (+0.5). However, the condensed nature compared to the OVA can make the plot feel slightly rushed or less developed in places (-1), and Berkley's performance, while fitting in some ways, can be jarring (-0.5). The result is a compelling, stylish, and memorable piece of 90s sci-fi anime that feels right at home in the VHS Heaven collection, even with its imperfections.
For fans of gritty sci-fi and the distinct flavour of 90s anime, Armitage III: Poly Matrix remains a darkly fascinating trip back to a future that felt disturbingly possible, best watched under the flickering glow of a lone television late at night.