Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Alita: Battle Angel is a sci-fi action film directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by James Cameron, adapted from Yukito Kishiro’s manga series Gunnm (also known as Battle Angel Alita). Set in a dystopian future, the story centers around Alita (portrayed by Rosa Salazar), a cyborg who is discovered in a scrapyard by Dr. Dyson Ido (Christoph Waltz), a cybernetics expert.
After being revived, Alita has no memory of her past but soon realizes she possesses extraordinary combat abilities. As she embarks on a journey to uncover her true identity, she becomes entangled in the gritty, dangerous world of Iron City, where she faces off against powerful enemies, including ruthless bounty hunters and a corrupt ruling elite.
Throughout the film, Alita grapples with her developing human emotions, forming meaningful connections with Dr. Ido and a young man named Hugo (Keean Johnson), while confronting the forces that seek to manipulate her. Along the way, she uncovers her ties to an ancient war and an advanced technology with the potential to alter the future of humanity.
Alita: Battle Angel is renowned for its groundbreaking visual effects, especially in the creation of the character Alita, seamlessly blending CGI with live-action to deliver a visually striking experience. The film is packed with high-octane action sequences, intricate world-building, and themes that explore identity, self-discovery, and what it means to be human.
Although the film was praised for its visuals and action, it sparked debate among fans regarding its faithfulness to the original manga.
Nevertheless, Alita: Battle Angel remains a visually stunning and thought-provoking addition to the sci-fi genre.