Have you ever imagined an AI-governed world, free from conflicts arising from human ambition? The series “Moonrise” seems to have done just that. From this idea, and a lunar rebellion, the series unfolds into a truly captivating science fiction world that is sure to please fans of the genre.
“Moonrise” is a Netflix original animation that plunges us into a large-scale conflict set in a divided future, where the destinies of Earth and its lunar neighbor collide. Produced by the acclaimed Wit Studio, known for its visually stunning and narratively compelling works, “Moonrise” has generated considerable buzz due to the collaboration of renowned creators, including the director of “Attack on Titan” and the character designer of “Fullmetal Alchemist.” All 18 episodes of the series are now available on Netflix.
A Roster of Anime Heavyweights
Behind the creation of this ambitious series is a team of incredibly talented individuals. Directing “Moonrise” is Masashi Koizuka, a name familiar to many for his work as director on seasons 2 and 3 of the popular series “Attack on Titan.” His experience in directing large-scale, action-packed narratives makes him the perfect choice for a science fiction series centered on a major conflict. Koizuka’s directorial skills are further highlighted by his involvement in the upcoming remake of “One Piece,” indicating his aptitude for adapting and reimagining beloved stories.
The writing of “Moonrise” is led by Tow Ubukata, who not only created the original novel on which the series is based but is also responsible for writing the anime’s scripts. Ubukata is a celebrated science fiction writer, known for his contributions to acclaimed series like “Psycho-Pass” and “Ghost in the Shell: Arise.”
The animation of “Moonrise” is being crafted by Wit Studio, a powerhouse in the anime industry recognized for its exceptional work on series such as “Attack on Titan,” “Spy x Family,” and “Vinland Saga.” The studio’s reputation for high production values and captivating animation promises a visually stunning experience for viewers.
Adding to this creative ensemble are the character concepts designed by Hiromu Arakawa, the iconic manga artist behind “Fullmetal Alchemist.” Ayumi Yamada, who also worked on “Attack on Titan,” is adapting Arakawa’s concepts for the animation, ensuring a consistent visual style.
The music of “Moonrise,” crucial for setting the tone and enhancing the emotional impact, is composed by Ryou Kawasaki, known for his work on series like “Yu-Gi-Oh! Sevens” and “Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia.”
This convergence of talent, each with a proven track record in creating successful and critically acclaimed anime, points to a high level of expertise and a shared commitment to producing a quality series in “Moonrise.”
The Plot
The world of “Moonrise” unfolds in the not-too-distant future, where humanity has established a global presence, with settlements on both Earth and the Moon. On Earth, a seemingly peaceful existence is maintained under the watchful eye of an international artificial intelligence network known as Sapientia. This AI governs the world, making rational decisions aimed at ensuring harmony among its inhabitants. However, this peace comes at a price for those living on the Moon. Treated as a penal colony and a dumping ground for Earth’s pollutants, the Moon has become a place of inequality and poverty. This unequal treatment has ignited a fierce desire for independence among the lunar residents, setting the stage for a potential war with Earth. At the heart of this brewing conflict is Jacob “Jack” Shadow, a young man from Earth whose life is irrevocably changed when his family falls victim to a terrorist attack orchestrated by the Moon’s rebel army. Driven by an unyielding thirst for revenge, Jack enlists in Earth’s army as a scout, vowing to make those responsible pay for his loss. His mission takes him to the Moon, the very place where he seeks vengeance. However, his time on the lunar surface leads him to an unexpected discovery: the leader of the resistance forces is none other than his former best friend, Phil Ashe. This revelation adds a deeply personal dimension to the conflict, forcing Jack to confront not only his desire for revenge but also the complex realities of war and the motivations behind his friend’s rebellion. The role of the AI Sapientia in this world, while seemingly maintaining order on Earth, appears to be a central catalyst for the conflict, raising questions about the true nature of its control and the definition of peace it imposes.
The narrative of “Moonrise” centers on the intertwined destinies of Jacob “Jack” Shadow and Phil Ashe. Voiced by Chiaki Kobayashi in Japanese and Alan Lee in English, Jack begins as an Earth soldier driven by personal tragedy and a quest for revenge. His journey to the Moon forces him to confront his past and question his loyalties when he comes face-to-face with the rebellion’s leader. Phil Ashe, voiced by Yūto Uemura in Japanese and Ryan Colt Levy in English, is the charismatic leader of the Moon’s fight for independence. Once a close friend of Jack, Phil’s experiences on the Moon have shaped his convictions and ambitions, leading him down the path of resistance against Earth’s dominance. The supporting cast of “Moonrise” further enriches the narrative landscape. Aina The End lends her voice to the character of Mary, while Kōsuke Takaguchi voices Osma, and Satoshi Yamaguchi portrays Duan. These and other characters, such as Rhys Rochelle, voiced by Misaki Yamada, and Georg Landry, voiced by Katsunori Okai, contribute to the intricate web of relationships and conflicts that define the series. The dynamic between Jack and Phil, former comrades now on opposing sides of a war, forms a crucial emotional core for the series. Their contrasting motivations and the evolution of their relationship will likely drive much of the story’s tension and thematic exploration. The diverse range of supporting characters hints at a multifaceted world with various perspectives on the central conflict, suggesting a narrative that goes beyond a simple good-versus-evil dichotomy.
Our Opinion
“Moonrise” has everything to please anime fans: action, characters with history, impressive animation, and, more importantly, plenty of fantasy and coherence in the script. From its opening moments (humming “Moon River,” the celebrated song popularized by Audrey Hepburn), it’s clear that this is a series that has been carefully crafted in all aspects and that was born with ambition, a lot of ambition: futuristic fantasy everywhere, well-drawn characters, and a whole new and exciting universe recreated in a well-constructed, coherent, and imaginative and intelligent fiction.
A series not to be missed? We would say yes, because the series has ambition to spare. It’s up to the fans to decide, but we can say that we loved “Moonrise.”
Where to Watch “Moonrise”
