Author: stoo1985

Patema Inverted tells the tale of a young princess called Patema. She lives in an underground kingdom of tunnels and mines. Like most princesses she’s itching to explore her world, much like her late father who was an avid explorer.

One day she breaks the rules by exploring where she shouldn’t and ends up meeting a mysterious solider standing on the ceiling of the corridor, startled she falls backwards into a bottomless pit – or is it?

Cut to Age, a school student who daydreams of flying, much like his father who died trying to navigate the skies. He’s awoken from his dreams when he discovers Patema hanging onto a chain linked fence for dear life as she hangs helpless falling towards…the sky!

In Ages Government Patema is described as an Inver – a sinner, who is taken by the sky to be punished, it’s as if hell is up instead of down etc. Age does his best to keep Patema hidden from authority and figure out a way to return her to her underground kingdom.

From director of A Time of EVE, Yasuhiro Yoshiura took us on this journey originally as four original net animes back in 2012. I have to admit, I did enjoy the film – I loved the concept of the story! When watching the film, it could be almost translated into a Disney princess fairy-tale! All they need is a lovely mascot that they can merchandise the crap out of! The wicked witch in this tale? Evil corrupted government officials!

My highlights of the film outside of the concept were the pay off during the last act of the film, when Age is reading into his father’s past and several mysteries are revealed!

The story did run a little long for me; it might just be the problem with a four part mini-series being edited into a feature length film. I felt the final confrontations just seemed too long for my liking, we we’re waiting, just about to get the conclusion and then X,Y & Z happens.

When it comes to the ALL THINGS ANIME  Blu-Ray release of Patema Inverted includes several interviews and spots. It’s presented in Japanese 5.1, as well as a English dub, which I viewed this film with. We’re also treated to Audio commentary from the director and the Japanese voice actors for the leading characters.

Overall, Anime fans I would rate it 4/5, you should really check this one out. BUT, honestly for me, it’s a one watch wonder. Ciao!

3/5