The final installment of the science-fiction trilogy based on Naoki Urusawa’s bestselling manga, “20th Century Boys: Redemption” sees the newly returned Kenji (Toshiaki Karasawa), his neice Kanna (Airi Taira), and his childhood friends teaming up to take down Friend before his plan to destroy humanity takes effect. Following his ‘resurrection’ in the previous film, Friend has now become a globally recognized deity. He plans to carry out the apocalyptic prophecies foretold decades before which speak of alien invasion leading to the death of all who do not believe in him.
Jumping forward a few years from the previous film, Friend’s power over mankind is now assured after the performance of a ‘miracle’ established him as a god. The film sees Kanna and Yoshitsune (Teruyuki Kagawa) as the head of rebel groups fighting to free mankind from his rule. Meanwhile, Kenji has returned; Otcho (Etsushi Toyokawa) and the manga artist continue their quest for revenge; and many other character return to play their part in the unfolding chaos. “20th Century Boys: Redemption” brings everything full circle, with the relationships between Kenji’s sister Kiriko (Hitomi Kuroki), Friend, and Kanna fleshed out, as well as an ultimate showdown with the villain. The showdown feels a little underwhelming as Friend with the help of Yanbo and Mabo creates two flying saucers and an improved giant robot courtesy of Professor Shikishima. It feels like a retread of the first film in many ways, with the plan this time being to wipe out the entirety of the world’s population rather than simply a significant portion of it. The final reveal of Friend likewise seems rushed and as the credits roll there is a sense of anti-climax. However, in a further twist there is a true ending after the credits that does a good job of bringing an emotional resolution to the stories of both Kenji and Friend. Whether you feel that conclusion is worth the time spent on this epic trilogy is up to you, but it shows an understanding that the heart of the film has always been the relationships between the main cast.
“20th Century Boys” is an entertaining film that realises childhood science-fiction fantasies of spaceships, giant robots, a mysterious villain, plans for world domination and destruction, and a team of unlikely heroes banding together to save the world. The timeless mix of action, humour and heart carry us through the increasingly bizarre and unlikely scenarios the characters find themselves in. The central theme of the film, that of our relationship with the past and its effect on our future selves, is well done and it is novel to see the characters portrayed in the various eras, from children to adults and how they each deal with tragedy and trauma in their own unique ways. There is a lot going on in all three films and at times it feels a little directionless, but the simple way that it ties everything together, while it might seem trite, is a fitting conclusion to the insanity that precedes it. Overall, an entertaining blockbuster with a lot of heart and an uplifting message about the power of friendship.
