Movies / Animé and Toons

TO: Film Collection

By Chris Zimmerman
June 15, 2011 - 13:03

Japan’s affinity for science fiction has led to some of the most notable fiction within the genre such as Ghost in the Shell and Akira, while influencing other works like the matrix. In recent years, the country has seen an influx of computer animated films that blend realism with the stylistic choices of anime to add a distinct look that makes them unique to the country.

Films such as Appleseed and Vexille have seen varying degrees of success. TO is the latest to come out of the country, dividing it’s attention between two shorts that explore humanity’s relationship with space.

The first of the films is titled Elliptical Orbit and focuses on a terrorist plan to use a space freighter named the Flying Dutchman to destroy the moon. The film spends the majority of it’s runtime developing the relationship between the space personnel and the terrorist group. Of course this is all a metaphor for the many conflicts humanity constantly endures at its own hands.

The second short, Symbiotic Planet takes us even further in the future to demonstrate how little we understand about life throughout the universe and life in general as it pertains to us. The film see’s America and Russia making their way to a new world to establish their control over it. While investigating the unknown world, an dangerous virus fungus breaks out, infecting the American base. At the heart of it all is a pair of explorers that seek to defy the international conflicts along with the menace of the terrain.

Both films are adaptations from the original manga work of Yukinobu Hoshino’s 2001 Nights manga. Both films detail the human condition in regards to our infatuation with space and the greater beyond. The two films also show how humanity’s limited ability to put its differences aside and work together for the greater good.

The movies are housed on a pair of DVD’s. Each disc has its own set of extras pertaining to the films, with the bulk of which being staff interviews, followed by production teasers. While there isn’t much added insight to be had here, the interviews are good for a listen for fans of the films. The usual assortment of Funimation trailers fill out the rest of the discs.

In all, both films are affecting works of cinema that deliver a meaningful message of humanity’s wasted potential coupled with entertaining stories that facilitate that theme. Couple that with the artistic merits of the films and TO is veritable treat for the eyes and the mind. Consider it a must watch for Sci-fi fans.

B+

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 - 16:51