User reviews

Whoa. Everything seems to click in the right place with Jin-Rô. Awfully tragic and cold story of a man with the nature of beast trying to interact with an ordinary girl. Of course it's all wrapped around political conspiracy plots and lots of references to fairy tale "Little Red Riding Hood", but I think most of the time the movie still works quite nice as it is.

Animation is fluid and smooth, soundtrack is beautiful and the few action sequences the movie provides simply kick ass. But the main thing in Jin-Rô is the impossible and tragic relationship between a beast and a man. This aspect is done extremely well in the movie, thanks to supporting soundtrack, great voice actors and painfully emotional and touching end. I dare not to spoil it, but these kind of endings are rare in the movies, animated or real. Bold move, and it works like a dynamite.

Jin-Rô exceeded all my expectations, although they were quite high before I ever saw it.

Jin-Roh is one of those few animated films that not only transcends the boundaries of it's medium, but also displays more emotion, heart and depth than most live-action dramas. It is a film that destroys any preconceived notions any audience might have about the true power of animation and how much emotion "mere" drawings can convey. Upon viewing this great film one might ask why it was even animated in the first place. It probably would have been cheaper and easier to produce as a live-action feature, but herein lays the beauty of this sublime film: it is the strength and integrity of its animation that emphasize the dark, mysterious and surreal themes of the picture.

Jin-Roh was written by legendary Japanese director/writer/producer/animator Mamoru Oshii and directed by the freshman Hiroyuki Okiura. However, make no mistake about it, Jin-Roh looks, feels and IS an Oshii film, even having its gorgeous score written by long time Oshii partner Kenji Kawai. Jin-Roh explores the themes often touched upon by Oshii. Themes of human beings becoming detached alienated and threatened by the very technologies and societies they themselves have created.

Jin-Roh is, quite loosely, based upon the childhood story of Little Red Riding hood. It is set in an alternate reality where after WWII, Japan is under complete Martial Law becoming little more than a police-society upset by constant social unrest, political terrorism, and near civil war. The government set up the ultimate police force, the Wolf Brigade to combat the thousands of citizens fighting for economic stability, social justice and their identity as a nation ravaged by warfare. The revolutionaries have a special "unit" of terrorists that resemble Little Red Riding Hood. These girls dressed in red cloaks deliver baskets, baskets full of bombs, to their evil wolf-like Grandmother, the Wolf Brigade.

Although this story could have easily set itself up to be a military action-thriller, what transpires is nothing short of a harsh, tragic love story between one of the "hoods" and the very "wolf" she so desperately wants to kill. With that being said, Jin-Roh is, with out doubt, one of the most depressing journeys into the psyche of a soldier blinded by his idealistic, oppressive leaders, and a social revolutionist numb to life after years of civil and social unrest.

While watching live-action films it is easy to forget about all the craftsmanship that went into creating the final picture: it easier to view the film as an entity within itself. This is not the case with well-crafted animation. The viewer is constantly aware of the vast amounts of detail, heart and soul that were poured into each and every frame. Animation should be regarded as the pan-ultimate art form. Animated features are the only form of art to incorporate all of the major media: Film, acting, painting, writing and music. And Jin-Roh is a work of fine art when it comes to all of these aspects. The animation is smooth and natural, almost having a roto-scoped feel to it, the music is as moody, beautiful and moving as any soundtrack ever recorded, the director and layout artists worked together to craft each shot with the utmost care, and the script and it's delivery are near flawless.

If there is anyone out there who doubts the emotional power of mature, adult animation, then I challenge you to view Jin-Roh and not walk away marked by its brilliance. Once again Oshii has proved that animation, when done correctly, is not only beautiful, but it can also strengthen an already strong story and theme.

A bleak and complex political thriller written by Mamoru Oshii, that has many characteristics of other titles of his filmography, but lacks his directorial energy and better written characters, which makes for a quite confusing and slow film that doesn't manage to transmit very well all the emotional turmoil of the story (the flat animation of the characters doesn't help either). It has some wonderful isolated sequences, but as a whole is disappointing.

"Jin-Roh" or "The Wolf Brigade" is an amazing anime film. I had seen the 3-disc special edition DVD at a video store, and having never seen this movie before, I took a chance and bought it. I had heard nothing but good things about "Jin-Roh" and I was very pleased when I saw it.

The film is set in what it calls "an alternate Japan" and a special police force has been formed to defend the capital. It seems that the government is under constant threat from an underground terrorist organization that uses "Red Riding Hoods" (teenage girls) to deliver powerful explosives to the authorities. One of these "hoods" is cornered by Fuse in the sewers and in a grim act of suicide, blows herself up. Fuse who was right there, is instantly traumatized by the event, and is forced to undergo re-training at his academy. Seeking to gather information on her, he runs into the dead girl's older sister, who he befriends and eventually begins a romance with her. Soon forces in the government, as well as Fuse's own police unit, threaten to tear them apart and it becomes evident that the girl herself may or may not be all that she seems.

This is one of the most devastating films I've ever seen. They certainly picked the right actor to voice the gravely Fuse, who I don't think ever fully recovers from what happens. The soundtrack to this movie is one of the best I have ever heard. There are constant allusions to "Little Red Riding Hood" and excerpts from the story are read throughout the film, as it details with a lot of government conspiracy theory stuff.

The films ending, which I will not describe, is the saddest part of the film. Yet, movies, especially animated ones like "Jin-Roh", are rare. A film that focuses more on the emotions of the characters, much rather action and graphic bloodshed, like most anime films tend to do, is what "Jin-Roh" is. Though I won't let that discourage gore fans, as they will certainly get their fair share of blood and violent action when they watch "Jin-Roh", but be prepared to wait a while for any action.

As I stated earlier, this is one of the most depressing films I've ever seen. To say that Fuse's romance is doomed to end tragically is not saying much, as I expected that would happen. There is a lot of intrigue and conspiracy-like things going on in this movie and that sometimes tends to get in the way of the characters, but nonetheless I still awarded the film a 10 out of 10, and "Jin-Roh" is still a moving experience and it is one of the best anime films I have ever seen.

Watching this, it is important to make an overlooked distinction between Western and Japanese animation: while the former is often also considered as a genre and calls to mind a specific type of audience and story, the latter is purely a format. Many a film out there in the realm of anime could have been made as a live-action feature, even though in cases like Akira or Ghost in the Shell, the budget would have been prohibitive.

This distinction is particularly interesting to apply to Jin Roh: this could well have been live-action, and since its story, themes and execution put it well outside the Western boundaries for animation we need to ask ourselves why it is not only particularly suited to that medium, but can easily be counted among the finest animated features of all time.

Drawing countless parallels with the tale of Little Red Riding Hood - the original, somewhat pessimistic version - Jin Roh explores two characters on an inevitable collision course: a traumatized, counter-terrorist elite soldier and a young, female future suicide-bomber. Given the subject-matter, it is surprisingly apolitical, not siding with either faction or even exploring the roots of terrorism within the context of this story. In fact, to great and horrifying effect, it is more concerned with the mundane nature of it all, and the dehumanizing effect of their roles on the respective characters. This is a world without redemption, where the only choice is between embracing your role, or drifting off into an abyss.

Telling this very specific story through animation elevates it into a myth, into a horribly grounded adaptation of that ultimate suspicious authority-rejecting cautionary fairytale. Perhaps there is no grandma or little red riding hood, only wolves in people's clothing. It's hard to imagine a live-action version of Fuse's empty stare that could ever conjure the effect deployed here.

Finally, Jin Roh was the last fully hand-drawn Japanese animated feature (1999), and it uses its broad array of technical tool with a mastery and restrain that puts even a Pixar or Studio Gibli to shame.

If you want monsters and heroes and magic, go see something else... This is a moving example of how a good story incredibly well told can rip your heart out. A must-see!

After seeing this in the stores for a couple months and wondering if it was worth the $$$ i came to find out a friend of mine had bought it so he invited me over to check it out. Man am i ever glad he did because i would have been disappointed had i dropped the cash for it!!!

Jin-Roh is by no means a bad movie in fact it's quite good IF you have the patience it requires. After the opening riot scene things slow down ALOT. It's like 3/4 of the movie is spent building the movie up but it never really delivers in the end. I remember thinking "all that time for THIS ending?!"

As far as the animation, it is top notch. There is definetly an epic feel at work. Sound is also superb.

I think if maybe there had been a bit more action in the middle of this show it would have gone a long way in making this a bit more interesting.

Killer start and then a long middle and finally a pretty unsatisfying ending added up to something i wasn't thrilled about seeing save maybe for the art it'self.

I am pleased to see anime producing more mature adult titles. I am sick of mechs, dbz, and f#*king tentacles. For a welcome change from the above mentioned crap check Jin-Roh out(hey this review was just my opinion, you may love it) or better yet go pick up the far superior Perfect Blue

Set in a alternate version of history were Japan never fully recovers socially or economically from WWII, Jin-Ro focuses on the doomed relation ship between two individuals with conflicting backgrounds and loyalties. The film opens with a bang but never really gets its pacing on track afterwards. Other issues include the confusing twists and turns the plot takes (maybe I just watched it to late, but was lost 3/4 in.)and the red riding hood comparisons, while interesting in places, are overused and quickly become pretentious and rather preachy. Getting those complaints off my chest, Jin-ro is also very thought provoking, superbly animated,stylish and well crafted. Recommended.

The plot of Jin-Roh is set in a fictitious Tokyo, several years after the second World War. Violent combats between an anti-administration terrorist organization and the capital's para-military police rock the city over and over again. When Fuse, a member of the capital's police force, gets suspended after a young terrorist messenger blows herself up in front of his eyes, he tries to search for more information about her but gets mired in a secret power struggle between the administration and the capital's police force.

The plot of "Jin-Roh" is so sophisticated, it can hardly be described without spoiling some very important facts. The movie then comes up with several stunningly surprising twists that one would hardly have anticipated. But despite, respectively, due to the movie's complexity, it is sometimes hard to follow properly the events and incidents. There are so many different organizations interacting and intriguing, which shall not mean, that the story is inconsistent. Rather are all relationships and hierarchies between the organizations (police, administration, ministries) brilliantly thought-out, but the fact that everybody seems to play off against one another, doesn't make it clear who belongs to whom until the end. I had to watch the movie twice, before realizing every aspect of the story.

All this may sound like an ordinary political crime plot, but let me tell you, it is something totally unique. The plot's obscurity perfectly fits its grim atmosphere. The idea of a fictitious past is excellently illustrated by the streets and locations, that seem familiar, but at the same time totally strange.

The movie's subjects about guilt, atonement and living with burden make it also pretty depressing, but at the same time, a special cinematic experience, due to its unique stylistic features, such as narrating the story of "Little Red Riding Hood and the evil wolf" during several scenes, which accurately fits the events in the movie itself.

All in all, one of the greatest and most unique movies, that I have seen, Mamoru Oshii, once again, created a brilliant and intelligent plot, whose complexity sometimes really reminds oneself of Oshii's "Ghost in the shell". The movie's overwhelming picture language and music contribute to its excellence.

osb.: GiS = Ghost in the Shell

I found this film to be a highly entertaining police thriller in the same vein as Ghost in the Shell in terms of characterization (of course, the premise was vastly different). It wasn't any timeless work of art and nothing compared to Miyazaki's output during the same period. To say that this was the best anime of the 1990's is ludicrous from my point of view: Ghibli alone made about 4-5 films better than this one in the decade, Ghost in the Shell is also a better film than this one.

Overall, I would recommend this film to anime fans and fans of police thrillers but not film buffs in general.

It's hard to begin describing this, but I can only recommend it. Taking place in a bleak, and fully believeable alternate version of post-WW2 Tokyo, Jin-Roh accomplishes all the things that other anime cinema movies who were hailed as the holy grail of anime didn't accomplish, or at least never accomplished so well. And Jin-Roh does it with style.

The animation is very impressive, without even really trying. No overly flashy effects are hurled in your face in a "lookie here!" fashion, instead we get sobre, lifelike and extremely realistic chara designs that move with wonderful fluidity through some very beautiful backgrounds. The "less of you is more" effect is used to it's full extent here to create a foreboding and terribly tragic atmosphere.

The story, at it's most basic is a doomed lovers tale. Jin-Roh doesn't try to shock or disgust (though there are a few very frightening violent scenes in there), but wants to make you cry genuine tears of sorrow, and succeeds in every way.

The movie's approach is subtle, slow and delicate, and leaves a huge impact, exactly because it plays on a smaller scale. The fairy tale of the Little Red Riding Hood, and the image of the wolf (or "the beast" in general) are used throughout the movie with the same sobre flair. Apart from the main doomed lovers theme, there's also a very impressive story of betrayal and political intrigue in there, which adds a dash of suspense. Kudos to the great designs of the Panzer armors as well, who look powerful, and in some moments truly frightening.

In short, Jin-Roh is a wonderful piece of work, full of beauty and intelligence. It's not quite possible to make clear how strong this film is on paper, but watching it will leave an unforgettable impression. It's a stylish tragedy that makes you think as well as makes you cry. Don't hesitate to seek this out.

Jin-Roh, is a very impressive movie from a technical stand point. What is perhaps, most impressive about it, is the plot twists as well as the story. Jin-Roh gives new meaning to the word "Betrayel". It's truly a frightening movie from that point of view. It has a strange artistic look to it. It doesn't seem very Japanese. It's much to dark, gloomy and depressing. The action is far and in between, but when it comes, it is very good. The plot is not the most important thing about the movie. It's more the relationship between the characters. I guess, to be fair, the weakest aspect of Jin-Roh, is definitely that it can feel very slow and stretched out. It has this calm and gritty feel to it, but when things start to happen, the viewer sits on the edge of their seats and wait what will happen.

Jin-Roh is betrayal in a movie. It's a very unique anime that totally goes away from the anime mainstream, which makes it difficult to compare it to anything actually. And while it may be slow and a bit at drag at time, it's definitely worth watching, just for the sake of it.

7/10

'Jin-Roh' is quiet possibly the best animated film to have come out in the 1990's. Sticking with the classical animation style, the creators of 'Jin-Roh' concocted one of the most impactful stories that I have ever seen on celluloid. Even though the plot is somewhat complex and the pacing of it slow-moving, I found myself drawn into the story of a hesistant storm trooper who falls for a bomb-carrying terrorist in a post-war Japan. As it progresses forth, we eventually see how more and more cold-blooded the film becomes. What really unnerved me was the interweaving of the real (uncut and uncensored) version of "Red Riding Hood". By the end of 'Jin-Roh', you can really feel as if you had your soul run over by a bus. The film's scathing look cruelty and depravity of human nature is unapologetic and unnerving. It will hit home in ways that some people may not fathom. To me, the message is that humanity should take a logical look at it's cruel side and try to find some way to keep it check. I loved this movie and I give it a 10 out of 10.

'Jin-Roh' is the best anime film of the 1990's and the second best anime all time.

Being falling into the genre of thriller, it quite didn't live up to the expectations of its defined ilk. Thrillers should be tight and tense but this film was rather sluggish and tedious. The screenplay dives more into complex character dynamics rather than the espionage setting. While it certainly makes it subtle and intellectually replete, it also makes the overall narrative a little frail.

What i liked more about the film was its character design. The characters are pretty good and sound down to the ground. The character of Fuse as a troubled soldier was quite impressive but the twist in the end and the subsequent change of his character was quite annoying. Considering the build up of the movie it was quite a risky choice but didn't pay off well for me. Hand drawn animations were exquisite and blissful too look.

The pace of movie was too slow. Nearing the middle of the film, it literally ceases to move. It only picks its pace in last 25 minutes of its narrative. It tries to explore the tumult of characters from their respective point of view. While it succeeds in its effort, it hugely hampers the flow of the film. In my opinion it could have easily been shortened by 15-20 minutes.

The setting of the film is extremely apt considering the grim tone of the film. The background score is consummate with the flow of film. Direction is pretty deft. From the very beginning to the very end the film is dark in its tone and is clearly not meant for children. The red riding hood allegory complements flawlessly to the background of the film. Sporadic violence depicted is superlative. So is the performance of voice cast.

SO, overall i enjoyed it only in bits due to its lethargic pace. I liked the animation and the music very much. If the screenplay would have been a little more sharp and would have been invested little more on the environs of the setting and the background of espionage, it would have been more satisfying. Nevertheless an above average, one time watch.

after reading many of the reviews i want to make the comment that i think movies like jin-roh should be judged as films and not just within the confines of the genre of anime. anime isn't really a genre, it's a type of film, but it's still a film and there's no reason why you wouldn't compare those elements that it shares in common with other films. i watched this film because i read so many excellent reviews for it; however, it's now clear that most of the reviews i read were looking at the film from a very narrow point of view. i'm not saying that i thought jin-roh was bad, it just wasn't very good. i have no problem with slow pacing or oblique narratives, it's just that, in the end, all this needs to add up to something. it wasn't that i was confused as to what was going on or unsure what characters were feeling etc., it's just that i didn't care. although the filmakers successfully engaged my emotions in the beginning, before long i was feeling as numb as the brooding hero, and by the end i was just thinking, "god, just get it over with."

I actually found the animation to be lacking. Maybe I am used to the latest Japanese animes that capture everything perfectly from expression to little details. That is not saying that it has bad animation, just that it looks like Akira, even if it is made in '98.

The story is great. I liked both the storytelling as the story itself, with many unexpected twists and (well, it IS Japanese) a very depressing atmosphere. The soundtrack is nice, too, as many people noticed.

What this movie is about is what it is to be human in an inhuman world. I think they specifically chose such a detailed yet alternate world to put the setting in. It is not science-fiction, is ultra-reality. It shows not the beauty of the world, but the place where we all sit to look through the window at a beautiful world that doesn't exist. The worldly waiting room.

It would be pointless to repeat who the characters are and what they do. Enough to say that this is a must see for anime fans as well as any other cinema lovers. If you want something bloody and pointless, watch something else.

I can compare it with Grave of the Fireflies, although it wasn't THAT heartbreaking, or with Akira. It also feels a lot like Natural City.

I saw this at the New York Japan Society two and a half years ago. The director was there to take part in a symposium on Anime. For some odd reason this film has not received wide-release even in the major US cities (as far as I know anyway). Having just visited Japan, I found that it is only now being released on DVD but not on VHS; supposedly there are bootlegs videos of it going around New York but with the visuals this film offers to watch a crappy version of it would be a shame. Anyway, the film's a good one, one of the better anime films, up there with "Akira" and the works of Miyazaki; it's much better than the director's previous work "Ghost in the Shell." Similar to "Ghost in the Shell," the plot is confusing but not to the point of causing frustration and/or sleep. It sort of reminds me of the begining of "Akira": an underground movement vs. the government--minus all that sci-fi garbage. The animation's state of the art as you should expect. The animation featured in anime is usually top of the line but it's the stories that tend to disappoint. This film is the exception, its got the animation and the story something only a handful of anime films can claim. If you can find it watch it. Highly recommended.

Very grim, down to earth movie, with wonderful direction. Jin Roh doesn't show off with extraordinary animation but compensates in plot and characters. The detailing is exceptional. Perhaps this is the most noticeable part of this movie. Wonderfully narrated Japanese version of the Little Red Riding Hood story, whose moral is the concept of Jin Roh, makes sad and heavy feeling to already grim movie.

Although this is an animated movie, in terms of the plot I would like to think of Jin Roh as a non-animated one, because of it's realistic manner. But then, there are some holes in the plot, although barely noticeable, but irritating and spoiling it's authenticity.

The drama in Jin Roh wasn't exaggerated but wasn't very touchable either. This makes the movie interesting but won't leave you with strong feelings after the movie is over.

Worth seeing. 7.5/10

Jin-Rô is an epic story that perfectly reflects on the problems of modern society. Despite the specific setting and the historical context (the film is based on the events in Germany in 1930's), the characters are striking in their realism and lack of pathos.

The main storyline is not about a particularly complicated relationship between a man and a woman, not even a struggle between the individual and society - it is primarily a struggle of a person with themselves and their self-awareness.

Sooner or later, each of us is faced with a choice: whether to become a "machine" of society and "do our duty", without thinking about the results of our actions, or, by overcoming many problems, live "as we please", independently choosing where, how and with whom.

Despite the deep meaning of the plot, the film still keeps you on the edge of you seat. Everything matters, every character and plotline.

Overall, this movie manages to perfectly maintain a steady balance between excitement and depth. This is a great work of art!

Jun-Roh: The Wolf Brigade, is an excellent anime gem. Recommended to me after seeing Ghost in the Shell and Akira, this film certainly holds its own. The movies style is cyberpunk and futuristic, a style I very much enjoyed. The story revolves around a political struggle between three competing factions in a futuristic Tokyo. The Police get along tepidly with a newer militarized faction of heavily armed soldiers called the Capital Police. These two groups compete to tamp down a revolutionary movement using violence to try and achieve their aims. This film is ultimately a political thriller, as factions within these groups compete, scheme and spy for control. We follow one particular member of the Capital Police, placed in training after he refused to shoot a revolutionary, who subsequently blew herself up. This scandal causes a rift in the Capital Police, and one faction begins to scheme with the police forces to take control of the capital. A counter group, called the Wolf Brigade, rails against them. Intrigue between these two groups pits our soldier in the middle, as the two sides seek too use him against the other side to achieve their aims.

This film is gorgeous and well detailed. The scenes here are dark and brooding, and the attention to detail, from the damp sewers, to the bustling city - both futuristic and antiquated in some ways, are stellar. One of my favourite parts of this movie was the intrigue; the spying and planning and subsequent political competition is very interesting. This was, on the whole, a very enjoyable movie with a lot going for it. Some minor detractions, involving the cliched Red Riding Hood allusions and some kinda corny Anime moments. This aside, I really enjoyed this film, and particularly liked the dark tone of the ending, which caught me by surprise. My first viewing is a 7/10, but I will certainly enjoy seeing this film again, and it continues to grow on me in some ways.

After seeing several ads, previews, and hearing about Jin Roh:The Wolf Brigade, I had to get my hands on it to see what it was all about. It was an endless search but I managed to get my hands on a copy. I am so glad I did eventually find it. I really didn't know what it was about, but I guess that was half the fun trying to figure it out. What attracted me to the movie first was the animation, very dark and realistic which you don't find a lot in anime's at least in my opinion. Everything about this movie I didn't find myself open mouthed and amazed. I love how the story of little red riding hood was read along with the movie matching it perfectly. The ending left me quite teary eyed and shocked with everything it offered. I highly suggest it for anime fans or non anime fans. It truly is a beautiful animated masterpiece.

Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade (1999) is currently available on Amazon Prime. The storyline follows a member of a task force that is disbanded after he failed to execute a little girl who was carrying a bomb. As he makes a healthy recovery he starts investigating the girl and eventually finds her sister. The sister is part of an organization that is against the government organization that originally created his task force. The former soldier will make a tough decision on which side to chose, the government that fired him and his friends or the side of the girl who destroyed his life...

This movie is directed by Hiroyuki Okiura (A Letter to Momo) in his directorial debut and contains the voices of Michael Dobson (Sausage Party), Moneca Stori (Inuyasha), Dale Wilson (Stay Tuned), Michael Kopsa (Fantastic Four) and Maggie Blue O'Hara (Dragon Ball Z).

The task force soldiers in this look awesome. The opening sequence is perfect and really sets the stage for the drama within this picture. The storyline unfolds well and has interesting characters. The dialogue is very good and has some great analogies. The animation is a bit inconsistent but good enough and the action scenes are excellent. The wolf tie-in is pretty good, especially during the dream sequences.

Overall this isn't a classic but is definitely an entertaining picture worth a viewing. I would score this a 7/10 and recommend watching it once.

To put it in context, I'm not a particular anime fan and I didn't know about the Kerberos saga.

But I'm still willing to risk having my expectations shattered.

First of all, the alternate history storyline is fascinating, even if it is slightly under-explained for someone who is not familiar with the saga canon.

Second, thematically, this film is clearly mature and angsty at times as it deals with what can be described as PTSD and terrorism. This maturity is also evident in the rather convoluted plot, which suffers from chronic incomprehension until the third act. The political intrigue, on the other hand, is present throughout the film, but loses the sense of being gripping in the middle section. The strong character-driven aspect of this film was positively refreshing.

The tragic and unexpected ending also raised eyebrows.

While this is certainly a commendably laborious production, the animation didn't particularly impress me. Nevertheless, some of the shots and designs are truly striking. The uniform of the special unit is a perfect example.

A perfectly solid, if imperfect, anime.

To be clear i am a big anime fan and really wanted to like this movie; the first 15 minutes really set the stage well but then it all crashes when the overly foggy political narratives start moving forward while relying with the two main characters. Which, unfortunately for the audience, are just victims of the script, with no motives, drive or an inch of charisma. Together their lines amount to maybe a couple of minutes but spend none of that time to build character or back-story. Resulting in the viewer really not caring about what ultimately happens to them. To add to the frustration there is this red-riding-hood analogy force fed to us several times during the movie meant to make us thing about who (of the two mains) is the wolf and who is the victim, but ultimately unnecessary. Overall it has some nice locations and style but it left me pretty much indifferent at the end.