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So, what's it about? Well, the earth is pretty fucked really. There's been an all out nuclear war, set in the near future. There aren't many people left on the planet, and all the resources are draining away pretty quickly. Flowers can't grow, and the planet is waiting for some kind of miracle, before it becomes a barren rock.

There are protectors, the 'fists of the stars' as it were. they are a band of brothers, who one assumes (it's never made clear) protect, or at least rule, certain lands. Our hero is Ken, who is the Fist of the North Star mentioned in the title. He is betrayed by his best friend, the fist of the south, who batters him, and steals his woman, julia. before she leaves she slips him the seeds of life, that they had hoped would restore the earth. lying on the floor, l;ooking like shit, ken is picked up by another of his brothers, who throws hin down a canyon and promptly uses his powers to start an earthquake. Brotherly love eh?

Well, of course he doesn't die! he turns up five minutes later when a little girl is being attacked, but he's made of stone. then all the rubble dissapears and he's back, obi wan kenobi like, in a robe, and looking quite well for a bloke who's fallen down a canyon. he then promptly kicks the bad guys asses, in major style (when he touches them, thier heads explode)

The rest of the movie involves the usual revenge, and merely follows Ken on his ultra violent quest to find his woman, avenge his death, and help that little girl use the seeds of life to re grow the earth. There is also a sub-plot that his brother Raul wants his place as fist of the north star, so of course there's a bit of fighting over that.

on the whole, it's very predictable, but the animation, and sheer inventiveness of the situation carries the movie. Also in it's favour is the ultra-violence that reigns throughout.

If you want to explore the world of manga - give this a shot. its animation is still stunning today. if you like violence - this is fucking unmissable.

link directly to this review at http://www.efilmcritic.com/review.php?movie=2072&reviewer=96
originally posted: 05/22/99 20:45:41
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