Anime Review: "Strait Jacket"

Not just for straight jackets...
(there's a pun here)

Synopsis

Strait Jacket is set an alternate history where magic was proven to exist in the year 1899. The use of sorcery spread throughout society and changed the social and technological development of the world.

It was quickly discovered that abuse/overuse of magic can lead to the sorcerer being turned into a hideous, crazed abomination, generally referred to as a Demon. Demons have the undesirable characteristic of slaughtering anyone and everyone in their vicinity. Seen as a tool, a terrorist group - the Ottoman Organization - starts using Demons to deliver coordinated mayhem.

To control these dangerous outbursts, the Magic Administration Bureau creates and trains an elite force of tactical sorcerers (AKA "Sorcerists," also "Strait Jackets"). However, as these attacks become more frequent and more numerous, Sorcerists become over-burdened and under-equipped. Reluctantly, the Bureau must ask an unlicensed, rogue Sorcerist named Leiot Steinberg to help out. Steinberg's methods are unorthodox, and friction soon develops between him and head Sorcerist Isaac Hammond.

The Good

"I challenge the laws of nature and reason... !"

Full of bloody gore and violence, Strait Jacket is fun for the whole family. The badass Strait Jackets look awesome. It helps that they have a collection of destructive spells for engaging in bloody awesome battle.

The story centers on themes of Sin and Redemption. Consequently, there is plenty of intriguing dialogue.

Set in a steam-punk universe, the imagery of what the world could have looked like had magic been discovered during the Industrial Revolution is an interesting concept.

Don't mess with this guy.
He'll seriously f*#@ you up.

The Bad

A general lack of character development detracts from any depth or connection the viewer may have liked to have gained from the story.

The Gay

Sorcerist Isaac Hammond's blonde hair and stunning blue eyes are candy for the viewer. Even without a handsome man behind the mask, the Strait Jacket armor is sexy in its own right.

The Verdict

See it if you have the chance. Being a feature length film, this anime is a minimal investment of time. Despite its lack of depth, the violence and action are fun for viewing. While not as memorable, Strait Jacket would appear to have gained inspiration from greats like Full Metal Alchemist and Akira. Available via instant streaming on Netflix, check it out if you're in the mood for gory Japanese animation.