“Strained metaphysics dovetail with urban and architectural nostalgia in this exquisitely realized, minutely detailed Japanese anime.” - VarietyAdapted from the popular work of manga artist Taiyo Matsumoto, Tekkonkinkreet - a pun on the words ‘concrete', ‘iron' and ‘muscles' - sees two (literally) high-flying urchins struggling against the cruelty of their surreal-looking metropolis. These orphans are forced to engage in a war to protect the soul of their city, as well as themselves.From a pedigree of visual effects in films such as Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke and Hollywood blockbuster The Abyss, Michael Arias takes out the auspicious honour of being the first foreigner to direct a feature-length anime film in Japan. In this, he combines the latest in 3G CGI technology with more traditional Japanese anime techniques to awe-inspiring effect. MIFF recommends: Age 15+. Mild adult themes, some coarse language, mild sexual references, moderate violence and a drug reference.