When it comes to science fiction, I’m pretty much a take it or leave it kind of guy. Most of the time, I tend to leave it. I’ve never been much of a fan of the bright, shiny future films. Even 2001: A Space Odyssey and I, Robot are too pristine and clean for me. I’ve also never really gotten into the futuristic hero sagas a la Star Wars. I appreciate all of these films for what they did for the world of cinema, but I’ve never been much of a super-fan.

There are a few very notable exceptions to that rule, though, and one of them is Blade Runner. Part of the reason I love that film (and have written about it in depth for college classes and elsewhere) is because the future isn’t portrayed very kindly. It’s still a dirty world with rampant crime, homelessness and twisted values. There are no beautiful garden planets to run away to. There’s just the dirty city with acid rain, littered streets and the occasional flying car or android.

Along with Blade Runner, Akira, The City of Lost Children and Brazil, Renaissance now stands firmly in that small group of sci-fi films that I consider to be masterpieces. Set in Paris a mere 47 years in the future, it is the story of Karos, a highly respected cop with a shady past who is put in charge of finding a missing scientist. The deeper he digs into the case, the more convoluted the motives for finding her become.

It’s a rich, rewarding story that constantly twists and turns. It’s the kind of story that unfolds at its own pace, drawing you in until, before you know it, you’re unwilling to pause the DVD for even a bathroom break. It’s that good.

By now, you’ve probably noticed the screencaps and you’re wondering why I’m spending all this time talking about story instead of talking about the animation. That’s because I want anyone who reads this review to know that Renaissance is, firstand foremost, an engaging noir thriller that just happens to also be animated. About a third of the way through, I stopped paying attention to the jaw-dropping visuals and started worrying about the characters.

That’s saying something.

Renaissance is a visual wonder. Rendered in stark black and white, the movie looks stunning. There are very few grays in the entire film, and color is only used twice (and to great effect). The animation itself is seamless. Using CGI and motion capturetechnology, the filmmakers were able to accurately portray gun fights, club scenes, car chases and everyday life on the Paris streets while still maintaining an artistic, animated feel.

It’s the kind of movie that will make any fan of visual art marvel and, at the same time, make any fan of gritty sci-fi grin from ear to ear. Paris in 2054 is rendered much like the world of Blade Runner, with giant corporations advertising all around the city, promising a beautiful future to all who can afford it. There are filthy sewers, dirty subway tunnels, homeless shelters and free clinics for the destitute. Above it all are glass towers and elegance.

As for the voice acting, it’s mostly top-notch, featuring Daniel Craig (Casino Royale), Jonathan Pryce (Pirates of the Caribbean), Ian Holm (Lord of The Rings), Catherine McCormack (A Sound of Thunder, 28 Weeks Later) and Romola Garai (Vanity Fair, Nicholas Nickleby). My only complaint with the film actually is Garai, whose dialogue comes off stilted in places. That could be a problem with the script but I found it funny that I only noticed it when her character was speaking.

That’s a minor complaint though. Renaissance is a fantastic film and I highly, highly recommend you check it out.

Presentation
The film looks stunning. Since it’s entirely digitally created, you would expect no less. This film is all blacks, and although I’ve used the word a number of times already, I can’t help but say it again. It simply looks stunning. The audio is also amazing. The 5.1 sound captures everything exquisitely and you’ll hear raindrops all around you, bullets fly past your ears and soft sighs all with the same clarity.

Extras
There is only one on here. It’s the Making of Renaissance featurette. Presented entirely in French with English subtitles, it’s informative enough but not all that surprising. It was worth watching once just to hear the filmmakers cite what their influences and motivations were, however anyone who has ever seen a "making of" featurette involving motion capture CGI will likely find it to be a bit boring.

The Bottom Line
Renaissance is a must see movie. It’s thrilling. It’s beautiful and like any great sci-fi film, it’s believable. Do yourself a favor and check this film out.