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Special Features
- "The Making of Renaissance" featurette
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Style trumps substance in Renaissance, a 2006 French film whose breathtaking visuals largely overcome its shortcomings in the areas of story and character development. Detailed in a lengthy and absorbing "making of" featurette, the film's look is a combination of CG animation, motion capture, and a palette consisting solely of black & white (there are a few splashes of color late in the proceedings, but no gray whatsoever). And while it has a few obvious antecedents (the filmmakers readily acknowledge the influence of Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, not to mention the much earlier, Expressionist work of Fritz Lang and Orson Welles), Renaissance, with its commingling of heavily processed live action and graphic novel sensibilities, looks very little like anything you've ever seen before. The setting is Paris in the year 2054, and it is here that director Christian Volckman and his crew do their best work. The French capital is certainly recognizable (the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre's Sacre Coeur are two familiar landmarks), but its classic architecture is glazed with all manner of futuristic touches, from vast glass penthouses to layers of transparent walkways outside Notre Dame Cathedral; and with the preponderance of the action taking place at night, frequently in the rain, the City of Light more often suggests a very literal representation of film noir. As for the story, it's nothing special. Hard-nosed police Captain Barthélémy Karas (voiced in this English version by Daniel Craig) is searching for a female scientist who works for Avalon, one of those sinister mega-corporations that seem to run everything in movies like this; seems the woman, who has been kidnapped, possesses what's referred to as "the protocol for immortality," and Avalon, which promises good health, beauty, and long life for all, desperately wants her back. The characters are a bit stiff (physically and otherwise), the dialogue is occasion! ally stilted, and the film is sometimes so dark that it's hard! to tell what's going on. But most of Renaissance looks so amazing that such deficiencies can easily be ignored, at least the first time through. --Sam Graham
Product Description
RENAISSANCE is a breakthrough sci-fi thriller for a new millennium. Dare to enter a bold vision of the future in the tradition of BLADE RUNNER and SIN CITY - drenched with state-of-the art animation and a gripping story. It's 2054 Paris and the city lives in the shadow of corporate giant, Avalon, which sells the irresistible promise of "ageless beauty." The sudden kidnapping of a gifted young scientist draws a tough-as-nails cop into a twisted underworld of corporate espionage, genetic research and organized crime. Featuring the stellar voice talents of Daniel Craig (CASINO ROYALE), Jonathan Pryce (PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN Trilogy) and Ian Holm (THE LORD OF THE RINGS Trilogy).
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful
By Cubist
Format:DVD
Renaissance is an animated film made in the tradition of Sin City and A Scanner Darkly. Like the former film, it was initially shot with live actors on a green-screen soundstage and then this footage was animated like the latter film. The result is a striking-looking futuristic world in the Cyberpunk mould.
The look of Renaissance is classic Cyberpunk: a fusion of high-technology and the grimy, run-down look of the mean city streets - a mix of Mickey Spillane and science fiction. This is one of those rare animated films made for adults with a style that is reminiscent of Frank Miller's Sin City graphic novels and also looks like it leapt right from the pages of Heavy Metal magazine. The stark use of black and white with no shadings of gray creates a very distinctive look. The attention to detail is also incredible - a vivid, atmospheric world that instantly envelopes you.
Much like the society depicted in Blade Runner, the higher up one goes - both literally and financially - the look becomes cleaner and more futuristic, reflecting the money being spent and the power being wielded, and this is epitomized by sleek, ultra-modern look of Avalon. As Renaissance unspools, the viewer is bombarded with one evocative image after another. For example, a gun battle takes place in a small forest encased in glass on top of a building.
The lone extra is "The Making of Renaissance" examines this French production whose origins lie in a short film made in 1997 that fused animation with live-action footage. The filmmakers picked Paris because so many SF films they admired were set either in New York City or Tokyo and wanted to try something different. This featurette traces the film's development from the screenwriting stage to post-production.... Read more ›
The look of Renaissance is classic Cyberpunk: a fusion of high-technology and the grimy, run-down look of the mean city streets - a mix of Mickey Spillane and science fiction. This is one of those rare animated films made for adults with a style that is reminiscent of Frank Miller's Sin City graphic novels and also looks like it leapt right from the pages of Heavy Metal magazine. The stark use of black and white with no shadings of gray creates a very distinctive look. The attention to detail is also incredible - a vivid, atmospheric world that instantly envelopes you.
Much like the society depicted in Blade Runner, the higher up one goes - both literally and financially - the look becomes cleaner and more futuristic, reflecting the money being spent and the power being wielded, and this is epitomized by sleek, ultra-modern look of Avalon. As Renaissance unspools, the viewer is bombarded with one evocative image after another. For example, a gun battle takes place in a small forest encased in glass on top of a building.
The lone extra is "The Making of Renaissance" examines this French production whose origins lie in a short film made in 1997 that fused animation with live-action footage. The filmmakers picked Paris because so many SF films they admired were set either in New York City or Tokyo and wanted to try something different. This featurette traces the film's development from the screenwriting stage to post-production.... Read more ›
20 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Renaissance is one of a very short list of non-japanese adult-oriented (computer) animated films. As such, it wins point from me just for being daring. In our western culture, animation is supposed to be for children.
Add to that the artful restriction of the color palette to just the strictest hues of black and white. Throughout the course of the entire movie, what the audience sees consists entirely of shadows. Combine that with the visual style of a neo-noir future, and you have a stunning film to watch.
On top of beautiful visuals, the film sports a haunting score. Each cue seemed to suggest that yet another mystery would surface around the next corner.
The problem is this: If the film had been shot as a live-action movie, there would be nothing remarkable about it. Daniel Craig feels slightly miscast here, and you've seen the plot a million times. Worse, some of the writing is so bad that it breaks the spell that the visuals are attempting to weave.
I could have given Renaissance three stars to compromise between the beautiful visuals and the mediocre story/writing, but I think that would give the wrong impression. Ultimately, there's some real visual poetry here, and I intend to buy the dvd. Just don't expect a great story to boot.
Add to that the artful restriction of the color palette to just the strictest hues of black and white. Throughout the course of the entire movie, what the audience sees consists entirely of shadows. Combine that with the visual style of a neo-noir future, and you have a stunning film to watch.
On top of beautiful visuals, the film sports a haunting score. Each cue seemed to suggest that yet another mystery would surface around the next corner.
The problem is this: If the film had been shot as a live-action movie, there would be nothing remarkable about it. Daniel Craig feels slightly miscast here, and you've seen the plot a million times. Worse, some of the writing is so bad that it breaks the spell that the visuals are attempting to weave.
I could have given Renaissance three stars to compromise between the beautiful visuals and the mediocre story/writing, but I think that would give the wrong impression. Ultimately, there's some real visual poetry here, and I intend to buy the dvd. Just don't expect a great story to boot.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Zebrashoji
I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging and deliberate film. (I am not a fan of comic books, manga, anime or art films) I saw the film on a small screen - only approx. 30 feet and with all of the absolutely stunning set designs I think a bigger screen is a must. The futuristic city of Paris blends the old elaborate architecture we all admire with fantastically ultra modern additions that echo Blade Runner, The Fifth Element and The Jetsons.
I dreaded having to watch a feature length film in 3D black and white - but it totally worked for me. I had to focus a little more than usual as the lack of color and comic book appearance challenged my normal perception of action and life on film. The film is literally black and white with very little grayscale. (I recall one scene where I actually noticed a girl's left eye had a hint of grey!)
The 3-D characters are more comic book style and I found them a lot less distracting than the real-life-like characters in Final Fantasy. The lip synch was fine and the original language is English (not French).
The story moved at a moderate pace which I appreciated as it was not easy to digest two toned action. It was an interesting experience to realize that I can watch faster in color or B/W with grey scale! The dialogue was tight and well written (and delivered with panache by the whole cast including the very sexy voice of Daniel Craig) and none of the lame commentary that Hollywood movies often excel in. The last line of the movie spoken by a girl in a TV ad was an excellent finish and the best movie ending I have seen for years - not just what she said but how she said it (sorry - no spoilers here).
The script had no gratuitous sex, violence or bad language.... Read more ›
I dreaded having to watch a feature length film in 3D black and white - but it totally worked for me. I had to focus a little more than usual as the lack of color and comic book appearance challenged my normal perception of action and life on film. The film is literally black and white with very little grayscale. (I recall one scene where I actually noticed a girl's left eye had a hint of grey!)
The 3-D characters are more comic book style and I found them a lot less distracting than the real-life-like characters in Final Fantasy. The lip synch was fine and the original language is English (not French).
The story moved at a moderate pace which I appreciated as it was not easy to digest two toned action. It was an interesting experience to realize that I can watch faster in color or B/W with grey scale! The dialogue was tight and well written (and delivered with panache by the whole cast including the very sexy voice of Daniel Craig) and none of the lame commentary that Hollywood movies often excel in. The last line of the movie spoken by a girl in a TV ad was an excellent finish and the best movie ending I have seen for years - not just what she said but how she said it (sorry - no spoilers here).
The script had no gratuitous sex, violence or bad language.... Read more ›
11 of 14 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Blade Runner collides with Metropolis and then collides with Sin City...
May 29, 2007
Format:DVD
I managed to see the U.K. import and I have to say this animated film has so much potential, although it came up a bit short, it is still better than most of the live-action movies out today.
RENAISSANCE:Paris 2054(Original title) is animated in Black and White, reminiscient of the Frank Miller's Sin City, much of its style is derived from the graphic novels that inspired the blockbuster film.
Set in the future, Paris in the year 2054, the city is a labyrinth where all movement is monitored and recorded. AVALON, the largest company in the country, casts a shadow over everything. Avalon insinuates itself in the everyday aspect of contemporary life, to sell it's primary deal: Youth and Beauty.
When a young researcher from Avalon named Ilona Tassueiv, is violently kidnapped, her employers want her found at any cost. Dellenbach, Avalon's CEO, enlists the aid of one Officer Karas(voiced by Daniel Craig), a hostage retrieval specialist and also a very controversial cop in the force, to find the missing invaluable employee. What Karas discovers is a huge web of deception, that involves not only Ilona's sister, but the higher powers as well. Officer Karas discovers something sinister within the walls of Avalon, a hidden secret that will test not only his commitment to duty, but his very fiber of morality as well. Avalon's goals for profit is an abomination. It kind of makes you wonder what big corporations can be capable of, just to meet their bottom line.
This animated feature has highly stylized visuals, although, to be honest, in my opinion, it would achieved more if it was made in Color. Although, it tries to be something different, Futuristic Science Fiction should be shot in Full color nowadays.... Read more ›
RENAISSANCE:Paris 2054(Original title) is animated in Black and White, reminiscient of the Frank Miller's Sin City, much of its style is derived from the graphic novels that inspired the blockbuster film.
Set in the future, Paris in the year 2054, the city is a labyrinth where all movement is monitored and recorded. AVALON, the largest company in the country, casts a shadow over everything. Avalon insinuates itself in the everyday aspect of contemporary life, to sell it's primary deal: Youth and Beauty.
When a young researcher from Avalon named Ilona Tassueiv, is violently kidnapped, her employers want her found at any cost. Dellenbach, Avalon's CEO, enlists the aid of one Officer Karas(voiced by Daniel Craig), a hostage retrieval specialist and also a very controversial cop in the force, to find the missing invaluable employee. What Karas discovers is a huge web of deception, that involves not only Ilona's sister, but the higher powers as well. Officer Karas discovers something sinister within the walls of Avalon, a hidden secret that will test not only his commitment to duty, but his very fiber of morality as well. Avalon's goals for profit is an abomination. It kind of makes you wonder what big corporations can be capable of, just to meet their bottom line.
This animated feature has highly stylized visuals, although, to be honest, in my opinion, it would achieved more if it was made in Color. Although, it tries to be something different, Futuristic Science Fiction should be shot in Full color nowadays.... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
Renaissance shrimp
Usually at least stand Danny D, but he's pretty unlikeable in this film. The plot is pretty absurd, too. Good to see Cliff Robertson in (what I assume) was one of his last roles.
Published 5 days ago by Joseph Schechter
3.0 out of 5 stars
Bottom Line
I was going to say "Style over substance" for this review and then ironically saw that the listed review also says this. Read more
Published 5 months ago by J. Gates
1.0 out of 5 stars
Uninsteresting Sincity wannabe
I love anime films and I love adult anime. Which is the reason why I rented this from Netflix. I wish I hadn't. First I will tackle the good parts. Read more
Published on June 5, 2010 by T. H. Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars
extraordinary sc-fi animation
I am still amazed with the art work of "sin city", and "Fear(s) of the Dark" and several other movies using black and white only animation techniques. Read more
Published on January 14, 2010 by Michael A. Scheurich
3.0 out of 5 stars
Sin City Goes to Paris
Set in a future where mega-corporations seem to run everything, and promise health, looks and happiness, "Renaissance" is a weird mixture of CGI and graphic novel, visually... Read more
Published on November 28, 2009 by Tim Brough
2.0 out of 5 stars
I lost interest quickly
This is almost entirely b&w animation. If you're that kind of a movie geek, you might like this. I tuned out almost immediately. I couldn't find 007 Daniel Craig either.
Published on October 14, 2009 by Bradley F. Smith
3.0 out of 5 stars
Gorgeous but hollow
The Bottom Line:
It cannot be denied that Renaissance's black-and-white rotoscoping effect is very pleasing to the eye, but the central mystery of the movie isn't... Read more
It cannot be denied that Renaissance's black-and-white rotoscoping effect is very pleasing to the eye, but the central mystery of the movie isn't... Read more
Published on August 15, 2009 by One-Line Film Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
Oh, My Aching Optic Lobe . . . .
In the interest of full dislosure, before you invest your time reading my review, know this: I couldn't get through the whole film. Why? Read more
Published on May 27, 2009 by A. O. Sheepfielder
5.0 out of 5 stars
Better than Ghost in the Shell!
This movie is waaaay better than the 1st Ghost in the Shell flick! Not because of the better animation, or the better special effects! Read more
Published on May 20, 2009 by Johnnie Lewis
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good movie
If your into a movie for a solid storyline then you will appreciate this flick. Done is sort of a black and white shaded computer animation, this flick is a little slow to get... Read more
Published on February 11, 2009 by Joshua Weathers
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