French Anime 'Mars Express' Brings Cyberpunk to Theaters

A French filmmaker's childhood love of Japanese animation has come full circle with a sci-fi film that's capturing imaginations across continents.

Director Jeremie Perin grew up watching late-night anime broadcasts in France, including classics like "Ghost in the Shell" and "Akira." Those grainy VHS tapes opened his eyes to a revelation: animation could tell serious, adult stories. Now his own film, "Mars Express," gets a wide release in Japan starting January 30.

The movie follows detective Aline Ruby and her partner Carlos, whose consciousness lives in an android body after he died five years ago. Together they uncover a conspiracy on colonized Mars in the year 2200, where a tech mogul rules like a modern-day Elon Musk.

Perin says the story reflects real concerns about billionaires who want to colonize space. "If we followed them, they would put their own agenda on those cities or planets," he explains. His fictional Mars looks bright and clean on the surface but hides a darker truth underneath.

The film runs under 90 minutes and moves fast, trusting viewers to keep up. Perin learned that efficiency from Japanese animators, who work with fewer frames per second but create crystal-clear compositions. He once studied with legendary Japanese animator Yasuo Otsuka, whose lessons shaped his approach.

Despite tackling serious themes about technology and humanity, "Mars Express" balances the weight with humor. Perin believes making audiences laugh breaks down barriers and helps them connect with animated stories as real cinema.

The Ripple Effect

What started as one French kid watching bootleg anime tapes has become a testament to how art crosses borders and inspires new generations. Perin absorbed influences from Japanese directors like Satoshi Kon and Mamoru Oshii, who were themselves inspired by European artists like Moebius. Now his work adds another link to that creative chain.

The film proves that great storytelling transcends geography. Whether made in Tokyo or Paris, animation can tackle complex ideas while entertaining audiences of all ages. Perin's success shows how cultural exchange creates something richer than any single tradition alone.

Japanese audiences will finally get to see "Mars Express" in both French and Japanese versions, completing a journey that brings the film home to the country that inspired it. The warm reception suggests viewers recognize quality animation regardless of where it comes from, united by shared love for stories that challenge and uplift.