One of the first movies I saw when I got into anime in the
late 80s was Dirty Pair: Project EDEN. The mix of girls with guns made
it fun and entertaining despite the fact that I didn't understand a single word
of it. Watching it again with a proper subtitled version, I'm pleasantly surprised
to see how well it has aged.
Dirty Pair: Project
EDEN is an action movie with a science-fiction plot that doesn't take itself
too seriously. Being a Dirty Pair film, it's got everything that's to be
expected from the Lovely Angels: scantily clad Kei and Yuri having fun, kicking
butt and leaving a trail of mass destruction.
The
story revolves around Vizorium, a rare metal that makes space travel possible.
It is in abundance on the planet Agerna, where state and private organizations
run Vizorium mining operations. When a series of attacks on the government mines
occur, fingers are pointed and tempers flare. Here is where the World Welfare
& Works Association comes in, sending its top operatives Kei and Yuri to investigate
and find the culprit.
The case becomes more than
routine when the Dirty Pair gets mixed up with Carson D. Carson, Professor Wattsman
and an endless horde of alien lifeforms. Carson is a thief who crosses paths with
the Lovely Angels in the film's prologue as well as on Agerna. Prof. Wattsman
is a mad scientist interested in creating mankind's successor through the genetic
mutation and evolution of Vizorium.
The movie is
well paced with rarely a dull moment. It opens with a well-done action piece and
after a stylish opening credit sequence, is followed up with a nice mix of detective
work, exposition and more action before the explosive finale.
Although
the designs, style and music are definitely 80s, the animation quality holds up
well for its age. This is due to the high production values associated with a
theatrical feature.
Dirty Pair: Project EDEN
is a fun and worthwhile romp that can be equally enjoyed by Dirty Pair fans
and those not familiar with the series. By no means is it a masterpiece, but it
is a classic example of 80s anime that has managed to withstand the test of time.
