In the animated feature film 'Metropolis', we follow the intriguing journey of Kenichi, a lively and adventurous young boy, who, along with his detective uncle, Shunsaku Ban, embarks on a thrilling quest from Japan to the bustling, futuristic city of Metropolis. Their primary objective is to track down the nefarious criminal Dr. Laughton, who has fallen into the grasp of a complex web of conspiracy. This vibrant setting is a blend of art deco and retro-futuristic architecture, creating a stunning backdrop for the unfolding drama. The city's stark social divide between the wealthy elite and the oppressed workers adds a layer of depth to Kenichi’s journey, allowing for powerful themes of social justice and human connection to emerge as the story progresses.
However, as fate would have it, Kenichi and Shunsaku become separated upon their arrival in Metropolis, and the young boy quickly finds himself ensnared in a larger conflict than he imagined. As Shunsaku diligently searches for his missing nephew, Kenichi discovers a formidable ally in the enigmatic Tima, a young girl surrounded by mystery and intrigue. Unbeknownst to both, Tima holds the key to many secrets vastly important within the city's political machinations. As Kenichi works to protect her from dangerous figures like the ruthless Duke Red and his volatile adopted son Rock, he begins to learn more about courage, loyalty, and the fight against corruption.
The contrasting motives of Duke Red and Rock, who yearn for control over Tima for their own purposes, further complicate the narrative. As the story unfolds, viewers are drawn into the lush, animated world of Metropolis, where creativity meets profound philosophical inquiries about identity, power, and what it means to be human. These riveting experiences shape Kenichi’s personal growth and test the bonds of family, showcasing not only a captivating adventure but also a resonant story that speaks to audiences of all ages.
Main Cast of Metropolis
Kei Kobayashi
Kenichi (voice)
Kei Kobayashi
Kenichi (voice)
Yuka Imoto
Tima (voice)
Kohki Okada
Rock (voice)
Kohki Okada delivers a compelling and emotionally resonant performance as the voice of Rock in the animated film "Metropolis." His voice work brings depth and humanity to the character, a detective tasked with tracking down a rogue scientist in a futuristic society rife with class division. Okada's portrayal of Rock is nuanced; he captures the character's sense of duty and moral compass, while also conveying his underlying sympathy for the oppressed. His vocal nuances enhance the animation, making Rock a relatable and grounding presence amidst the film's grand scale and complex narrative. Okada's performance is a testament to his ability to embody a character with warmth and authenticity, contributing significantly to the film's emotional impact and thematic depth. His voice acting helps to weave together the intricate threads of the story, ensuring that Rock's journey from a hard-boiled detective to a compassionate ally is both believable and moving, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Tarō Ishida
Duke Red (voice)
Tarō Ishida delivered a captivating performance as Duke Red in the critically acclaimed anime film "Metropolis," directed by Rintaro and released in 2001. As the primary antagonist, Ishida's voice work brought depth and complexity to the character, a powerful industrialist with a god complex, whose vision of a utopian society is marred by his ruthless pursuit of power. Ishida's portrayal of Duke Red is both menacing and charismatic, masterfully conveying the character's megalomania and the cold precision with which he manipulates those around him. His vocal performance is marked by a chilling gravitas that perfectly complements the film's noir-inspired aesthetic and thematic exploration of class divide, artificial intelligence, and the human condition. Ishida's Duke Red stands as a memorable villain in the pantheon of animated cinema, largely due to the actor's ability to imbue the character with a mix of aristocratic poise and underlying malevolence. His voice becomes a tool that not only defines Duke Red but also elevates the emotional stakes of the narrative, making the conflict between him and the other characters a highlight of the film's dramatic tension.
Secondary Cast of Metropolis
Shun Yashiro
Notarlin (voice)
Yutaka Hayashi
Special Voice Appearance (voice)
Toshiyuki Honda
Special Voice Appearance (voice)
Kozue Okada
Special Voice Appearance (voice)
Tatsuya Fukunoue
Special Voice Appearance (voice)
Ken Ayugai
Special Voice Appearance (voice)
Yusuke Suzuki
Special Voice Appearance (voice)
Crew of Metropolis
Full backstage crew list →