Expelled From Paradise

Expelled from Paradise: A Cyberpunk Gem with Mixed Reactions

Introduction
Expelled from Paradise (2014) is a visually striking sci-fi anime film directed by Seiji Mizushima (Fullmetal Alchemist, Gundam 00) and written by Gen Urobuchi (Madoka Magica, Psycho-Pass). Produced by heavyweights like Toei Animation and Aniplex, the movie blends cyberpunk themes with a post-apocalyptic setting, following Officer Angela Balzac as she ventures from the digital utopia of DEVA to the ruined Earth to hunt down a mysterious hacker.

While the film boasts impressive CGI animation and a star-studded voice cast (including Rie Kugimiya as Angela), fan reactions are a mixed bag—some praise its world-building and action, while others criticize its pacing and character development. Let’s dive into what makes Expelled from Paradise a polarizing yet fascinating watch.

The Good: Stunning Visuals and a Unique Premise

One thing fans unanimously agree on is the film’s breathtaking animation. The CGI cel-shaded style, reminiscent of 009 Re:Cyborg, gives the movie a sleek, futuristic look. The mecha designs and space battles are particularly eye-catching, with one fan noting, “The instrumental music during the action scenes is epic—it really amps up the tension.”

The premise itself is intriguing: humanity has abandoned physical bodies to live in a digital paradise, only for a hacker to threaten their existence. Angela’s journey to the desolate Earth introduces a stark contrast between the sterile perfection of DEVA and the gritty, lawless wasteland below. This duality sparks interesting philosophical questions about identity and freedom, a hallmark of Urobuchi’s writing.

The Mixed: Character Depth and Pacing

While the visuals and world-building shine, some fans feel the characters fall short. Angela, voiced by the iconic Rie Kugimiya (known for tsundere roles like Toradora!’s Taiga), is a divisive protagonist. One viewer joked, “Tsunderequeen is back,” referencing her fiery personality. However, others argue her development feels rushed, especially in the latter half of the film.

The hacker, Dingo (voiced by Shin’ichirō Miki), is another point of contention. His laid-back, rogue demeanor contrasts sharply with Angela’s by-the-book attitude, creating fun banter. Yet, some fans wished for more backstory, with one commenting, “Dingo’s cool, but I wanted to know more about why he’s so against DEVA.”

Pacing is another common critique. At just under two hours, the film juggles action, exposition, and character moments, but not always smoothly. A Reddit user noted, “The first half drags a bit, but the final act is worth it.”

The Divisive: Angela’s Outfit and Tone Shifts

One of the most talked-about aspects is Angela’s outfit—a skintight, impractical bodysuit that drew comparisons to Cross Ange. While some fans shrugged it off as typical anime flair, others found it distracting. “The animation is gorgeous, but that outfit… just why?” lamented one MyAnimeList user.

The film’s tone also shifts abruptly, veering from philosophical musings to high-octane mecha battles. While this keeps things dynamic, it can feel jarring. As one fan put it, “It’s like Ghost in the Shell meets Gurren Lagann, but not sure if that’s a good or bad thing.”

Final Verdict: A Flawed but Memorable Ride

Expelled from Paradise isn’t perfect, but it’s undeniably ambitious. The stunning animation, thought-provoking themes, and thrilling action make it a standout in the cyberpunk genre, even if its characters and pacing could’ve used more polish.

For fans of Urobuchi’s darker storytelling or Mizushima’s direction, it’s a must-watch. As one YouTube commenter summed it up: “It’s not Madoka, but it’s got that Urobuchi edge—just with more robots.”

So, if you’re in the mood for a visually dazzling sci-fi adventure with a side of existential dread, Expelled from Paradise is worth the trip—just don’t expect a flawless paradise.

Rating: 7.5/10
“A flawed gem that’s as beautiful as it is frustrating.”

What do you think? Did Expelled from Paradise live up to the hype for you? Drop your thoughts below!