LaMB

LaMB: A Flawed Gem with a Heartbreaking Story

Introduction
LaMB, a 2009 animated TV movie produced by Animax, is a unique blend of sci-fi dystopia and emotional drama. Directed by Ryosuke Tei and featuring voice talents like Vanness Wu and Josie Ho, the film explores themes of justice, humanity, and redemption in a futuristic setting. While the animation quality has been widely criticized, the story’s depth and emotional weight have earned it a cult following. Let’s dive into what makes LaMB a polarizing yet unforgettable experience.

The Premise: A Futuristic Prison System

Set in a distant future where Earth is uninhabitable, humanity has colonized the desert planet Cerra. Dr. John D. Griswald is tasked with terraforming Cerra, but the real focus of the story is Eve1135, a “LaMB” (Laminated human)—a criminal encased in a suit as punishment. These LaMBs are essentially slaves, stripped of freedom and identity.

The film’s central conflict revolves around the ethics of this system. Is lamination justice or cruelty? The story doesn’t shy away from asking tough questions, and that’s where it shines.

The Good: A Story That Sticks With You

Fans on MyAnimeList and other forums overwhelmingly agree: LaMB’s story is its strongest asset.

• Emotional Depth: Many viewers praised the tragic relationship between Eve and Dr. Griswald. One fan wrote, “The story is sad and perfect!” while another called it “heartbreaking but beautiful.”
• Moral Dilemmas: The film’s exploration of justice and humanity resonated with audiences. A commenter noted, “It makes you think about what ‘punishment’ really means.”
• Music: The soundtrack, featuring Simple Plan’s “I Can Wait Forever,” was a highlight. Fans loved the song’s emotional impact, though some felt The Click Five’s ending theme didn’t quite fit.

The Bad: Animation Woes

If there’s one thing fans unanimously criticized, it’s the animation.

• Stiff and Dated: Comments like “The animation is… Oh my“ and “really stiff” were common. Some compared it unfavorably to other Animax productions.
• Missed Potential: Many wished LaMB had been remade by a Japanese studio or expanded into a full series. One fan lamented, “If it had better animation, it could’ve been a masterpiece.”

Despite these flaws, most agreed the story was worth enduring the subpar visuals.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?

The discussions around LaMB are a mix of frustration and admiration.

• Disappointed Optimists: Some viewers were let down by the execution but still appreciated the ambition. “The ending kinda stinks, but the journey was worth it,” one fan admitted.
• Defenders of the Story: Others argued that the emotional payoff outweighed the technical shortcomings. “Yeah, the animation sucks, but the story is cool,” summed up one blunt but honest take.
• Hopes for a Remake: A recurring wish among fans is for a reboot. “Imagine this with modern animation—it’d be incredible,” someone mused.

Final Verdict: Is LaMB Worth Watching?

If you can look past the dated animation, LaMB offers a thought-provoking and emotionally charged experience. It’s not perfect, but its flaws don’t erase its strengths. As one fan put it: “The story is wonderful. Just close your eyes and imagine better animation.”

For sci-fi fans who value narrative over visuals, LaMB is a hidden gem. But if you’re all about slick animation, you might want to temper your expectations.

Rating: 7/10 (Great story, mediocre execution)

Would you give LaMB a chance? Let us know in the comments!

P.S. If you’ve seen it, what did you think of the ending? Love it or hate it?