Patlabor WXIII The Movie (2002)
A brooding anime noir that trades mecha spectacle for conspiracy, biological horror, and deeply personal tragedy set against the fog-shrouded waters of Tokyo Bay.
Patlabor WXIII The Movie - Movie Information
- Original Title: WXIII 機動警察パトレイバー
- Release Year: 2002
- Directed by: Fumihiko Takayama, Takuji Endo
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Animation, Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 47m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 30, 2002 (Japan - G), January 6, 2005 (Australia - M)
- Alternative Titles: Patlabor 3 WXIII (DE), Weisuteddo Sātīn Kidō Keisatsu Patoreibā (JP), 기동경찰 패트레이버 - 폐기물 13호 (KR), WXIII Patlabor The Movie 3 (US), Patlabor Movie III (IT), Patlabor 3 : WXIII - Le Film (FR), 机动警察 十三号废弃物 (CN), Patlabor 3 - WXIII (BR)
- Production Companies: Madhouse, Bandai Visual, TFC
- Production Countries: Japan
Patlabor WXIII The Movie - Plot
Set in the year 2000, when the level of Labor accidents begin to escalate around Tokyo Bay, police detectives Kusumi and Hata are assigned to investigate. What they discover leads to a series of government cover-ups, conspiracy concerning a new biological weapon entitled WXIII-Wasted Thirteen and a tragic, personal connection to Hata. The only hope to stop this threat is to cooperate with the military and lead WXIII into a showdown with the Labors of Special Vehicle Division 2.
Patlabor WXIII The Movie - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the darkness lurking beneath Tokyo Bay come to life.
Stillborn terror strikes from Tokyo Bay.
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Patlabor WXIII The Movie - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Fumihiko Takayama
- Takuji Endo
Main Cast
- Hiroaki Hirata
- Katsuhiko Watabiki
- Atsuko Tanaka
- Ryusuke Ohbayashi
- Mina Tominaga
- Toshio Furukawa
- Michihiro Ikemizu
- Akimasa Omori
- Daisuke Gori
- Issei Futamata
Writers
- Masami Yuki
- Miki Tori
Producers
- Masahiro Fukushima
- Atsushi Sugita
Patlabor WXIII The Movie - FAQs
What is Patlabor WXIII The Movie about?
Set in the year 2000, the film follows detectives Kusumi and Hata as they investigate a surge of Labor accidents near Tokyo Bay. Their inquiry uncovers government conspiracies and a terrifying biological weapon called WXIII-Wasted Thirteen, leading to a climactic confrontation involving Special Vehicle Division 2.
Is Patlabor WXIII The Movie a standalone film?
Yes, WXIII functions largely as a standalone story within the Patlabor universe. Unlike the first two films, it centers on two new detective characters rather than the familiar SV2 crew, making it accessible to newcomers while still rewarding longtime fans with familiar faces and the established world.
Who are the main actors in Patlabor WXIII The Movie?
The principal voice cast includes Hiroaki Hirata as Detective Shinichiro Hata, Katsuhiko Watabiki as Senior Detective Takeshi Kusumi, and Atsuko Tanaka as Saeko Misaki. Returning Patlabor veterans Ryusuke Ohbayashi, Mina Tominaga, and Toshio Furukawa also appear in supporting roles.
When was Patlabor WXIII The Movie released?
Patlabor WXIII The Movie was released theatrically in Japan on March 30, 2002. It received a US release on January 10, 2003, and later opened in Australia on January 6, 2005. The film is also known internationally as WXIII Patlabor The Movie 3.
What is the age rating for Patlabor WXIII The Movie?
Patlabor WXIII The Movie carries an R rating in the United States. The film contains mature themes including biological horror, government conspiracy, and scenes of violence, making it more suitable for adult audiences than typical anime fare aimed at younger viewers.
How does WXIII differ from the first two Patlabor films?
While the first two Patlabor films were directed by Mamoru Oshii and focused on the SV2 unit, WXIII shifts the spotlight to two plainclothes detectives and adopts a darker, more intimate noir tone. The mecha action takes a back seat to investigative drama and biological horror elements.
Who directed Patlabor WXIII The Movie?
Patlabor WXIII The Movie was co-directed by Fumihiko Takayama and Takuji Endo. Takayama, known for his work on the Patlabor TV series, brought familiarity with the franchise, while Endo contributed to the film's distinctive visual and narrative approach.
Where can I watch Patlabor WXIII The Movie?
Streaming availability for Patlabor WXIII The Movie varies by region. You can check current viewing options, including subscription services, digital rental, and purchase platforms, by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information for your specific country or region.
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