Returner

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

More and more Japanese, Chinese, you name it Eastern movies are becoming solid ground for Hollywood and European movie theaters. The success of The Ring, Dark Water, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero, The House of Flying Daggers and Shaolin Soccer are proof there is definite optimism from the Eastern side for movie fans. Another example that with amazing special effects a science fiction blockbuster can be made is Returner. As said, it might take lots of ideas from other movies but still looks extravagant because of its effect and design, Returner is a solid and fun movie that can be enjoyed in both its English dubbed version as original Japanese take. And one of its key fundaments is the orchestral and techno score that surrounds it. Techno in its slow motion action scenes, orchestral in the moments where its really necessary. But altogether, it does make lots of sense. It starts with 'The Annihilated World', a string and choral eulogy starts to grow briefly in this short track, but it does set the example of scoring you will receive for the movie when the more scientific story is unfolded. And the other key sound is 'Destroy', a change from everything that is orchestral and a pure techno beat hard as nails sound is heard, with vocals it sounds more like a theme action song to play for. While 'Sounds of Death' is more a mood setter, 'The Ringleader' sounds again orchestral with its playful quick string playing, which works again quite well in effect. 'Xi-Huan' is giving some demonic color to the scoring, with the boy's solo vocal and piano stating End of Days ideas in exactly the same tone. But here its expanded, with Debney it lasted for about 5 to 10 seconds. The first good highlight is actually the continuation of the first track's sound. But 'The Annihilated World / Against Daggra' is first covering orchestral darker underscore, using whirling strings and choir to get its effect, then an action sound for strings and brass (more heroic kinda sounding) and choir and the returning emotional strings of track 1 here create a longer almost climatic feel.

The following 'Extravehicular Crisis' is like 'Human Riddle' and 'Liu' a more moodier affair, with bells or flutes setting along with more growling music its darker surroundings, and while listening not bad per se, its not exactly terrific to listen too either. So is also 'Sparks' with its techno usage of bells and more, but it does present more cohesion then track 2. Another song like guitar rhythm is discovered with vocals in 'Take me To the Place Part I' and will repeat itself instrumental in 'Take me To the Place Part II'. But it are 2 tracks that steal the show in the end, first a wonderful emotional string growing creates true feelings in 'The Sun of my Diamond' and is gorgeous for its moments. 'Mother Earth' on the other hand brings more heroic color with brass to the forefront, and along with the whirling strings in begin sounds more at place again with an orchestra. This is a scene where also the special effects roam the screen, and to hear such grand orchestral music over it proves also the Japanese composers know their deal around orchestra's. It also captures some solo vocals and a wonderful like Abyss feeling with the choir, but its the final orchestral swelling of thematic ideas that make all the fuzz, with especially some brilliant string themes to boot. To hear this all after those Techno affairs and moodier tracks (how fitting they were), its this at the end which receives the praise and recommendation. The piano melody for Milly (which is heard more in the film) is a fitting end to an otherwise good but excellent ending score. And this is why Returner should receive more attention. Lots of people will not like the techno beats of about 10 minutes, and while fitting the darker moodier affairs don't help either, but also some 15 minutes of stunning orchestral moments are also noticed here and make Akihiko Matsumoto's work a lot more interesting, and for those moments its kinda worth it.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. The Annihilated World (1.07)

2. Destroy (4.14)

3. Sounds Of Death (0.46)

4. The Ringleader (1.55)

5. Xi-Huan (3.03)

6. The Annihilated World / Against Daggra (6.13)

7. Extravehicular Crisis (5.03)

8. Sparks (4.37)

9. Take Me To The Place Part I (2.33)

10. Magnet Bang (3.10)

11. Human Riddle (1.47)

12. Liu (2.40)

13. The Sun Of My Diamond (3.01) Excellent Track

14. Mother Earth (6.02) Excellent Track

15. Take Me To The Place Part II (2.02)

16. Goodbye, Milly ()

Total Length: 52.11

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