Redline

Redline (2009) is a hyper-stylized Japanese animated sci-fi racing film directed by Takeshi Koike and produced by Madhouse. It tells the story of JP, a slick-haired daredevil racer known for his retro car and defiance of all things technical—who enters Redline, the galaxy’s most dangerous and prestigious underground race. The event is held on Roboworld, a militarized planet that wants nothing to do with the illegal race, forcing the competitors to not only battle each other, but also an entire army hellbent on stopping them. As JP faces rival racers, robot assassins, and escalating chaos, he also rekindles a romantic tension with fellow racer Sonoshee McLaren. Visually, Redline is a singular achievement. It was famously hand-drawn over the course of seven years, with no shortcuts in quality or technique. The film explodes with vibrant color, exaggerated physics, and kinetic camera work that simulates live-action tracking shots within 2D animation. Every frame is filled with detail and energy, channeling the spirit of 70s grindhouse, Mad Max, and Speed Racer while still looking like nothing else in animation. Koike’s direction, combined with Katsuhito Ishii’s writing and character designs, gives the film a raw, punk aesthetic that doesn’t hold back. The pounding techno soundtrack by James Shimoji adds to the relentless momentum and adrenaline of the race sequences. Despite its brilliance, Redline struggled commercially. It had a production budget of approximately $30 million USD—massive for an anime—but made less than $10 million worldwide, largely due to limited marketing, niche appeal, and the rise of cheaper digital animation at the time. It premiered at the Locarno International Film Festival in 2009 but wasn’t released in Japan until 2010, and only saw cult success in international home video markets later on. Critically, Redline was widely praised for its animation quality, artistic ambition, and anarchic energy. It holds a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is often cited by animators and directors as one of the most visually impressive hand-drawn films ever made. While some reviewers criticized its thin plot and chaotic pacing, others argued that its narrative simplicity was part of its charm—focusing instead on raw visual storytelling, momentum, and attitude. The legacy of Redline has grown significantly over time. It’s now considered a cult classic and a benchmark in 2D animation, frequently referenced in discussions about what traditional hand-drawn animation can still achieve when given the time and budget. It influenced stylistic choices in later anime and even Western animation, and its rebellious spirit continues to inspire animators who refuse to let the medium be reduced to digital shortcuts or corporate blandness.