Anime Update - First Squad (2009)

A project that I follow for some time now is First Squad - The Moment Of Truth, first original full length Russian anime, created by two Russian guys.
Leading Japanese Studio 4°C, responsible in the past for such works as Animatrix, Mind Game, Spriggan, Memories, Tekkon Kinkreet and more, took charge and helped them to realize the idea into life, and it looks like they did incredible job.

The story happens during World War II, and it's about group of Soviet teenagers with extraordinary abilities, that have been drafted to form a special unit to fight the invading German army. They are opposed by an SS officer who is attempting to raise from the dead a supernatural army of crusaders from the 12th-century Order of the Sacred Cross, and enlist them for the Nazi cause.

The project started back in 2007, and this week at Film Market in Moscow, Sony Pictures announced that they have purchased the rights for the film and now decide what to do with it. This is great news because Sony Pictures is one of the major production and distribution companies in the world, and if they purchase rights for something, especially such creative anime, you can be dead sure it will be treated properly. The film is planned to be released in 2009 and I can't wait.

Meantime here is demo trailer to enjoy the senses.

Update: New video clip is available.



The official website is available too, and it's one of the best dedicated websites I've seen. You have to visit it to see more stunning concept art, characters, background story and much more.