Anime
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Real Drive (2008)
In Real Drive, set in the near future, humanity has become increasingly connected to virtual spaces known as the "Deep" where people interact and experience the world through digital interfaces. The story follows a detective named Reiji Tokino, who investigates incidents linked to the Deep and virtual environments. As the series explores the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds, it delves into human consciousness, identity, and the effects of technology on society.
Robot Carnival (1987)
Robot Carnival is an anthology film consisting of nine short segments, each with a unique take on robots and their interaction with humans. The segments explore a range of themes, from the exploration of artificial life and human identity to the darker consequences of technological advances. Each story offers a different perspective on robots, with some focusing on their role as servants, others on their potential to rebel or experience human-like emotions.
Roujin Z (1991)
In a near-future Japan facing an aging population crisis, the government develops an advanced, AI-powered medical bed called the Z-001 to care for the elderly. However, when an elderly patient named Kijuro Takazawa is placed in the prototype, the machine begins acting autonomously, integrating military technology and going rogue. As the system evolves beyond human control, a young nurse, Haruko, fights to save Takazawa from the unintended consequences of technological overreach. While Roujin Z incorporates cyberpunk themes such as AI autonomy, government control, and technological ethics, it leans more toward social satire and science fiction than a traditional cyberpunk narrative. Directed by Hiroyuki Kitakubo and written by Akira creator Katsuhiro Otomo, the film offers a sharp critique of societal dependence on technology for solving human issues.