On This Day in Anime

Eleven years ago, the CGI movie Expelled from Paradise made its debut, presenting a striking vision of humanity's future. Set in a world where civilization has uploaded itself into a digital paradise, the film follows a cybersecurity agent dispatched to the desolate real Earth to hunt down a hacker. Its blend of high-octane mecha action and philosophical questions about existence immediately set it apart.

Fans still point to its gorgeous animation and surprisingly deep narrative for a movie of its type. The character designs by Saitom and the sleek mecha designs were a major draw, creating a distinct visual identity that still feels fresh even a decade later.