Patema Inverted

In writer-director Yasuhiro Yoshiura's 2013 sci-fi anime tale, an experiment to tap a new energy source goes badly awry, causing gravity to reverse itself for much of mankind, who straightaway fall skyward into oblivion. Years later, the "inverted" survivors dwell beneath the Earth's surface, literally walking on the ceilings of their subterranean colony-environment, terrified of the outside world. Meanwhile, a society of unaffected humans also perseveres topside, separately, although each side regards the other with fear and suspicion. When Patema, a girl from the underground, accidentally "falls" to the surface stronghold, she is rescued and hidden from hostile authorities by Age, a dreamy young student who mistrusts his society's propaganda against inverts. It helps that this star-crossed couple are about the same weight; by clinging to each other, they are able to cancel out each other's gravity and practically float across the landscape. Of course, their relationship has its ups and downs, so to speak. The central conceit here is a hallmark of great fantasy-fiction in that it forces the viewer to completely rethink everyday life. Presented in separately available dual-language DVD and Blu-ray editions, suitable for ages 12-up, extras include an audio commentary, interviews with the director and voice cast, and a featurette on the film's premiere. Highly recommended. (C. Cassady)