SPOILERSArmitage III was one of my first animes I saw in the 90's on Sci-fi channel. It was also one of the first anime series I purchased, together with the other 2 Pioneer/AIC classics Pretty Samy and Moldiver, on Japanese DVD. The Japanese DVD release of the OVA series by the way only features the dubbed version and the Japanse audio version, there is no subtitled version.Armitage III is an anime set on a Total Recall like megalithic city on Mars. The plot is very deep, it includes issues of self identity, faith, hope, longing and every other possible emotion in the book, likewise the lead character - Naomi Armitage goes through each of these human states. Naomi herself is a Battle Angel Alita like heroine, a bit too Lolita like for me perhaps, yet she is a beautiful babe, with a conscience who packs a mean punch and is able to dispose off both psychopath driven giant robots and street thugs. If you're looking for lovable characters worth caring about, stop searching.The plot of the film has to be summarised by Naomi's memorable words, "If Humans did not want me, why did they create me?" You can hardly ignore the previous church scenes before this cathartic moment, which no doubt also serve as a metaphor for peoples' religious struggles with faith and purpose.There are two other particularly touching moments for me in this brilliant series. One is the battle in the desert between Ross (her partner) and Armitage and a droid army. It features Armitage with wings and Ross in an armoured robot suit blasting away at the military robots and helicopters while sleepy electronic music plays in the background.The images of the battle are superimposed on a news report of the merger between the Earth and Martian governments and are being viewed by female robots in the Martian city. For once we see these beautiful anime robot girls stop being babysitters, waitresses or personal secretaries and we see them staring mesmerised at video monitors as the battle is played out before them. It is difficult to say if they understand what is going on, but they do seem to behave beyond their simple programing. It is quite obvious that their human counterparts can not see this battle - a battle which is about these very robots because part of the deal in Mars joining Earth was Mars getting rid of Robots. Another touching scene had to be that featuring parental rejection, where Naomi's creator - a person she always though was her father, who disappeared a few years before finally stands before her, yet he fails to acknowledge her humanity and simply ridicules her - even to the point of pity. If this won't move you than I don't know what will.Armitage III (4 part OVA series) is one of the best anime series out there, I highly recommend you see it, see it with other greats like Serial Experiments Lain, Battle Angel Alita and Ghost in the Shell. You will care for Naomi as you cared for Alita and Lain and the story is just as thrilling and through provoking. Beyond that, it is also a good detective murder story.

Here's why: Armitage is awesome!!She's soo totally in-your-face Ross is kinda good looking for a cartoon character. It keeps you thinking & questioning things all the way through. It's got everything a great show needs: corruption, murder, romance, mystery, suspense,Great fight scenes,Cool outfits.....need I go on?? The ending rocks.

I hate to make a comment on this movie, as I just watched the obviously butchered movie version. I have not seen the original version, and I can see some signs of greatness in the chopped to pieces version I saw, but over all it was a huge mess. no pacing, no plot cohesiveness, bad dubbing. Do yourself a favor, and watch the original 4 tape version, it has to be better than this crap. Now, if I can just find a copy of it.

Armitage the Third (the re-edited/re-released version of the original 4 part series) is overall extremely entertaining. The action is typical of many Japanimation films are but this one differs because it has a plot. I am impressed with the stories evolution throughout the film and the films techno/punk soundtrack is fun. Plus, Armitage is a hottie! So much fun to look at.The story starts off with a lot of action and at the same time introduces you to the history. Many Japanimation films just take for granted that the viewer will accept too much without explanation. It's almost like most films say "ok, the world has been taken over by evil, and for some reason our 3 lovely main characters are all sexy women (who have developed super natural powers where no on else has) and who for some reason cannot wear any clothing that covers anything."Armitage's story, though futuristic, is not entirely outlandish. It has a "Blade Runner" sorta theme with a new story. Watch it and you will become a fan. And once you have become a fan you'll watch the original series just to see the missing footage.