Directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, the hit anime film Cowboy Bebop The Movie premiered in the United States in 2002. Known as Cowboy Bebop: Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door in Japan, it is a standalone story, but still canon to the TV series and manga written by Hajime Yatate it is based on. This review is based on the Funimation dub.

Bounty hunters Spike Spiegel (Steve Blum), Jet Black (Beau Billingslea), Faye Valentine (Wendee Lee), along with their dog Ein and hacker Ed (Melissa Fahn), are roaming space looking for criminals to catch in the year 2,071. Following a chemical terrorist attack head by the supposedly dead Vincent Volaju, the gang decides to capture him to collect the bounty. However, Elektra Ovilo (Jennifer Hale), an elite agent of Cherious Medical is also pursuing him.

After Volaju captures Faye, Spiegel begins to investigate and discovers that the government is covering up a conspiracy about a chemical attack where Volaju was nearly killed. Now he wants revenge and will kill anyone who gets in his way.

This is one of the best anime films I have seen. While the plot is somewhat rudimentary, a terrorist who is jilted by the government and wants revenge, but it is the way it is told that makes it impressive. The plot moves forward with an edge of excitement and tension.

One of the things that makes the movie so enjoyable is Steve Blum as Spike Spiegel. His voice acting is on par with the Japanese cast and he truly stepped into the role with precision, same as in the series.

The science fiction combined with the elements makes the series something special and it is the same for Cowboy Bebop: The Movie. The action, suspense, and story-arc combine to make the film entertaining, interesting, and exciting.

FAVORITE QUOTE: He was just all alone. He couldn’t enjoy a game with anyone else. Like living in a dream… That’s the kind of man he was.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Foul language, Violence, Smoking

Check out the trailer below:

That is my review. What did you think? Let me know in the comments below and tell me if there’s a movie you’d like me to review. Check out my thoughts on the popular anime flick The Secret World of Arrietty and Whisper Of The Heart. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this one.

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This article has been updated from a previous version.