“Altered Carbon: Resleeved” is a 2020 Japanese-animated cyberpunk action film set in the Altered Carbon universe. Directed by Takeru Nakajima and Yasuo Ohtagaki, the movie offers fans a fresh perspective on the iconic world originally created by Richard K. Morgan in his 2002 novel, Altered Carbon. This standalone installment dives into new territory, combining the futuristic themes of Altered Carbon with a distinctly Japanese anime aesthetic and a tight, action-packed narrative.

While Resleeved maintains familiar elements—such as the concept of sleeves (interchangeable bodies) and stacks (human consciousness stored digitally)—it also introduces fresh storylines and characters that make it accessible to both fans of the original series and newcomers. With its impressive visuals, visceral action, and cultural depth, Altered Carbon: Resleeved stands out as a unique addition to the Altered Carbon saga.

Plot Overview

The film takes place on the planet Latimer, a locale known for its criminal underworld and high-tech decadence. Unlike the live-action Altered Carbon series, this film focuses on a more compact and direct story, centering on crime, loyalty, and the traditions of the Yakuza.

Opening and Setup

The movie begins with Takeshi Kovacs being awakened in a new sleeve. This time, he finds himself working for a powerful Yakuza faction. His mission: protect a young tattoo artist named Holly as she completes an intricate tattoo ceremony for the Yakuza boss’s successor. The ritual holds immense cultural and symbolic importance within the Yakuza, as it signifies the transfer of leadership.

However, the task is not as straightforward as it seems. Holly is targeted by mysterious assassins, and Kovacs quickly realizes that her life is the key to uncovering a larger conspiracy. The film’s plot unfolds into a mix of thrilling action, tense alliances, and revelations that expose the dark underbelly of Latimer’s criminal elite.

Key Characters

1. Takeshi Kovacs

Takeshi Kovacs, voiced by Tatsuhisa Suzuki in Japanese and Ray Chase in English, remains the quintessential anti-hero. As an elite Envoy—a highly trained soldier capable of adapting to any body (or sleeve)—Kovacs is a hardened warrior with a sharp mind. In Resleeved, Kovacs maintains his cynical, no-nonsense demeanor, but his actions reveal glimpses of compassion and loyalty. Despite his violent past, he is driven by a personal code of honor, which aligns with his mission to protect Holly.

2. Holly Togram

Holly is a talented and young tattoo artist with a mysterious connection to the Yakuza. Her skills are essential to completing the ritual that will mark the succession of power within the syndicate. As the story progresses, Holly is revealed to be far more than she appears. Her character serves as the emotional core of the film, embodying innocence juxtaposed against the brutal world of organized crime.

3. Gina

Gina, a no-nonsense CTAC (Colonial Tactical Assault Corps) agent, is another key player. She works alongside Kovacs, though the two share an uneasy alliance. Gina’s motivations are initially unclear, but her role becomes pivotal as the story unravels. Her sharp skills and determination make her an equal match for Kovacs, both in combat and wit.

4. The Yakuza Leaders

The Yakuza bosses serve as both antagonists and driving forces of the story. The power struggles within the Yakuza are central to the film’s plot, and the succession ritual forms the backdrop for the conspiracy Kovacs uncovers. The film explores themes of loyalty, tradition, and betrayal within these powerful families.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Tradition vs. Technology

One of the central themes of Altered Carbon: Resleeved is the clash between ancient traditions and futuristic technology. The Yakuza’s tattoo ritual—rooted in centuries-old cultural practices—stands in stark contrast to the hyper-advanced world of sleeves, stacks, and digital immortality. The ritual itself symbolizes permanence and identity, concepts that are increasingly blurred in the Altered Carbon universe, where bodies are disposable, and consciousness can be transferred with ease.

The intricate tattoos that Holly creates are not just art; they represent a lasting mark of identity and honor, something that cannot be replicated through technology. This tension between old-world customs and new-world advancements adds depth to the story and highlights the film’s cultural influences.

2. Identity and Immortality

As in the broader Altered Carbon universe, Resleeved explores questions of identity and mortality. With the ability to transfer consciousness into different sleeves, concepts like death and individuality lose their meaning. Kovacs, who has been resleeved countless times, grapples with the existential weight of his existence. The film subtly raises the question: What makes us who we are? Is it our body, our mind, or our experiences?

3. Loyalty and Betrayal

The Yakuza’s strict code of honor is another key theme. Loyalty to family and tradition is paramount, yet the film also exposes the cracks within this system. Betrayal lurks beneath the surface, as power struggles and hidden agendas drive the narrative. Kovacs and Gina must navigate this treacherous world, where trust is scarce, and alliances are fragile.

4. The Cost of Power

The Yakuza’s succession ritual and the conspiracy surrounding it reflect the lengths to which people will go to gain and maintain power. The film examines the moral compromises and sacrifices required to survive in a world where power is often synonymous with violence.

Action and Visual Style

1. Anime Aesthetic

Altered Carbon: Resleeved stands out visually due to its anime style, which brings a unique flair to the cyberpunk world of Altered Carbon. The film was produced by Anima, a Japanese animation studio, and its art style is heavily influenced by classic cyberpunk anime like Ghost in the Shell and Akira.

The neon-drenched streets of Latimer, the detailed Yakuza tattoos, and the fluid combat sequences are rendered with stunning precision. The animation emphasizes movement and detail, creating a visually immersive experience that sets Resleeved apart from the live-action series.

2. Intense Action Sequences

The film delivers high-octane action, with hand-to-hand combat, sword fights, and futuristic weaponry taking center stage. Kovacs’ battles with the assassins are particularly impressive, showcasing his combat skills and the brutality of the Altered Carbon world. The fight choreography is fast-paced and meticulously animated, blending traditional martial arts with futuristic elements.

The Role of the Yakuza

The inclusion of the Yakuza adds a layer of cultural richness to the Altered Carbon universe. The Yakuza have long been depicted in fiction as powerful and enigmatic organizations bound by strict codes of honor. In Resleeved, the Yakuza serve as both a narrative device and a thematic symbol.

• The Succession Ceremony: The ritual of tattooing the successor is a sacred tradition, emphasizing the importance of legacy and continuity within the Yakuza.
• The Power Struggle: The film uses the Yakuza’s internal conflicts to explore themes of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition. The organization’s strict hierarchy mirrors the broader societal structure of the Altered Carbon world, where power dynamics are ever-present.

Connections to the Altered Carbon Universe

While Resleeved functions as a standalone story, it maintains strong ties to the larger Altered Carbon universe.

• Takeshi Kovacs: Kovacs remains the central figure, embodying the themes of identity, survival, and moral ambiguity. His experiences in Resleeved add another layer to his character’s complex history.
• Stacks and Sleeves: The film continues to explore the concept of digital immortality, where consciousness can be transferred between bodies. This technology shapes the narrative and creates unique ethical dilemmas.
• World-Building: The planet Latimer, with its neon-lit cities and criminal underworld, feels like a natural extension of the Altered Carbon universe. It retains the gritty, cyberpunk aesthetic that fans have come to expect.

Cultural and Philosophical Depth

By blending Japanese cultural elements with cyberpunk themes, Altered Carbon: Resleeved creates a story that feels both unique and thought-provoking. The film raises philosophical questions about the nature of identity, the meaning of tradition, and the consequences of technological advancement.

The Yakuza’s rituals serve as a reminder of the human need for connection, legacy, and meaning in a world that often feels detached and impermanent. Kovacs’ journey, meanwhile, reflects the struggle to maintain one’s humanity in a society where bodies are interchangeable, and death is no longer final.

Reception and Impact

Altered Carbon: Resleeved received mixed to positive reviews upon its release. Fans of the Altered Carbon universe appreciated the film’s unique anime style, action-packed narrative, and fresh perspective on familiar themes. Critics praised the visuals and fight choreography but noted that the story, while engaging, lacked the depth and complexity of the original live-action series.

Despite these critiques, Resleeved succeeded in expanding the Altered Carbon universe in a meaningful way. It introduced new cultural elements, explored fresh storylines, and provided fans with a visually stunning experience.

The Essence of Resleeved

“Altered Carbon: Resleeved” is a visually striking and action-packed addition to the Altered Carbon franchise. By combining the cyberpunk aesthetic of the original series with Japanese anime influences, the film creates a unique and engaging story that explores themes of tradition, identity, and power.

Takeshi Kovacs’ journey to protect Holly and uncover a Yakuza conspiracy adds new layers to his character while maintaining the core elements that make him such a compelling protagonist. The film’s exploration of cultural rituals and futuristic technology offers a fresh perspective on the Altered Carbon universe, making it an essential watch for fans and newcomers alike.

A Compact Story with a New Setting

Set on the distant planet Latimer, Resleeved thrusts us into a gritty criminal world dominated by the Yakuza, where tradition clashes with futuristic technologies. This time, his task is seemingly simple but layered with intrigue: protect Holly, a gifted tattoo artist, as she completes a sacred Yakuza ritual.

The ritual involves inking a successor with intricate tattoos, symbolizing the transfer of power within the Yakuza hierarchy. The story unfolds in a compact timeframe, focusing on high-stakes action, bloody betrayals, and the fragility of loyalty in a world of advanced technology and shifting identities.

A Focus on the Yakuza and Tradition

The Yakuza’s tattoo ritual serves as a cultural anchor, emphasizing identity and permanence in a world where bodies (or “sleeves”) are interchangeable. This juxtaposition between ancient traditions and cyberpunk advancements is a central theme. It adds a layer of cultural richness that feels fresh and unique compared to the live-action series.

Kovacs in Action

While Resleeved doesn’t dive deep into Kovacs’ personal struggles, it highlights his skills as an Envoy—a soldier capable of adapting to any situation. The film’s action sequences are a standout feature, showcasing Kovacs as a ruthless and efficient fighter. Whether battling waves of assassins or squaring off against cyber-enhanced enemies, his combat prowess is on full display.

Unlike the introspective tone of the live-action Altered Carbon, this version of Kovacs feels more like a lone samurai in a cyberpunk setting—a warrior bound by necessity rather than choice. His motivations are straightforward: protect Holly and uncover the truth.

Visual Style and Impact

The animation style in Resleeved brings a new energy to the Altered Carbon universe. The Japanese studio Anima delivers sleek visuals, blending neon-lit cyberpunk environments with traditional Japanese influences. The fight choreography feels fluid and dynamic, with sword fights and martial arts sequences that rival live-action counterparts.

Latimer’s underworld—a mix of dark alleyways, glowing cityscapes, and Yakuza strongholds—feels alive, immersing viewers in a dangerous yet visually stunning world.

A Streamlined Experience

Clocking in at just over an hour, Resleeved is a self-contained story that doesn’t require prior knowledge of Altered Carbon. While it retains key concepts like stacks and resleeving, it focuses less on philosophical musings and more on straightforward action and intrigue. This makes it accessible to newcomers while still offering enough nods to satisfy franchise fans.