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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Appleseed (2005). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Deunan Knute, a talented and resilient female soldier, finds herself among the last remnants of humanity after a brutal Global War. In a twist of fate during a skirmish, she is saved by Hitomi, a Second Generation Bioroid. Trying to flee from a hospital, Deunan takes Hitomi captive, only to be confronted by her former lover, Briareos Hecatonchires, who has since transformed into a cyborg.

As she comes to grips with her new surroundings, Deunan learns that the war is over, and she is now in Olympus, a supposedly Utopian city inhabited by both humans and Bioroids—genetically-engineered beings created from the DNA of her father, Carl. Olympus is governed by three powerful entities: Prime Minister Athena Areios, General Edward Uranus III of the Olympus Army, and a Council of Elders. Overseeing this intricate society is an artificial intelligence named Gaia, residing in a structure known as Tartaros.

In this new reality, Deunan joins the elite ESWAT organization, uncovering troubling truths about the Bioroids’ creation and their dangerously curtailed lifespans due to their engineered inability to reproduce. A tragic terrorist attack from a rogue faction of the Regular Army leads to the destruction of the life-extension facilities meant for the Bioroids. Yet, a glimmer of hope lies in the Appleseed data, which possesses crucial information to restore their reproductive capabilities.

Tension escalates in Olympus as Deunan navigates the treachery among different factions. Alongside Briareos, she embarks on a perilous mission to the facility where the Bioroids were first developed, hoping to locate the elusive Appleseed data. A holographic projection reveals the data’s whereabouts, but complications arise when Dr. Gilliam Knute, the Bioroids’ creator and Deunan’s father, gets fatally shot by a soldier. Meanwhile, Colonel Hades, a fierce opponent of the Bioroids, exposes a sinister plot where Briareos deliberately allowed a colossal exoskeleton, known as a Landmate, to escape.

In a heart-pounding encounter, Deunan and her team face overwhelming odds against the Regular Army. General Uranus attempts to persuade Deunan that Bioroids aim to dominate humanity, revealing plans to obliterate a D-Tank filled with toxic virus material located in Tartaros. Briareos counters that the Elders orchestrated this scheme, as the D-Tank’s virus was initially meant to subdue the Bioroids but has lethal implications for humanity as well. When Hades incites Uranus to abandon dialogue, he points the finger at Carl for the chaos, only to face Deunan’s wrath.

After a narrow escape, they find themselves washed ashore, where a gravely injured Briareos confesses his truth to Deunan, urging her to persevere. The skilled mechanic Yoshitsune Miyamoto arrives in his Landmate, initiating repairs on Briareos, and Deunan eventually returns to Olympus, utilizing the Appleseed data to restore Bioroid reproductive capabilities.

Despite these victories, Deunan confronts the Council of Elders, demanding justice for her mother’s death. They reveal their horrific plan to gradually exterminate all humans, leaving the Bioroids to rule the Earth. The Elders had sought the Appleseed data to prolong their own kind’s survival, but Gilliam had hidden it for good reason. With Athena intervening to clarify that Uranus has surrendered, she informs Deunan that the Elders acted autonomously and had shut down Gaia when they suspected humanity’s view on Bioroids was changing.

As the Elders prepare for their own demise, they activate the city’s fortress defenses against Tartaros, setting the stage for a showdown. With ESWAT suffering significant losses against the formidable armament of the fortresses, Briareos requests Deunan’s assistance. As tensions peak, she strives to enter the password to disarm the defenses, but malfunctions complicate the process. Ultimately, a final letter appears, allowing her to secure the D-Tank.

The film concludes with Deunan reflecting on humanity’s continuing imperfections, acknowledging that the future might be fraught with challenges, yet holding onto the hope that the next generations will learn from past errors. She resolutely commits to fighting on behalf of the children, whom she deems “the true new race of man.”

Timeline

Track the key events of Appleseed (2005) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Global War Devastation

Deunan Knute, a skilled soldier, struggles to survive in the aftermath of a brutal Global War. The vast majority of humanity has perished, leaving her among the last remnants of a once-thriving civilization.

A Fateful Skirmish

During a heated skirmish, Deunan finds herself on the verge of defeat when she is unexpectedly saved by Hitomi, a Second Generation Bioroid. This encounter turns her life upside down, igniting a chain of events that will redefine her existence.

Captivity and Confrontation

In a moment of desperation, Deunan captures Hitomi while attempting to flee. However, her escape takes an unexpected turn when she is confronted by Briareos Hecatonchires, her former lover, who has undergone a transformation into a cyborg.

Entering Olympus

Deunan discovers she has been brought to Olympus, a city that claims to be a utopia for both humans and Bioroids. As she learns more about her current situation, the realities of this new world challenge her perceptions of survival and humanity.

Olympus

Joining ESWAT

Accepting her new reality, Deunan becomes a member of the elite ESWAT organization. Through her training and missions, she uncovers alarming truths about the Bioroids' engineered lifespans and their grim future.

Terrorist Attack

A devastating terrorist attack orchestrated by a rogue faction of the Regular Army results in the destruction of life-extension facilities critical to the survival of the Bioroids. This incident triggers a tense atmosphere in Olympus, further complicating Deunan's mission.

The Search for Appleseed Data

Amid rising tensions, Deunan and Briareos embark on a dangerous mission to locate the Appleseed data, which is believed to hold the key to restoring Bioroid reproductive capabilities. Their journey leads them to the site where the Bioroids were initially developed.

Tragedy Strikes

While they are close to uncovering the necessary data, disaster strikes when Dr. Gilliam Knute, the Bioroids' creator and Deunan’s father, is fatally shot by a soldier. This betrayal sends ripples of chaos through their already precarious mission.

Revelations and Conspiracy

Colonel Hades unveils a conspiring plan suggesting that the Bioroids aim to dominate humanity, igniting a fierce debate between Deunan and General Uranus. Briareos reveals that the Elders had crafted the D-Tank's deadly virus to keep Bioroids in check, complicating the moral landscape further.

Tartaros

Narrow Escape

After a narrow escape from the Regular Army, Deunan and Briareos find themselves on the shores with their destinies hanging in the balance. Here, Briareos reveals his vulnerabilities and urges Deunan to push forward despite the darkness surrounding them.

Restoration Efforts

Yoshitsune Miyamoto, a skilled mechanic, arrives in his Landmate to assist in repairing Briareos. Deunan's return to Olympus is marked by her success in utilizing the Appleseed data, reviving hope for the Bioroids by restoring their reproductive capabilities.

Olympus

Confronting the Elders

Seething with anger, Deunan confronts the Council of Elders, demanding accountability for her mother's death. The Elders shock her with their revelation to systematically eliminate all humans, aiming to establish Bioroid dominance over Earth.

Final Stand

As tensions spiral, the Elders activate the city’s defenses, leading to a fierce showdown with ESWAT. With significant losses on both sides, Deunan faces a critical moment where she must enter a password to disarm deadly defenses, with the fate of many at stake.

Tartaros

Securing the D-Tank

After dealing with various malfunctions during the final confrontation, Deunan successfully secures the D-Tank filled with harmful virus material. This pivotal moment symbolizes both a hard-won victory and a sign of the continuing struggle ahead.

A Hopeful Future

In the aftermath, Deunan reflects on humanity’s flaws and the uncertain future they face. She is determined to fight for the next generation, whom she believes are the true new race of man, holding onto hope despite the challenges that lie ahead.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Appleseed (2005) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Deunan Knute

Deunan is a fierce and resilient soldier who epitomizes the struggle of humanity in a broken world. Her powerful determination to uncover the truth about Bioroids—a reflection of her quest for identity and belonging—drives much of the narrative. Despite her strength, she faces profound emotional turmoil, particularly regarding her connections to Briareos and her family.

👩‍✈️ Protagonist ⚔️ Warrior 💔 Survivor

Briareos Hecatonchires

Briareos, Deunan's former lover transformed into a cyborg, embodies the merger of human and machine. His internal conflict between his past humanity and current existence as a Bioroid creates a rich character depth. Despite his enhancements, he faces vulnerability, especially in moments of personal revelation and danger.

🤖 Cyborg 💞 Love Interest 🤔 Complex

Hitomi

Hitomi represents the innocence and potential of the Bioroid race in a world filled with mistrust. As a Second Generation Bioroid, her existence challenges Deunan's beliefs and highlights the fragile fabric of their society. Her relationship with Deunan evolves from captor and captive to allies, underscoring the film's themes of understanding and cooperation.

👧 Bioroid 💖 Innocence 👐 Ally

Setting

Uncover the settings of Appleseed (2005), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

Post-Global War Era

The movie takes place in a time following a brutal conflict known as the Global War, which has left humanity on the brink of extinction. During this era, society is heavily influenced by advanced technology, particularly in the form of genetically-engineered Bioroids. Tensions between the remaining humans and Bioroids create a precarious environment as old prejudices and new alliances form.

Location

Olympus, Tartaros

Olympus is a supposed Utopian city that serves as the last refuge for humanity after a devastating Global War. It is characterized by its complex society where humans coexist with Bioroids, engineered beings that pose ethical and existential questions. Tartaros, a facility within Olympus, is the control center that houses the artificial intelligence Gaia, overseeing the delicate balance between humans and Bioroids.

🏙️ City ⚙️ Facility

Themes

Explore the core themes of Appleseed (2005). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🤖

Human vs. Machine

The film explores the complex relationship between humans and their creations, represented by the Bioroids. It raises questions about identity, autonomy, and what it means to be truly alive. As Deunan navigates this dynamic, she grapples with her feelings toward Briareos, who has become a cyborg, blurring the lines between human and machine.

💔

Loss and Redemption

Deunan's journey is deeply marked by personal loss, including the death of her father and the burden of her mother's legacy. Throughout the film, themes of sacrifice and the quest for redemption drive her actions. Her ultimate goal becomes not just survival, but also ensuring a future for the next generation, representing hope amidst despair.

⚔️

Conflict and Betrayal

Intrigue and betrayal permeate the governance of Olympus, highlighting the fragility of alliances in the face of power struggles. The internal conflict within the city mirrors Deunan's external battles against the Regular Army and the Council of Elders. This theme emphasizes the ethical dilemmas faced by characters as they navigate loyalty and the pursuit of truth.

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