3.7 Stars I went into the Patlabor film thinking it would mainly be mech on mech action, what I found was a surprisingly relaxing late 80s perspective of a near-future sci-fi criminal investigation film. The plot is laced themes of collective and individual worry about industrialization. Fears of losing the past of a civilization or culture do to rapid technological booms. Biblical references and parallels to the Tower of Babel and other old testament themes are prominent throughout. The plot and the progression through it is a bit obtuse and convenient at times, especially the main antagonist's mastermind plot and the protagonists piecing together leads and clues in the case. Overall though it's an excellent animation with a fitting soundtrack.