Made in Abyss - Journey's Dawn

1900 years ago a mysterious hole in the Earth was discovered.  By all indications it had no bottom.

Adventurous individuals decided to explore the depths (some at their own peril). Descending they found strange artifacts and treasures.

So compelling was the hole (Abyss) that soon a bludgeoning community developed dependent on its riches.

Over the centuries explorers ventured deeper and deeper into the Abyss.  More treasures were discovered along with exotic plants and animals-some that were deadly.

Many explorers lost their lives or never returned to the upper levels.

An orphan named Riko is a young, modern day explorer who wants to follow in her deceased mother’s footsteps.

One day while exploring with other orphan classmates and hopeful future Cave Raiders she is rescued from a horrible and carnivorous flying snake by a sudden destructive energy burst.

Her rescuer is a small boy that appears to be half-human and half-machine-a cyborg.

She takes the unconscious boy back to her orphanage and with the help of her classmates manages to revive him.

Unfortunately her ‘revival’ procedure draws the attention of the orphanage staff and only with the help of the cyborg does she manage to avoid punishment-at least for now.

She is certain that the boy comes from the lower depths.

Riko becomes all the more determined to explore the lower levels when she receives a mysterious note proclaiming that her mother is alive lower in the Abyss.

The boy/cyborg (Reg) (or is he totally robotic?) reluctantly agrees to accompany her to find her mother. 

Their journey is filled with danger and peril, but also with wonder.

Reg’s stoic demeanor is the perfect balance against Riko’s flamboyancy and hyper personality.

Is her mother alive?  What lurks below in the depths?  Who are Reg’s parents and fellow cyborgs?

These are just a few of the questions presented in the delightful Anime: Made in Abyss - Journey's Dawn, from Sentai Filmworks, that combines the first eight episodes of the TV series into a wonderfully illustrated and animated tale of discovery, friendship, family and faith.

Far form a simple modern fairy tale the story has its share of scary moments and semi-disturbing images, but the characters and story shine through and make this a perfect family film.