i really try to like this movie but in the end it just do not work for me . i have see most of kitamura output and have find it to be very variable . alive and like all of his film have an interesting plot and some nifty sequence and a fair amount of creativity . however and these quality be in painfully short supply in alive . the plot be cool if not all that original and could have make for a pretty ace film . unfortunately and the pacing be painfully slow and the film take an age to get go and before reach fairly predictable place . the action be just about passable and with the final fight pretty cool and and the early one about ok. the early one be also mar by overspeedy camera work and make for less coherency . there be some neat visual effect and some interesting idea float around in the dialogue but the film still drag badly . the character be neither well flesh out nor well act and the setting and general color scheme be drab and boring . the film be not completely terrible and have some point of interest and perhaps judicious use of the fast forward button could improve it . with about twenty minute take off the run time this could be a pretty decent sci fi thriller . but the full length film be dull . only recommend to very patient and determined kitumura fan .