Synopsis
A new student has arrived at Ohtori Academy. As she tours the school, she stops to witness a duel held by the fencing club. Across the distance, she is stunned by a red haired upper classman. She runs with great fervor to meet him only to find the cold shower of rain.
Review
Revolutionary Girl Utena the Movie is a retelling of the anime series much like Escaflowne the Movie. Its basis is on the final episode of the series when Jury confesses:
‘Come to think of it, I’ve forgotten that boy’s name. Long ago, when my older sister was still a child, she nearly drowned in a river. On that day there was a boy who jumped into the river to try to save her. My sister got lucky and was saved by a nearby adult, but the boy who tried to save my sister was swept away. I thought my sister was very cold for forgetting his name so quickly. But now that I try to remember, it seem I’ve forgotten it too.’
The Breakdown
A bit on the mature side for younger audiences. It could have been better but that doesn’t mean it is not all that bad either.
» The Pros
The movie forces the viewer really to think long and hard about the logic behind the events on the screen. Symbolism and series references are everywhere. It is massively allegorical. In addition, visuals are fantastic.
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» The Cons
The denouement is absurd. Himemiya and Utena drive off naked with their hair flowing back against the wind gazing into each other's eyes on the broken interior of half a car with only two wheels. Destination, a place with no paths, their birthplace outside the world. Then they caress one another and kiss as the scene fades out.
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» Animation
10 |
The movie makes up for my personal critiques of the series art wise. Character's torsos are drawn fuller and shoulders broader instead of a simple triangle. I welcome the Himemiya redesign less nerdy without the glasses and more like an Indian Princess. Utena's black and white outfit looks like an adorable French girl. Computer graphics are nicely interwoven. |
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» Sound
10 |
My favorite piano theme surpassing the series is when Utena and Himemiya are dancing in the Rose Garden sung in Japanese. Remix of the apocalypse song and opening 'Rinbu (Round Dance) Revolution.' |
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» Story
7 |
The movie is its own unique and shortened summary of the anime series beginning with the duel versus Saionji. Some of the characters are slightly changed. Nanami is no longer human but a cow, the two silhouetted thespians are now radio hosts, and Chairman Akio is more youthful whose fault is losing the keys to his car. Instead of being Utena's prince, Akio is Himemiya's prince. The pathway and elevator from the Black Rose Society is brought back. The movie is also the only time when Utena legitimately beats Jury in a duel. |
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» Recommend
6 |
For fans of the series, or for people who don't want to collect all 39 episodes of the series but still are interested in what Utena is all about. The tons of extras make it worth every dollar. |
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» Other Information
Language: English or Japanese with optional English subtitles
Extras: Behind the scenes video, cast and production credits, character sketches, director's commentary, interactive menus, trailers, art gallery
Package: Utena bent forward and behind leaning backward |
Saturday, June 27, 2026
