Synopsis
The final, shocking conclusion! Utena is about to discover the truth behind the secrets, the duels, and her own forgotten past. To do this, she must confront the prince who once saved her life, and face her most terrifying nightmare. For the last time, Utena must draw her word and fight her own inner demons. Will there be a happy ending?
Review
As an anime viewer that is not an Utena fan and did not have any exposure to Utena until just recently, I will have to say that this show is certainly interesting, in that for some scenes there are songs in which it is describing the mood of the scene. I rarely see anime with songs that is solely for the anime at that specific scene. Those songs, although are weird, but was creative in a way, so I very much appreciate them rather than the standard stuff we are so used to being exposed to. First of all I would like to make this clear to you guys; I have never tried watching a series from only the end and writing a review about it so pardon me if I sound too vague. Now that that is off my chest, we can go through what this finale is about.
Revolutionary Girl Utena: Finale could be described with one word… wow. I say wow, because I was dragged into this compelling story right from the end of episode thirty seven. The climax of this finale achieves an even higher altitude than the summit of Mount Everest. Well… maybe not, but hey that was a good metaphor. Anyways, the more you think something is going to happen the more it does not. As I was viewing I said to myself, ‘Oh my god, this and that is going to happen, just like all them other series that I have watched throughout the years.’ But no no, none of what I thought happened. Just as when Utena was going to face her so called destiny, which is to meet the prince and live happily ever after… well that was the message I received, but good thing this series was not something like that. I was getting tired of anime without twists, and just as expected, a big twist comes and surprisingly it was quite adequate to satisfy my needs. Let me give you a hint for where I was startled. Pick up the Finale DVD and on the back take a look at the lowest screenshot, the one with Utena in front of Himemiya and Himemiya looks scared and innocent. Have an idea yet? No, oh wells, watch it and you will see what I am talking about.
Well the synopsis was a hundred percent correct on the shocking conclusion. That is what made this great, a person like me, who did not follow the entire show, watches the few final episodes and is suddenly attached to it emotionally with the emotional scenes. That gave me a sense that this show is a work of art. I mean, comon, I was not even familiar with the characters. Utena? The pink hair girl? Himemiya? The girl that looks like another character from another anime I cannot recall? I did not know the whole background of the characters, but still they were able to touch me. Especially at the end, where Utena opens the rose coffin; the whole process was great in every way possible to me, because it showed what friendship was about. I definitely recommend Revolutionary Girl Utena to all who enjoy anime, this coming from a developing Utena fan in the making!!!
The Breakdown
I am currently running late!!! Thanks to CPM for sending me this screener and uhh… for those who have anything against Utena without actually checking out what it is really about, shame on you! Ja ne.
» The Pros
Basically everything about Utena. It is not focused on action and not on dramatic dialogues. It has a balance of both, hence creating a great combination. Also there are pieces of scenes where I find funny. Since I am against spoiling, check it out and you would probably get a crack too.
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» The Cons
The con is that I did not watch the whole series from the beginning and therefore I have missed a lot of things that happened earlier in the show.
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» Animation
7.5 |
Considering this current era of anime, the animation for Utena is a little old school, but nonetheless it is good. It is not that old now! |
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» Sound
8 |
I find the opening theme song to be alright, the voice acting, mainly Japanese was normal and the in the show sounds (background, effects, etc.) to be appealing, in that they make you question what the hell? There is a scene where Utena is near death and the carousel music plays... cool. :P |
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» Story
9 |
Since I have only watched the final three episodes I have no right to bash or praise the story. Although I could say that for the final three episodes that I have watched, the story was quite entertaining. It has definitely affected my interest in Utena in a good way. |
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» Recommend
8.5 |
I would like to say, do not imitate me and watch the final episodes of Utena. This rule does not only go for Utena, but for all anime as well. It is not logical to do that is it? Anyways, Utena fans, here comes a good ending, in my terms. |
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» Other Information
Language: English/Japanese language with English Subtitles
Extras: Full-length Commentary by Directer Kunihiko Ikuhara and Character Designer/Original Manga Artist Chiho Saito, Farewell to Utena Fan Art Contest, Interview with U.S. Voice Actor Sharon Becker, Ohtori Academy Scrapbook, Revolutionary Girl Utena Trailer, English and Japanese with English Subtitles
Package: A very interesting cover indeed. Too guys sandwiching Utena... need I go further? |