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Based on a series of fantasy novels by Yoshiki Tanaka,
The Heroic Legend of Arslan is a rambling sword-and-sorcery epic set in a fictionalized version of ancient Persia. The various segments were released over years of troubled production, and shifts in the creative team resulted in uneven animation. When the kingdom of Palse is attacked by neighboring Lusitania, Arislan finds himself a fugitive, aided by a few loyal subjects. Is he the rightful heir to the throne or is he the son of a murderous usurper, as Silver Mask insists? The fate of the kingdom seesaws for nearly four hours, only to end on a cliffhanger. At the request of the Japanese producers, the names of the principle characters change during the saga--Arislan becomes Arslan; Pharangese, Farangis, etc., which confuses matters further. The vocal cast speaks in British accents that soon cloy, and the dialogue differs wildly from the subtitles, which are apparently closer to the original Japanese. When Pharangese, the priestess of Misra, discusses Narsus's strategy with the bandit Arfurido, she says, "Perhaps he needs to be free from distraction so he can concentrate on finding a new solution to the old problems." The subtitles read, "Perhaps he'll get swept up in the glory of conquest."
Arslan boasts handsomely rendered backgrounds that freely mix Moghul, Babylonian, Romanesque, and Byzantine architecture. But the inconclusive ending will frustrate American viewers unfamiliar with the continuing saga in the novels. "Parental discretion advised": suitable for ages 14 and older; considerable violence.
--Charles Solomon
