Customer Reviews

Revolutionary Girl Utena - Legendary Spice [VHS]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of the most subtle, intricate, and intreging shows that I have ever seen. So do *not* let the first episode temp you into thinking that this show is *fluffy*.

The story pivots around an incident that happened to Utena when she was young. She doesn't remember what really happened, but other characters have varying amounts of information about it, and use that to try to manipulate the outcome of the show. (Reading the true motives of the characters in this setting is next to impossible, and an almost demonic sense of manipulation and paranoia descends upon the cast as the show progresses.)

Friends who have seen the show in it's entirety tell me that everything clicks into a frightenly clear and desperate endgame when the show actually does tell the audience what the backstory is about. They also tell me that all of the clues needed to solve the mystery are there in the first episodes, but the odds of figuring it out ahead of time are next to nothing. Good luck. :)

Add to that a gorgeous art style, and deep character development, and mix well for an incredible series.

This is one of those series which must be watched more than once. As more is revealed about the characters and the mysterious world in which they live, the earlier parts of the series become more impressive. The detail work in this series is second to none. Only the first four tapes are currently available in the USA, but as one who has seen the whole series (39 episodes) I can say with confidence that this is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, anime series ever made. The second volume containes episodes 5-7 of Revolutionary Girl Utena, the point at which the series starts to show its potential. The characters are revealed in this volume to a greater extent than in volume 1, and the complexities of the story begin to be revealed. The first volume was good, but there is a tremendous leap in quality between that volume and the second. I can't recommend the series highly enough.

It's got comedy, romance, action, and adventure. The problem with it is the dubbing. They mispronounce many Japanese names and words. I suggest you buy the subtitle volume instead or the DVD so you can have both and the raw japanese.

We pop in "The Legendary Spice" to begin with the last part of a two-part episode telling the story of Miki's infatuation with Anthy Himemiya and the beauty of his music. In the second episode we get comic relief showcasing Nanami's need to boss around and be in charge of everything when she is introduced to the admirer Mitsuru Tsuwabuki. In the third episode we are given the story of the deadliest dueller on the Student Council, Juri Arisugawa. First love, and miracles are on high scale in this episode. This tape is a very beauful one, focusing on the two student council members rarely having the spotlight on their own. If you want love and laughs and know the story, you must get this tape.

this is one of the best series out there and this is one of the best tapes because you get to learn more about mikki and jury! It also introduces Mitsuru. in the dubbed version they mispronuce some names, but its still good!

If you liked the first UTENA video, this is a must-have! This is one of the MOST UNIQUE anime ever done. Action, sword play, comedy, and romance play a part in this well done show. I think the subtitles rule and the music is one of a kind.