10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"What story does a bird tell at night?", January 19, 2003
This review is from: Vampire Princess Miyu - The Last Shinma (TV Vol. 6) (DVD)
There have been hints all along of a coming final confrontation, but true to director Toshiki Hirano's careful exegesis, we have only been permitted to se through a glass darkly. In truth, what we have been given are mostly red herrings, false clues intended to misdirect us from the true outcome. Perhaps, given Miyu's nature, we should have puzzled this out before, but sometimes it is best to remain in the dark and be surprised by the story arc that builds over the last five episodes of this series.
In 'Once Upon a Time" we are finally given the series' version of how Miyu inherited her position as guardian. Miyu lived with her mother, who has been maddened by the death of her husband. When a traveling magic show comes to town and Miyu is entranced and takes part. Her awakening is threatened by a strange bird priest but the actors come to her defense. We also come to understand the basis for the conflict between Reiha and Miyu.
'Confrontation,' which is set many years later, finds that the conflict between the two has finally boiled over into the world. Reiha brings winter to Tokyo and starts killing Shinma to get Miyu's attention. The battle costs Reiha and the doll Matsukaze dearly, but is inconclusive. Both young women are forced to reconsider their futures.
The final three episodes of this series bring the key story arcs and themes together in an surprising and unexpected fashion. Destiny, revenge, friendship and loyalty all play a part in a confrontation between the vampire and those that wish to see the line of Guardians defeated permanently. Miyu finds that not only is it impossible to escape her nature, but that her truth is actually her best defense. In doing so, Hirano completes the work of raising the story beyond the limitations of the Gothic horror genre.
Miyu's story sets a new standard, just as Vampire Hunter D did before it. Disguised as simple entertainment, It does not shy away from difficult topics. Not just the quality of the story and narrative, but also the artwork, music, and production qualities make it a memorable series. I hope we have not seen the end of the young woman whose destiny is the destruction of monsters.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
If u like surprise endings, this is the one for you!!!, August 25, 2002
This review is from: Vampire Princess Miyu - The Last Shinma (TV Vol. 6) (DVD)
One of the "UNSUNG HEROES" in the anime world. This is truly one of the greatest animes out there and a must see for everyone who likes surprise endings. Vampire Princess Miyu is the tale of a young girl who belongs to the race of Shinma (Supernatural beings). Miyu's job is to gather stray Shinma (DEMONS)who are on Earth to cause harm to humans, and return them to the Dark. Her only companion in this fight to stop the evil DEMONS is Larva, a silent, masked and mysterious SHINMA who was sent to kill Miyu but now fights on her side. Together they embark on a dangerous adventure where they encounter ferocious demons and realize that sometimes a hero can not always save the day.
Contains some of the greatest stroies evertold in the anime world and surprise endings that will send a chill down your spine.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A let down finale to a great series., August 22, 2004
This review is from: Vampire Princess Miyu - The Last Shinma (TV Vol. 6) (DVD)
Even though I enjoyed the final episodes of Vampire Princess Miyu I still sadly felt letdown in the end, the big twist in who the strongest Shinma is didn't really go down well with Me nor did the explenation on how it all came to be and I was left wanting more which is annoying since to My knowladge there isn't any more or as far as I know there is never gonna be another series, in the end it all felt rushed to Me.
Worth it to complete Your collection and watching once or twice.
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