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Revolutionary Girl Utena (by Erin, 18, Girl)

"The single most amazing anime series I've ever seen."

Rating: **** four stars (incredible)
Movie Subcategory: Animation

What is this movie about?

"Once upon a time, a young princess was grieving over the death of her parents. A handsome prince appeared to the girl, and wiped her tears away. So inspired was she by him, that the girl decided to become a prince herself one day!! But...was this REALLY such a good idea?" This is anime (Japanese Animation), so it's pretty obscure, but I thought I'd mention it because it was created by the same team that was behind Sailor Moon. You can get it at most Blockbuster Video stores. This is about a girl named Utena Tenjou, who attends a very baroque and European-looking private High School. There, she become wrapped up in a complex and gripping mystery involving the school's secretive Student Council, and the mysterious "Rose Bride." All the while, she struggles to make her dream of becoming a noble and heroic "prince" who helps those in need a reality. A fascinating tale of deceit, friendship, lies, love, and Revolution.

Who were the main actors and actresses in this movie?

Umm...no one I would recognize. ;) The character designer and the director are the same as those who did Sailor Moon. Some of the voice actors are the same as the (Japanese) voices in Sailor Moon, too; Sailor Moon's as Council Member Juri, and Sailor Mercury's as boy genius Miki (yes, a girl playing a boy role). However, this is very different from "Sailor Moon". Written by Ms. Chito Saito and directed by Mr. Ikuhara.

What did you like best about this movie?

EVERYTHING!!! :) No..well..seriously. This is almost impossible to describe. I originally started watching it because the main form of combat is fencing (I fence), the characters all fight duels. But..wow. Even if you've never seen anime before, or think it's weird, I'd still give this a try. All my friends love it. This is a very deep, mature, and symbolic story about so many issues. It's got a very dream-like, fairy tale quality to it; this is one of the greatest "Modern Day Fairy Tales" I've ever seen. Very surreal and at times, *DARK*. The music is quite unique, and the characters are the most complex I've ever seen, in animation or otherwise.

Was there anything bad about the movie?

It's very confusing, but I like that.;) If you don't like complex or vague storylines, DON'T get this. It's also very disturbing at some parts; some of the relationships are disturbing. This was intended for fairly young girls, but some of the imagery and subtext seem too mature for what younger audiences in the US are used to. 

How did this movie make you feel while you were watching it?

This series made me feel *everything.* I loved the characters; I hated them; I was happy for them; I cried for them (esp. Utena's sweet friend Wakaba); I was angry. Nanami is one of the characters who is HILARIOUS (cowbell!! cowbell!! Mooo. :) Juri's story is so surprising and unique. Everything about this is wonderful; in the way it's put together, and the way it toys with your emotions. ;) 

What was this movie rated, and are there any parts inappropriate for younger kids?

This is a bit of a judgment call. It's not rated. This was clearly meant for young girls, and has a large following of teen and preteen fans both in Japan and in the U.S. However, there is a lot of...sexuality present in the series. It's hard to describe. The first 13 episodes are fine with this, but starting with the Black Rose Arc, some of the content may be too disturbing or confusing for younger viewers. You really have to think while watching this, too, to follow what's going on. It's more mature then Sailor Moon (by a long shot). It's very dark at times. 

What did you think of the way the movie was made?

The stylization of this series; the atmosphere and mood conveyed by the animation sequences, music, and character designs..is incredible. It really submerges you in its own world. There are whimsical, unique touches like the Shadow Play Girls, who are a kind of Greek Chorus that clue the viewers in to the meaning of the story. The music is a choir that was a favorite of the director's, and is very odd. The songs have deep meanings. You'll probably either love or hate the music... 

If you know, tell us who directed this movie, what other movies they directed, and whether it reminded you of any other movies you have seen.

As I've mentioned, Ikuhara (director) and others who worked on Sailor Moon are responsible for Utena; Ikuhara directed the Sailor Moon R movie; and there are many parallels, especially with the Rose symbols, etc. However, while there are similarities, there are also differences, and Utena should be seen as a more mature, complex anime then Sailor Moon with similar elements (schoolgirl hero, seeming magic, etc.). 

Do you have any other comments about yourself or the music that would give us a better understanding of your review?

I'm a fencer, so this series was of particular interest to me (although the fencing isn't really very realistic.;) I'd seen a little bit of anime before this, to get acquainted with the various styles and strange conventions. If you've never seen any anime before, this may be too weird a place to start; however, if you've even just seen an episode of Sailor Moon or Pokémon on TV, you should be used to some of the stuff (the freakishly huge eyes, etc.)