Akan Movie Reviews

When Van turns Escaflowne into a dragon and leads off Allen and Hitomi's pursuers it puts him face to face with his brother Folken, who failed the Fanelian test for kingship and fled to the Zaibach Empire. We discover that, as unappetizing as Folken's agenda is, it springs from honorable motives. This dichotomy between to forms of duty will haunt this series, providing as it does the seeds of redemption.

Eventually the flurry of rescues and escapes leads everyone to Palas, the capital of Arturia. But, there is no peace there. The Asturian king is squirming in the grasp of Zaibach and quickly proves his own untrustworthiness. Hitomi discovers that Allen, whom she is falling in love with, has some kind of pre-existing relationship. While this is unclear, Hitomi's confusion over her feelings for a boy back on Earth, Allen and Van is completely apparent. Thus will fate, desire, and duty play repeatedly in these relationships.

Art, animation and music continue to be top grade. I was struck in this DVD with the fine work done to bring Escaflowne to life, reminiscent of Evangelion, but a notch better. The kind of choreography used isn't just a delight to watch, it is expensive to use, underlying Kazuke Akane's commitment again. There is an interview with many of the lead voice stars that, amidst a lot of kidding around, reveals that Akane is not the only one who is determined to make something special of this series.

By now, Hitomi is pretty much a part of the turmoil going on in Gaea, whether she likes it or not. On the run with Allen and Van from the sinister Dilandau, her mysterious powers begin to grow and play a much larger role than with her simple Tarot card readings. And while Van has to contend with the fact that his long-lost brother Folken has betrayed his country, Hitomi tries to deal with her possible love of Allen, who already appears to have a lover in the form of Princess Millerna. And all the while, Dilandau schemes and acts rashly in his unstable and almost insane mood.

Like the previous four episodes, the next four episodes play out at a very reasonable pace. Things slow down enough for back story and characterization to take place, but the plot moves along somewhat faster than most other anime series. Thankfully, the overall effect is a finely balanced series that doesn't sacrifice one thing for the other. And considering there are still 18 episodes left in the series, one can only guess what extraordinary and imaginative ideas this series can come up with next.

Visually, "Escaflowne" is one of the better looking series on the market today. While colors may not be as sharp as many of the series that are coming out these days, the series still manages to hold up on its own with its unique art direction and wonderful character designs. And when the series wants to look good, it can look good. Definately something anime fans demanding quality eye-candy can enjoy.

Audio-wise, you know you can almost always expect greatness when Yoko Kanno does the soundtrack. With her eclectic and mastereful genius, she has crafted music that is a league of its own. From orchestral to choral and back again, she truly knows how to make a great anime series even greater.

As for the English dub (provided by the Oceans Group of "Gundam Wing" fame), this set of episodes reveals where the dub actually starts to get good. While the dubbing of the first set of episodes wasn't terrible, the voice actors failed to completely develop their characters and thus sounded stale at times. With "Betrayal and Trust", they finally manage to get into their roles, and by episode eight they sound emotional and vibrant. Sub fans may argue about certain choices of VAs for some characters, but dub fans and sub fans with an open mind should find the "Escaflowne" dub acceptable.

As for extras, the second DVD has a set of interviews of the four main Japanese voice actors. Any fan of "Escaflowne" would be insane to pass this up, but be forewarned. These interviews contain many spoilers (the DVD even gives a clear warning of this) so it would be best for newcomers especially to watch the entire series before even looking at this.

Overall, "Betrayal and Trust" in an excellent continuation of the first four series. The story is progressing nicely, characters are developing marvelously, and the dub is starting to sound more enthusiastic. Die-hard anime fans would be insane to pass up this epic, and even casual anime fans need to look into this show at least once. There is a reason, after all, why many people call this the "Saving Private Ryan" of anime.

It took me awhile to get this whole set. I would of prefered to get it as a box set, but still I really enjoyed this series.

My favourie character is Dilandau he's one bad guy totaly vicious he mows through guys on the battle battlefield just to get to Van his main anemy the only one he cares about fighting.

I really recomend this series for all to watch.

Hitomi is in crisis. Because of her peering into the grim future, she is plagued by memories of her horrid visions and refuses to help Van. The Prince without a country becomes determined to do for himself what Hitomi has taught him, with unexpected and nearly disastrous effects.

Who is the mysterious ruler of Zaibach, who complains that a dragon is keeping him from seeing the future in his Destiny Prognostication Engine. Now we find that he is an old man, once come from earth, but his agenda - is it really the conquest of all Gaea?

This is the turning point in the series. There can be no question at the end of this DVD that this is more than just another struggle between the forces of good and evil. The care that is taken to fill out each character and make fabulous kingdoms come alive makes this a drama that is far more believable than its fantasy setting.

Each episode offers something new, a piece of history, a new character like Dryden the trader, the strange Ispano people who made Escaflowne. This is one of those cases where anime shows its ability be the equal of film in drama and quality.

keep the faith,
dExtrosien

Van finds himself torn between his childhood loyalty to Folken, and his anger over his brother's loyalty to Dornkirk. When Folken arranges a meeting, Van finally sets out to gain revenge for Folken's desertion of Fanelia. But the struggle between Van and Folken ends inconclusively, and Folken determines to turn himself over to Asturia to bring an end to this horrible war. Now the struggle truly begins in earnest.

Another relationship, that between Hitomi and Allen Schezar also seems to be developing cracks, as the young knight reveals his controlling side. Hitomi's is uncomfortable with this but is even more uncomfortable with Van's angry willingness to fight and kill. This triggers a spectacular cliffhanger of an ending sure to please the most jaded of watchers and leave them grabbing for the last DVD in this series.

As you can see, the fact that this series is drawing to an end means that there will be no lack of plot twists. And no lack of shifts in character development either. This is never a simpleminded series, but a complex weaving of the themes of destiny, human nature, war, and the value of relationships and love. It is always reaching beyond the story line for higher values, even as Evangelion did. Whether the story moves quickly or slows down for an introspective moment, it remains compelling.

-Gosunkugi and the Magic Paper Dolls-
-Akane's Unfathomable Heart-
-Master and Student...Forever?!-(Caution: This is the episode with girls in the locker room in their lingerie and there's a scene with only them trying to cover themselves up with towels; but all that's meant to be kept private is covered up, so don't let it faze you.)

I recommend this series for kids 13 and up!

The following episodes explore Freid, and Allen Schezar's efforts to stave off and invasion from Zaibach, who are implacably chasing Escaflowne across the surface of Gaea. Folken makes use of a Doppelganger to infiltrate Freid and influence the judgment of Prince Chid, who is acting as regent. With Schezar recovering from wounds, Hitomi and Van must discover the source of their betrayal.

Millerna's relationship with Allen Schezar expands. It has been obvious that she loves him, but our initial impressions were of a selfish and spiteful young woman. Now we find unexpected depths and dedication to more than her own satisfaction. This is true of most of the characters in Escaflowne, just when you think you have them pegged, they grow unexpectedly. This is one of the factors that make this series exceptional.

Some thoughts about the dubbing. Since my Japanese skills are rudimentary, I have to rely on the English. And naturally, I would prefer spoken dubbing to subtitles. In Escaflowne, the English script generally follows the subtitles, with minor deviations. For the most part, the voice actors also seem appropriate to the parts. There are one or two exceptions though that do make it worth going to the trouble of listening to the Japanese, especially Dilandau, a psychotic warrior, who sounds menacing in the Japanese, and a complete idiot in the dubbing.

Even so, this remains a wonderful series, full of action, romance, and all the other things that make an adventure story more than just a battle of opposing forces. If you have got here by watching the first two episodes, you know what I mean. For newcomers, I suggest you track down the entire series.

(PLOT - 10/10) The plot is great. It's romantic and it's about war. War on another planet, where Earth looks like a moon. War over a giant suit of armor called Escaflowne. Now THAT'S what I call a plot. Hehe.

(MUSIC 7/10) Don't get me wrong; the music is great. The vocals by Maaya Sakamoto are simply GORGEOUS, and the backround music is beautiful and fits every part perfectly. The reason I gave it a 7 is because some of the music gets on my nerves (the chanting and stuff)

(ANIMATION 9/10) The animation is great for a TV series. I noticed a couple glitches, but most of the animation is clear and cool! ^___^

(DUB 8/10) The dub is ok. It's one of the better dubs I've seen out there, other than Bebop. There are a few mistakes, but nothing major. The subtitles are great. I didn't notice any spelling errors at all.

(OVERALL 9/10) This is one of the best. I reccommend it to anyone. I'd rate it 12 and up because of violence, a confusing plot, and some butt-shots of a very ugly blue dude.

Now, put your hand on the mouse. Good. Now move the mouse down to the 'buy' button. Good. Now click. GOOD.

Watch this series!

The animation and story of this series is easily the best I've ever seen -as engaging as the original Robotech and far surpassing it in intelligence and beauty. The characters are likable, the music is stirring, and the story highly compelling -

UNTIL-

What the heck happened in this last disc? Its like another writer took over. What was a wonderful story gets abruptly ended with some kitty girl pseudo lesbianism (which was kind've a downer considering we were watching the show with our kid and there'd been nothing like this in the entire series up until this point), and a tacked on nonsensical psychobabble ending (think: Akira).

We were VERY disappointed by the conclusion to this series, because the rest of it is HIGHLY recommended. Of course if you've been following the series this long, you've got to get this one too, but man what a let down. And don't bother with the movie either...ugh.

By this DVD it is clear to the viewer that fate, and its changing, is the underlying theme of this series. Isaac Newton attempts to manipulate it so that the Zaibach Empire will rule the world, nearly repeating the mistake of the Atlantean forebearers of the Gaeans. Tarot cards reveal futures that seem inevitable. And the intertwining of the characters defies the rules of coincidence.

Into this apparent march to cataclysmic disaster and tragedy enters Hitomi, the most atypical of anime heroines. Thin and athletic rather than lush, cute rather than pretty, it is her inner nature rather than any physical ability that gives her the power to challenge the inevitable. Hitomi's special skill is the power to believe. And in doing so, she reveals that fate is far from ineluctable, that simply humans can change outcomes with their minds and hearts.

Hitomi's confusion about her feelings towards Van and Alan Schezar, her hatred of the continuous stream of violence that mars life on Gaea, and the struggle she has to accept what she can do make her a warm and accessible character to the viewer. This is true of all the protagonists of Escaflowne, making what would otherwise be a pompous fantasy concoction into a compelling, life affirming drama.

As endings go, this one starts a bit too slowly and ends too soon. I would have liked to see a stronger focus on the dynamics between Hitomi and Van as they realize their love for each other and must confront the roadblocks in their way. There is room for an entire additional episode, although the movie version of Escaflowne fills in much of this touching connection between two people separated by worlds. Even so, this is a fitting end to what has been a delightful series - one which I will always recommend without question.

keep the faith,
dExtrosien

Great Camp, Godzilla meets the muppets (on Acid), only the muppets get destroyed rather than Tokyo.

Probably actually better in Japanese with Subtitles, since I ignored them and have no idea if there even was a plot.

Things to watch for:
Snake neck lady wrapping neck around bad guy, oops did her balloon neck just deflate a bit?

Ouch! Water Spirits really hate fire!

What are real people doing in this movie anyway?

2.5 stars as a movie, 1.5 bonus stars for being really bad (did I mention the subtitles aren't always working?) in a really good way!

I recommend this movie strongly to any open minded Kaiju as well as Tokusatsu fan who loves classic stuff from the 60's and 70's. It's well made and extremely entertaining!

The demon Daimon is awakened after a four thousand year hibernation by treasure hunters in Babylonia and heads to Japan to start a campaign of world domination. "Good monsters" are summoned and team up to stop Daimon once and for all.

The overall entertainment value of SPOOK WARFARE is excellent... You will not see naked babes screaming their heads off, but you will see a good amount blood and an abundance of monsters unlike anything you have ever seen! There are also scenes in which Daimon looks like a guy in a rubber monster suit, but the scenes in which he is stalking his victims in atmospheric lighting are really effective... At that point, Daimon looks absolutely terrifying! The rousing music score really adds to the film: Chilling horror music! The special effects are mixed in quality, but for the most part are excellent! (The scenes involving the miniature work at the beginning and the snake woman throughout the movie are flawless!) The monsters that confront Daimon range from cheesy to scary, but are quite unique.

The DVD... Sharpness and contrast of picture is superb. The sound is a bit distorted at times when the music reaches its peak, but still excellent. The special features include previews for other films of this trilogy, YOKAI MONSTERS: 100 MONSTERS and YOKAI MONSTERS: ALONG WITH GHOSTS (which are unreleased on DVD as of this writing) as well as the more recent GAMERA films, the DAIMAJIN (MAJIN) trilogy and the Godzilla epic DESTROY ALL MONSTERS.

ADV has brough us another great DVD package. Unlike Toho, Daiei is more liberal about the international market. Thank you ADV and Daiei!!! :)

Driven by their fear, Dornkirk and Folken put together their own plan to drive a wedge between Hitomi and Escaflowne. Aiding their efforts is the complicated web of romance that is growing between all the main characters. Not only Hitomi, but Millerna as well, are conflicted about their own desires. Millerna acts impulsively and choses Dryden, triggering the series of events that foreshadow disaster. All of this feeds into Folken's plans, and the destiny engine is brought to bear.

Up to now, the romantic element in Escaflowne has provided a light backdrop to the deeply serious politic situation, but now politics, science and romance mix - and not very well. Destiny now takes its place as the major theme of the series, not only as fate, but as a weapon as well. This is the true menace of the powers of Atlantis, unleashed on a world before their time. How far can Dornkirk's engine reach? Can events on Gaea influence Earth?

One think you can never accuse this series of is oversimplification. The plot is built in layers, mixing the magical with hard science. In doing so, Escaflowne creates its own genre, with a far broader appeal than was originally anticipated. It has not received the wide acceptance in the US it received in Japan, mostly due to poor marketing. I continue to encourage viewers to consider this set as an excellent example of what commercial anime can be when the highest production standards are applied.

19: This episode will leave you at the edge of your seat the whole time! Folken and Dorenkirk alternate the future with a machine (forget what it's called) that affects the life of Hitomi and Allen. This will lead them to kiss and affect a dection Hitomi will make in the future. Yoko Kano's music really creates the atmosphire for this episode.

20: Hitomi does a Tarot card read for Millerna about the wedding. They tell her Drayden isn't the one for her, Allen is. Hitomi loves Allen and tries to switch cards so Millerna will have a happy marriage. Zaibouk comes, and because of what she did, she causes more trouble.
There's are some scene in here that's well worth seeing. When Eria and Naria are sword fighting. The animation is very smooth. What's really interesting is how one of them wins. After that, they show a scene of them when they were young, remember their past. This is the most beautiful part of the whole DVD. The mood is set by the music and espcially they be tan lighting affect.

Escaflowne is a wonderful anime. There's not many anime's that make you feel like your really there (as someone said before). This is the kind of anime that you really get into.

The plot basically is about the death of advertising executive (Don Johnson). His brother is the sole beneficiary of the insurance policy. So the police (Ellen de Generes) is suspicious. To say more will spoil the fun.

The DVD is OK. Both WS and FS versions included. The color is bright and clear. The 5.1 sound only active during wonderful music score by John Ottman. Overall this is a highy recommended DVD.