|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
Visions of Escaflowne
Plot Synopsis
Hitomi Kanzaki was a normal girl of 15 interested in reading
Tarot cards, with the usual ambitions. To be a terrific track
runner and to catch the eye of the boy she liked. While
practicing the 100-meter dash, a portal mysteriously appear and
out comes a boy. Abruptly, she is transported to a mysterious
world where the Earth and the Moon hangs in the sky. She has 
arrived on the world Gaea, where
dragons, intrigue, and an epic adventure waits.
Characters Descriptions
On the surface, the characters all seem to fit a criterion of the
typical fantasy series. As you delve deeper, you realize much of
the character's background has been deliberately concealed.
Hitomi is the key character. She has the most curious power of
predicting the future, as well as using her pendant (which is an
heirloom from her grandmother) to locate hidden enemies. The
origin of her powers remains unknown during the first half of the
series. She feels insecure about her presence on Gaea and often
astonished at some denizens' appearance, which is accepted as
generic among the inhabitants. Van Fanelia, the new king of the
kingdom Fanelia fights with vengeance because of the destruction
of his country, though remains timid during battle. He pilots the
magnificent Guymelef, the Escaflowne. His past is filled sorrow,
which he buries inside. As he becomes acquainted with Hitomi, he
exposes some of the burrowed memories. Allen Schezar is a valiant
knight of the country Austurlia, and is envied by his men of his
demeanor and composure. While appearing to be serene, he possess
a distressed past as well. The antagonists are the Zaibach
kingdom. The Chief of Staff is Folken, a cold, calculating
tactician. Dilandau, commander of Guymelef units, possess a
ferocious pride. Other supportive charactes include Merle, a cat
girl who provides comic relief, Gadeth, Allen's most trusted
henchman, and Vargas, who taught Allen and Van the art of the
sword. Throughout the adventure, many characters are introduced,
and details of characters' past gradually unravel.
Animation and Sound
I was amazed at the quality of the animation. The Guymelefs
(which are knight-controlled mechs as tall as a 3 story building)
are displayed in exquisite detail. The illustration wonderfully
displays the magnificence of the Guymelefs, and the 
Escaflowne especially. Computer animation is evident
in some battle scenes, such as the Van's victory over the dragon.
If you prefer fast-pace action, Escaflowne delivers
without a hitch. The clashes between the two forces are delivered
fluidly with almost nonexistence of choppiness. Along with the
phenomenal animation, comes a notable soundtrack as well. The
music in this story varies greatly. Some Japanese popular music,
piano interludes, violin solos, and a chorus supported by an
orchestra. Musical tones are also used to express emotion as
well, grief, distress, shock, and fury are all represented
excellently. The Japanese voices seem accurate for the
characters.
Other Aspects
The series doesn't qualify as "gory" but it has its
fair share of violence and blood as well. No major sexual
references or nudity. The series originally had 39 episodes (3
quarters of a year), but was eventually cut down to 26. This
makes for relatively fast-pace storyline. Don't expect characters
monotonously staring at each other motionlessly or repeated lines
to prolong the series ala Dragonball. Escaflowne shows what is
needed. BTW, a movie, I believe will be (or has been already)
released in Japan.
Overall Quality
This is truly one of the best Anime ever created. It's right on
par with Evangelion, if not better. EVA revolves around Shinji on
a private level, while Esca spans the entire story. I heartily
recommend this to any Anime fan that's ready to graduate from DBZ
or Pokémon. The price for the entire series may be discouraging,
but still, it's worth it.
100% or
*****
(based on fansubs)
US Distributor: Anime Village