The inspiration that Makoto Kobayashi takes from things like Hayao Miyazaki's Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), as well as Ralph Bakshi's Wizards (1977) is very evident. Still, despite the lack of originality, this short OVA manages to be really entertaining, and touts some impressive animation, with a cool looking live-action puppet/stop motion opening, and some fantastically fluid-looking fight scenes. The only thing that brings this down a notch for me would be some of the writing, with a story that is a bit basic, and an antagonist that is perhaps only one step above your standard saturday morning cartoon villain. Some lines feel a bit too typical of various anime tropes, as well, making things feel a bit too silly, which clashes with the OVA's otherwise more serious tone in its visuals as well as its soundtrack. Speaking of the soundtrack, it definitely stands out, with its hauntingly beautiful melodies, it's surprising how good the score here is.
Overall, definitely worth watching, even if the story and writing are lacking. Recommended.
Shout by VigorousJammerVIP 2BlockedParent2022-02-07T00:30:09Z
The inspiration that Makoto Kobayashi takes from things like Hayao Miyazaki's Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), as well as Ralph Bakshi's Wizards (1977) is very evident. Still, despite the lack of originality, this short OVA manages to be really entertaining, and touts some impressive animation, with a cool looking live-action puppet/stop motion opening, and some fantastically fluid-looking fight scenes. The only thing that brings this down a notch for me would be some of the writing, with a story that is a bit basic, and an antagonist that is perhaps only one step above your standard saturday morning cartoon villain. Some lines feel a bit too typical of various anime tropes, as well, making things feel a bit too silly, which clashes with the OVA's otherwise more serious tone in its visuals as well as its soundtrack.
Speaking of the soundtrack, it definitely stands out, with its hauntingly beautiful melodies, it's surprising how good the score here is.
Overall, definitely worth watching, even if the story and writing are lacking. Recommended.