the art defintely carried it a long way; but regardless, the anime seemed to lack an element of... not sure what it
is... goodness? lol
regardless, you summed up the key elements pretty well, fair rating.
Tenjou Tenge tv Review
Story & Characters
When people hear about Tenjho Tenge, there are generally two things that come to their mind: mindless violence, and... well... boobs. But going beyond that, Tenjho Tenge reveals itself to be a series with a much darker theme, blending together a wide range of themes and situations, from classical love triangles to a cursed blades and a powerful secret organization aiming to create the ultimate martial artist. This variety guarantees that the story will keep up your interest throughout the series. However, it is also true that, given the large number of characters and the often change of focus from one character to another, you might get confused as to who the main character really is and which storyline is supposed to be the main one in the end. This is, in my view at least, one of the major impediments of the series.
The characters are well-portrayed. Most of them are given a detailed background and an in-depth characterization, thus making the storyline even more complex, but also revealing facts which will make certain events in the second part of the series easier to understand. That, however, does not amend for the chaotic blend of situations and facts the script comprises of.
Rating:
Art
There is no denying that Tenjho Tenge is full of eye-candy. The characters are well-drawn (except maybe for certain anatomic exaggerations which are definitely hard to miss), the backgrounds are detailed enough, and the animation is fluid and dynamic, particularly during fighting scenes. All in all, the series looks as good as it can get.
One particular point of emphasys is the intro, which is masterfully done. It's bright, colorful, dynamic and goes very well with the song chosen. Even though I have the tendency to skip ahead on the intro after the first few episodes when I watch a series, I found myself watching this one time and again.
Rating:
Sound
The sound part stands out mainly because of the voices, which are well-chosen and each fit with the personality and background the respective character. Aya Natsume's voice actor, Minori Chihara, is particularily remarkable, especially since this was her debut role. Other remarkable voice actors are Aya Hisakawa for the part of Maya Natsume, Ryoko Shiraishi as Chiaki Kounoike and Toshiyuki Morikawa as Mitsuomi Takayanagi. The background music, even though it isn't particularily outstanding, does well in accenting the mood of each respective situation.
The opening theme, Bomb-A-Head V by m.C.A.t., is a catchy hip-hop play which will immediately get you into the atmosphere of the series. On the other hand, the ending theme, Aishitene Motto (Love Me More) by Aiko Kayo, was a disappointing choice, since it was pretty repetitive and the lyrics were plain stupid (well, that's my opinion at least).
Rating:
Presentation
Before watching this series, you should know that some scenes are extremely violent and gorey. If that kind of visuals offend you, then you'd best try to find something else to watch. Also, there are several moments of high emotional impact, so you should be aware of that as well if you're easily moved. On the other hand, if you're into hard-core action, dynamic plots and a touch of mystical and supernatural, then this is one of the titles you shouldn't miss.
Tenjho Tenge has a little bit of everything (apart from action, of course): romance - with several love triangles and plenty of dilemmas, drama, ecchi, humour, supernatural, and plenty more. All in all, I think this series is an interesting anime. If the storyline gets you confused, then you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the fighting scenes, the humour and, of course, the ecchi moments which abound in almost each episode. Give this series a chance - you won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Final Verdict
7.5000 (good)
Reviewed by Odeena, Jun 08, 2006
Comments
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jaalin Jun 09, 2006
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ChronicX Jun 10, 2006
The anime didnt have some of the vital elements as the manga did.
Aya's hair is brown? It's supposed to be black!
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DanTheGreat Banned Member Jun 11, 2006
the manga is starting to confuse me....
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sin-shenlong Jun 11, 2006
ye the anime is really killing the manga, the story stops quater way, the art isnt nearly as cool (ESPECIALLY WHEN SHOWING DRAGON GATES) and the fight scenes look disappointing in the anime. And u shouldnt call the anime gory, since it is sufficiently toned down with regards to nudity and gore when compared to the manga. I reaaally hope the anime continues when the manag is completed and for u too experince the true beaty of the series u should get the manga
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Blinky3 Jun 12, 2006
well I never read the manga but I feel the anime is the shit so I think I'm going to try reading the manga
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francis08 Jun 14, 2006
I really love this anime!
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REK982 Jun 15, 2006
I began watching the anime, and thought it was cool, with really good pictures. Now I'm looking for the manga, and I'll see the difference.
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kakashi1992 Jun 15, 2006
I haven't watched this anime but I heard it was pretty good
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sandumirabela Jun 16, 2006
I must say I didn't read the manga altough I have it but I saw the anime...hmm it was a little bit confusing in some parts and the ending wasn't very good but I loved it and adding Shin that made me love it more!
So I don't care what others say from my point of view it was much better than many,many others,the art looked good also,it had a little bit of everything^_^ but that ending still annoys me! -
shoujoboy Jun 16, 2006
You said boobs... *ahem*. I've made it through about half of the show now and I can pretty much agree with you thus far. TenTen just has something about it that makes it enjoyable to watch, unlike an Ikkitousen which just makes me want to kill. On the surface it does feel like a fight and boob fest, but there just seems to be much more going on. Good to see a nice, objective review out there. I may join you on the review wagon here soon enough. Keep it up.
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animbot2 Jun 17, 2006
I think that it was a very good anime, I havent seen the manga.
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blkheaven Jun 17, 2006
its a really good anime but there should finish the last tourement.
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sin-shenlong Jun 19, 2006
Ye for those who wants to find the manga to read, check www.stoptazmo.com, you'll find all created issues there to download. The manga is much harder than the anime so I recommend it
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cometas Jun 20, 2006
este anime esta de lo favulosoooo! esta bien chida se las recomiendooooooooooooooooooooooo!
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mav3rick Aug 14, 2006
please dont grade an anime based on manga, i have never found 2 that are alike, there are always differences.
i was very entertained by the fight scenes and story was good, hope they make another season, i enjoyed it i would at least give 8.5
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Sanisa Feb 24, 2010
Thanks for the review! Nice ^__^
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