Review Statistics

Times Read

814

Comments

4

Reviews

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Plot Synopsis

No plot synopsis or other information available for Tenchi Muyo!

Story & Characters

(-Speaking on Behalf of the Tenchi Muyo OAVs-) Perhaps it would be best to enlighten you upon some of the deeper aspects of Tenchi Muyo. While some would see it at face value, it is actually a complex retelling of the tale of Saint Yosho, a valid form of love story (what I have expressed as "type four" based on observations made by prof. Lewis Menand), and of course an excellent space opera with many examples of things that would be considered as bizarre yet wonderful, and some even resoundingly scientifically accurate (ex. Jurai's Wooden Ships, usage of matter transmission technology, etc). Characters are what has been described as being completely "funked out" in many a case, although this stands to reason, as that many of them are of completely different cultures as well as things such as sociopolitical background. It presents a very unique twist on what we know as anime, a pioneer of sorts as the second OAV's opening theme would suggest. Tenchi Muyo was after all originally intended as a testbed, although it has proved to be so much more toward the anime community, siring many other anime series with similar concept into existence (e.g. Love Hina), and some with an indirect influence (Cowboy Bebop).

Rating

10 (excellent)

Art

Artwork wise, it is almost plainly obvious that this is a true masterpiece. The scenery is remniscient of an old Claude Monet or Renoir painting, with it's impressionistically created backgrounds and contrasts in terrain (which corresponds with scenery already present in Okayama prefecture). Sights such as the Masaki shrine's grounds evoke a vivid sense of culture, sci-fi based sights are almost a chip off of the Larry Niven block, with massive structures such as the GP HQ, The Jurai Imperial palace and Royal Science Academy, the fortress-ship sized Soja, and many other sights such as the hand-drawn singularity from OAV episode 12. In all, if possible, I'd give this category twenty as an overall rating, these men have recreated dreams that run only in the deepest, darkest recesses of our minds at best to produce such resounding work. For that, they deserve commendation, or at least some well-earned attention and respect.

Rating

10 (excellent)

Sound

Sound in cases would have to be my only complaint, the Japanese version is near-immaculate, although the dubbed versions have some bugs that need to be worked out, primarily due to translational difficulties or new cast members in the third OAV. This is understandable of course, latin-based language meets non-latin based language, and from this a script must be produced. The OST is very chill, and quite catchy in cases; not quite the same as the Progressive rock that I listen to on a normal basis, but at least it's not Avril Lavigne or Ashlee/Jessica Simpson (none of these punk-pop or pop people have any of my respect). Throw in some Primus (ala "Welcome to this World") or Dream Theater (ala "Change of Seasons") and it would be perfect.

Rating

7 (above average)

Presentation

I have a friend who has referred to animes like this one as "feel good" anime, not too heavy, but not too light on it's comedy, a good chuckle and smile to brighten up a gloomy day, the high rating below comes from this intricate balance which is in actuality very hard to accomplish. Not too overkill, yet not completely dry as well. Overall you have a very well balanced series with a bit of something for everyone, like the relative who brings back souvenirs for the family after a long trip to places abroad. It also has a sense of family which is well-developed, and very intricate as well. Be advised though, this is not something that can be taken at face value. It has depth, incredible depth actually, and is also about as predictable as a game of Russian Roulette (I play with a semi-auto). Still, for those of you who wonder why I gave such high reviews, it is not because I am amatuer, or thouroughly obsessed with the series. As an artist, I recognize that this is extremely innovative and of course, extremely original. Don't agree? That's all well and good, I entitle you to your own opinion. Personal attacks will be treated very, very harshly though.

Rating

10 (excellent)

Final Verdict

9.50 (excellent)

Reviewed by Acyx, 2y 38wk ago