TJWAR: Vision of Escaflowne

Tsunami Jones · Post by **Tsunami Jones** » Wed May 26, 2004 9:53 pm

Yes, I know it's decently old now and rather well known, but I'm going to review it anyways, mainly because I feel like it. In other news, I should have 2 reviews up and be on time next week! Yes, it would be miracle if it actually happened. But after my 12 hours of editing yesterday, and over 6 today, my new vid is finally finished! YAY! So that won't be taking my attention anymore. So anyways, after lot's of jabbering, here's the review!

The Vision of Escaflowne (TV) - spoilers = light

One night, when high school student Hitomi is out practicing on the track late one night, a pillar of light descends from the sky bringing with it a warrior . . . and a dragon. The mysterious warrior defeats the sinister beast with a flash of foresight that Hitomi experiences. Successful, he holds the brute’s heart high, and the pillar of light beckons him back from whence he came, but before he disappears, Hitomi rushes into the light, to discover her destiny . . .

When Hitomi awakes she’s now on the world of Gaea, and the Earth that she called home is in the sky, named the “Mystic Moon” by the inhabitants. And only Hitomi, Prince Van, a motley assortment of other individuals, and the legendary mecha Escaflowne can save this strange, mythical world from destruction.

This is a phenomenal series. Everything in it is superb, and easily deserves A+. So let’s start with the story. The show, as you can probably guess from the short description, is fantasy, and it’s one of the best, if not the best, fantasy anime that’s ever been produced. The story starts with plot device that some might be rather familiar with and not think to be too original. A seemingly normal girl is transported to a rather fantastical world. And the world is one of the things that brings out the show and story very well. One thing that this show brings to it that other shows of the same style don’t, is mecha. The mecha are very original and unique looking, and surprisingly fits in to the medieval setting amazingly well. And the mecha is also one of the main focal points of the story, being in the form of Escaflowne. And even beyond Escaflowne, the plot wouldn’t be the same without the wonderful cast of supporting characters that accompanies (and opposes) Hitomi and Prince Van (the mysterious stranger from the first episode). From Allen to Dilandau to Folken and Meryl (although for some reason there are several people that hate her, and I have no idea why), all are written very, very well.

Now, beyond the basics of the plot and the great writing, is the animation and designs. The designs, artwork, and animation in the show are bonzer, and are truely excellent to watch. The character designs are among some of my favorite, and there are few anime that can rival the surrounding scenery. And to top it all off, the animation supports it all with fluidity and grace, showing off tremendous battle sequences and all sorts of other wonderful action.

Music. What would a show like this be if the music wasn’t up to par with the rest of it? Well, it would be far less enjoyable. But thankfully, the music in the show is just as good as everything else, and among the musical talent used for Escaflowne is the praised Yoko Kanno (If you don’t recognize her name, you’ll recognize the wonderful work she did on the musical score of Cowboy Bebop). And the music, fits the show wonderfully, and truely enhances the viewing experience.

Escaflowne is easily one of my personal favorites. It’s been out for many years now, so there’s a good chance that most of you are familiar with this series, but even then, if you haven’t added this to your personal collection, perhaps you should think about doing so. But anyways, I'm going to give Escaflowne 5 out of 5 stars.

Org Profile · Post by **Otohiko** » Wed May 26, 2004 10:22 pm

And you know, it probably deserves as much. Great series, see it if you haven't

(and that's coming from me, and I'm not really the biggest fan of Fantasy-themed stories myself...)

J-0080 · Post by **J-0080** » Wed May 26, 2004 10:44 pm

How can people hate teh Meryl.

Scintilla · Post by **Scintilla** » Thu May 27, 2004 1:01 am

J-0080 wrote:How can people hate teh Meryl.

Because of her stubborn refusal to admit her affections for Vash?

... oh wait, did you mean <i>Merle?</i>

CaTaClYsM · Post by **CaTaClYsM** » Thu May 27, 2004 5:38 am

Balgus pwnz j00.

angelx03 · Post by **angelx03** » Thu May 27, 2004 8:02 am

J-0080 wrote:How can people hate teh Meryl.

Ask dwchang.

lostoursouls_666 · Post by **lostoursouls_666** » Thu May 27, 2004 8:31 am

i think merle is cool i also like when she gets all happy when she sees van and when hitomi is around him she always gets all hissy.

heh i just barely started watching the other i can say that its a damn good anime and when i get the chance im gonna buy that and all of my favorite animes as well but i also give EscaFlowne a 5 out of five 8)

Tsunami Jones · Post by **Tsunami Jones** » Thu May 27, 2004 6:05 pm

CaTaClYsM wrote:Balgus pwnz j00.

Yes, Balgus is a badass. He doesn't even need a mech!

Scintilla wrote:... oh wait, did you mean Merle?

D'OH! I knew I spelled her name wrong . . .

Deadly NightShade · Post by **Deadly NightShade** » Thu May 27, 2004 6:50 pm

J-0080 wrote:How can people hate teh Meryl. :?

They don't. Like her, they are 'secretly' harbouring passion. Except less blatently.

Moonlight Soldier · Post by **Moonlight Soldier** » Thu May 27, 2004 9:39 pm

Pff how can you not like Merle, she's entertaining.

And the music is absolutely brilliant (Tsunami build it up more!!!) I need an OST for the series, I have the movie soundtrack, which is well different, but is currently my fave movie OST to date. The vocals are beautiful, it moves and is something you can listen to over and over.

My take on Esca - Second fave anime to date. The only thing I can disagree on, for the sheer brilliance is the VERY ending like last two minutes, but if any of you know my personality you know exactly why u.u
/spoils not