Negadon: The Monster from Mars (2005)

An entirely computer-generated (without using any live-action images) monster film (about 25 minutes) independently produced by CG (computer graphics) creator Jun Awazu, who loves Japanese Tokusatsu (special effects) monster films of the Showa (Japan's traditional era name. 1926-1988) era, including "Godzilla, King of the Monsters" (1954), and Heisei (1989-) "Gamera" trilogy. The story is set in Showa Year 100 (2025). A giant space monster from Mars, Negadon invades Tokyo. A middle age man and an authority on robotics, Ryuichi Narasaki rises up against Negadon, manipulating a giant, humanoid general-purpose robot named Miroku (MI-6) No.2. The images with realistic touches, which simulate the motif, film texture and color tone of Showa Tokusatsu, are impressive and worth seeing. The original story, screenplay and direction by Jun Awazu. The music and sound effect by Shingo Terasawa. Produced by Jun Awazu and CoMix Wave. Screened at the Tokyo International Fantastic Film Festival 2005.


Copyright(c) Jun Awazu/CoMix Wave
The quotation source: DVD manufactured by CoMix Wave.

Escaflowne (2000)

See the paragraph about the Escaflowne TV series. The completely new movie version based on the storyline of the TV series. Produced by Japan-U.S.-Korea collaboration. A love romance/mecha action story set in another world called Gaea. Better than the TV series in drawing/animation quality. Directed by Kazuki Akane. Produced by Sunrise.

Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Arashi wo Yobu Jungle (2000)

See the paragraph about the Crayon Shin-chan the first movie. The eighth movie version is an laughable action adventure set in a south island. Shinnosuke with his parents and friends joined a tour with the preview of Action Kamen's new movie 'South Sea Millennium Wars' on a luxury liner, but a funky guy who names himself 'Paradise King' and his slave gang of gibbon monkeys took away adults to a south island. Gotaro Go, an actor playing the role of Action Kamen, with Shinnosuke, fights a martial-art battle and air battle against Paradise King. Relatively child-oriented and normal compared with other 'Shin-chan' movies. The screenplay and direction by Keiichi Hara. Produced by Shin'ei Doga.


Copyright(c) Yoshito Usui/Futabasha/Shin'ei/TV Asahi
The quotation source: DVD distributed by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

Digimon Adventure: Children's War Game (2000)

'Digimon Adventure' (1999-2000) is an animated TV series of 'Digimon (Digital Monster)', the popular video game series from Bandai. The second movie version. The story of a fight against a new variety of Digimon, who evolves and multiplies on the internet/cyberspace. The original concept by Akiyoshi Hongo. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda. Produced by Toei Animation.


Copyright(c) Akiyoshi Hongou/Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Co., Ltd.

Card Captor Sakura the Movie "Enchanted Cards" (The Sealed Card) (2000)

See the paragraph about the Card Captor Sakura TV series. The second movie version and last program of the series. Sakura Kinomoto tries to make a declaration of love for Shao-Lang Li, a boy cardcaptor from Hong Kong, China, and challenges the last and strongest Clow Card 'Nothingness'. The original works by CLAMP. The screenplay by Nanase Okawa of CLAMP. Directed by Morio Asaka. The animation production by Madhouse.

Jin-Roh/The Wolf Brigade (2000)

A politico-military action film set in an alternative past Japan, around the 1960. The leading character, Kazuki Fuse is a cop-soldier of the Capital Police's special panzer unit and a member of a counter-intelligence corps called the Wolf Brigade. He meets a young terrorist girl Kei Amamiya, and then gets involved in infighting of the police. The original works and screenplay by Mamoru Oshii. Directed by Hiroyuki Okiura, who was the character designer and animation director of 'Ghost in the Shell'. Produced by Production I.G.


Copyright(c) Mamoru Oshii/Bandai Visual/Production I.G
The quotation source: DVD released by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

Detective Conan the Movie: Captured in Her Eyes (2000)

See the paragraph about 'Detective Conan' the first movie. The fourth movie version. The story of Conan's challenge to solve a serial shooting murder for policemen. An important episode depicting the relationship between Shin'ichi Kudo/Conan Edogawa and Ran Mouri (Shin'ichi's girl friend since childhood and daughter of Kogoro Mouri, a private detective who keeps Conan). A good-quality film which can be enjoyed both as a detective drama and a wistful love story. Directed by Kanetsugu Kodama. The animation production by Tokyo Movie.

Pokemon 3 the Movie (Lord of the Unknown Tower) (2000)

See the paragraph about the Pokemon the first movie. The third of the Pokemon feature-length animated movies is an action/adventure film set in a town crystallized by a mystery Pokemon. A little girl living in the town of Greenfield, Mie (Molly) missed her parents. One day she accidently releases a Pokemon called 'the Unknown' from ancient relics, who can make a person's wishes real. The Unknown creates a lion-like Pokemon Entei as a substitute for Mie's father, and Entei kidnaps Satoshi's (Ash's) mother as a substitute for Mie's mother. Satoshi (Ash) and his friends try to save Mie and his mom from the town covered with crystal by the power of the Unknown. Directed by Kunihiko Yuyama. The animation production by OLM. The No.1 at the box-office of domestic movies in Japan in 2000. Released in the US in 2001.


Copyright(c) Nintendo/Creatures/Gamefreak/TV Tokyo/Sho-pro/JR Kikaku
Copyright(c) Pikachu Project 2000
The quotation source: DVD released by Shogakukan

Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Bakuhatsu! Onsen Wakuwaku Daikessen (1999)

See the paragraph about the Crayon Shin-chan the first movie. The seventh movie version is a spy action film about bath and 'Onsen' (Japanese hot spring). The Nohara family and 'Onsen G-Men' (the secret government agency maintaining all the hot springs in Japan) fight against 'Yuzame' (a bath-hating terrorist organization plotting to wipe out all the hot springs in Japan). The sequences in which Yuzame's giant robot attacks the Saitama cities are brilliant parodies of Japanese 'Tokusatsu' (special effects monster films), such as 'Godzilla'. The screenplay and direction by Keiichi Hara. Produced by Shin'ei Doga. Screened with co-feature: 'KureShin Paradise! Made in Saitama', an omnibus short film that consists of six episodes.


Copyright(c) Yoshito Usui/Futabasha/Shin'ei/TV Asahi
The quotation source: DVD distributed by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

Detective Conan the Movie: The Last Wizard of the Century (1999)

See the paragraph about 'Detective Conan' the first movie. The third movie version is a mystery adventure story in which Conan Edogawa fights against Kid the Master Thief and an unidentified sniper 'Scorpion' over the secret of 'Imperial Easter Eggs', the hidden treasures of Nicholas II, who was the last emperor of the Romanov Dynasty in Imperialist Russia. Directed by Kanetsugu Kodama. The animation production by Tokyo Movie.


Copyright(c) Gosho Aoyama/Shogakukan/Yomiuri TV/Nippon TV/Shogakukan Production/Toho/TMS
The quotation source: DVD manufactured by Shogakukan

Cyber Team in Akihabara The Movie: Summer Vacation of 2011 (1999)

See the paragraph about the Cyber Team in Akihabara TV series. The completely new movie version and a sequel to the TV series. In 2011, the ex-members of Akihabara Cyber Team, who have enjoyed their summer vacation, gather again and go to space, in order to stop the artificial intelligence 'Abigor' (the main computer of 'Primm Mobile', an artificial satellite) running away and to save Akihabara. Better than the TV series in quality. Recommended to those whe like the TV series. Directed by Hiroaki Sakurai. Produced by Production I.G. Screened with co-feature: 'Revolutionary Girl Utena the Movie: Adolescence of Utena'.


Copyright(c) KA.NON/Koudansha/TBS
Copyright(c) Akihabara Cyber Team Production Committee
The quotation source: DVD distributed by King Records Co., Ltd.

Pokemon 2000 the Movie (Revelation Lugia) (1999)

See the paragraph about the Pokemon the first movie. The second of the Pokemon feature-length animated movies is an action/adventure film set in the southern Orange Islands. A collector, Girardin tried to capture the three Pokemons called the Titans of Fire, Ice, and Lightning, in order to get the legendary Pokemon, Lugia (the Titan of Sea), but that disturbed the ecosystem, and it caused a catastrophe on the Earth. In collaboration with Lugia, Flura (a girl in the island) and the Team Rocket, Satoshi (Ash) tries to stop the battle of the three Titans, in order to save the world. More children-oriented than the first movie 'Mewtwo Strikes Back' with a serious theme. Directed by Kunihiko Yuyama. The animation production by OLM. The No.1 at the box-office of domestic movies in Japan in 1999. The No.59 at the box-office of in the United States in 2000.


Copyright(c) Nintendo/Creatures/Gamefreak/TV Tokyo/Sho-pro/JR Kikaku
Copyright(c) Pikachu Project 99
The quotation source: DVD released by Shogakukan

Cutey Honey F (Flash) the Movie (1997)

The short film (38 minutes) of 'Cutey Honey F (Cutey Honey Flash)', the TV anime series (aired in 1997-1998, 39 episodes in total) produced by Toei Animation, which took over the time slot of 'Sailor Moon' series. The TV series is a remake/adaptation of 'Cutey Honey', the heroine action anime based on Go Nagai's manga (graphic novel). This series was more oriented to girls' manga (graphic novel) style than Go Nagai's original version, and it had a flavor like 'Sailor Moon' series, because it targeted the girls who watched 'Sailor Moon' series. The manga version was written and drawn by Yukako Iizuka. In this movie version, Honey Kisaragi (Cutey Honey) fights against the Panther Claw gang who attacked an archaeologist Robert Steiner (for he got a pupa of an ancient butterfly, which was said to be a key to the hidden treasure of an Ancient Kingdom) and kidnapped Honey's friend Natsuko Aki. Directed by Noriyo Sasaki.


Copyright(c) Dynamic Planning/Yukako Iizuka/TV Asahi/Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

Maison Ikkoku: Final Chapter (1988)

See the paragraph about the 'Maison Ikkoku' TV series. The movie version released when the TV series ended. An original episode that describes the scenes at Ikkoku-kan two days before the wedding of Yusaku Godai and Kyoko Otonashi. As always, the residents at Ikkoku-kan have spent their time doing drinking parties each and every day, but it seems like Kyoko is eagerly waiting for a letter from someone, so Yusaku worries that she might change her mind. Directed by Tomomi Mochizuki. The character designer/drawing director is Yuji Moriyama. Produced by Kitty Film. The animation produced by Asia-Do.


Copyright(c) Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan/Kitty/Fuji Television
The quotation source: DVD released by Five Ace

Unico: To the Magic Island (1983)

See the paragraph about 'Unico' the first movie. The second movie is a fantasy adventure in a modern-horror style. Based on the manga 'Unico and the Kingdom of the Sun' newly-drawn for this film. The story describes the fight between Unico and the sorcerer Kukurukku, who changes humans into dolls called 'living puppets' and builds his castle by using them for the parts. The original story by Osamu Tezuka. The screenplay and direction by Moribi Murano. Produced by Sanrio. Cooperated by Madhouse.


Copyright(c) Sanrio Co., Ltd. Tezuka Production Co.
The quotation source: DVD released by IMAGICA Corp.

Air the Movie (2005)

The feature-length anime movie based on VisualArt's/Key's love romance (dating-sim) game for Windows PC, "Air". The original game is known for its touching story about family's love. The TV anime series (aired in 2005, 12 episodes) is pretty faithful to the original game, but this movie version is different in plot and character settings from the original. The director Osamu Dezaki pruduced this as a film on pure love, with his own interpretation and direction. The story of a young man Yukito Kunisaki, who has traveled around, performing a puppet play on the streets. He met a sickly girl named Misuzu Kamio in a seaside town. The original story and supervising by VisualArt's/Key. Produced by Toei Animation.


Copyright(c) VisualArt's/Key/Toei Animation/Frontier Works
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Animation Co., Ltd.

Queen Millennia the Movie (1982)

The movie version released just before the end of the TV anime series 'Queen Millennia' (aired in 1981-1982, 42 episodes), based on the original story by manga artist Leiji Matsumoto. A Sci-Fi fantasy story on 'Queen Millennia', who comes to the Earth from the planet Lar Metal once a millennium. In the year 1999, the Queen Millennia had lived in the Earth as a woman named Yayoi Yukino, working as a teacher and observatory officer. She fights with observatory's professor Amamori and a boy named Hajime Amamori (professor Amamori's nephew and her student) against the attack by Lar Metalians, who try to emigrate to the Earth. The original story by Leiji Matsumoto. Directed by Masayuki Akehi. Produced by Toei Animation.


Copyright(c) Leiji Matsumoto/Fuji Television/Toei
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

One Piece the Movie: Omatsuri Danshaku to Himitsu no Shima (Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island) (2005)

See the paragraph about 'One Piece' the fourth movie (the Dead End Adventure). The six movie version and the third of the feature-length films (90 minutes). Luffy's pirate team visited 'Omatsuri Island' ('Omatsuri' means 'festival'), and there they met a mystery man named 'Baron Omatsuri'. "I'll give you a a secret treasure, if you can a hellish ordeal", said Baron Omatsuri, and Luffy tries the 'ordeal' with his fellow crew members. An unique suspense/adventure film produced by the staff which is different from that of the TV series. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, who directed 'Digimon Adventure: Children's War Game'. The character design and animation directed by Takaaki Yamashita, Sushio and Chikashi Kubota. Produced by Toei Animation. Hosoda's elaborate direction (image composition, scene cutting and camera work) is worth seeing.


Copyright(c) Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha/Fuji-TV/Toei Animation
Copyright(c) 2005 One Piece Production Committiee
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Co., Ltd.

Naruto the Movie (2004)

'Naruto' is Masashi Kishimoto's popular ninja action manga (graphic novel) serialized in the magazine Weekly Shonen Jump since 1999. The leading character, Naruto Uzumaki is a 12-year-old boy who with a 'Nine-tailed Fox Demon' sealed inside his body. He spends all his time doing ninja training and mission with his teammates Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, aiming to be 'Hokage', the No.1 ninja of his home village. The TV anime series has been aired since 2002. This is the first movie version, "Naruto: Daikatsugeki! Yukihime Ninpocho Dattebayo!!" (it means something like "Naruto: A Big Action Play! It's the Snow Princess' Ninja Art Book!!"). The Team Kakashi (the teacher Kakashi Hateke and his students: Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura) is assigned to escort the actress Yukie Fujikaze, who is playing the heroine of the popular movie "Snow Princess' Adventure" series, to the 'Snow Land' for location shooting, but somehow she adamantly refuses to go to the 'Snow Land', and the film crew is attacked by mysterious ninjas. The original story by Masashi Kishimoto. Directed by Tensai Okamura. The character design by Tetsuya Nishio. The animation supervisor is Hiroto Tanaka. The animation produced by Pierrot. The cofeature is the 11-minute short film "Naruto the Movie: Konoha no Sato no Dai Undoukai (The Big Athletic Meet in Konoha no Sato)".


Copyright(c) Masashi Kishimoto/Scott/Shueisha/TV Tokyo/Pierrot
Copyright(c) Naruto the Movie Production Committiee 2004
The quotation source: DVD manufactured by Aniplex Inc.

Revolutionary Girl Utena the Movie: Adolescence of Utena (1999)

See the paragraph about the Revolutionary Girl Utena TV series. The completely original movie version based on the motif of the TV series. Another Utena story with renewed settings and characters. A more splendid, aesthetic and avant-garde film than the TV series. The highlight is the strange car-chase scene of the last part. The planning and original works by Be-Papas. The original concept and direction by Kunihiko Ikuhara. Produced by J.C.STAFF. Screened with co-feature: 'Cyber Team in Akihabara The Movie: Summer Vacation of 2011'.

The Animated Movie Card Captor Sakura (1999)

See the paragraph about the Card Captor Sakura TV series. The first movie version. Sakura Kinomoto makes a trip to Hong Kong, China with her classmate Tomoyo Daidoji, her brother Toya Kinomoto and Toya's friend Yukito Tsukishiro, and there she fights against a sorceress who is former fortune-teller. The original works by CLAMP. The screenplay by Nanase Okawa of CLAMP. Directed by Morio Asaka. The animation production by Madhouse.

Kochikame the Movie (1999)

'Kochikame' (Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutsujo/This is Police Box in front of Kameari Park in Katsushika Ward) is Osamu Akimoto's popular comedy manga (graphic novel) serialized in the magazine Weekly Shonen Jump since 1976 for long periods. The leading character Kankichi Ryotsu (nicknamed 'Ryo-san') is an unconventional police officer working at a police box. The TV anime series has been aired since 1996. This first movie version by the same staff of the TV series is a slapstick action comedy set in downtown Tokyo. Ryotsu and a female FBI agent Risa Hoshino (who is a bomb disposal expert) confront a series of bomb attacks against a vicious company Shinatora Firm. The original works by Osamu Akimoto and Atelier Beedama. Directed by Shinji Takamatsu. The animation produced by Studio Gallop. The Japanese DVD carries the English subtitle.

You're Under Arrest: the Movie (1999)

See the paragraph about the You're Under Arrest OAV series. The completely new movie version with the original story. An entertaining police-action movie set in downtown Tokyo (around the Sumida River). The strongest duo of policewomen, Natsumi Tsujimoto and Miyuki Kobayakawa chase the terrorists who attacked the Bokuto Police Station. Directed by Junji Nishimura. Produced by Studio DEEN.


Copyright(c) Kosuke Fujishima/TBS/Bandai Visual/Toei/Studio Deen
The quotation source: DVD distributed by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

Tenchi Muyo! in Love 2 (Tenchi Forever) (1999)

See the paragraph about the Tenchi Muyo OAV series. The third movie version and an extra episode in the story of the TV series. The story of Tenchi's friends' attempts to save Tenchi from another world ruled by the soul of Haruna Tsubaki, a woman who died young. Directed by Hiroshi Negishi. Produced by AIC.


Copyright(c) AIC/Tenchi-Muyo In Love 2 Committee
The quotation source: DVD distributed by Pioneer LDC, Inc.

My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)

A comedy movie depicting the episodes in the daily life of the Yamadas, a Japanese lazy family. The drawings in a watercolor style. Based on the four-panel comic strips by Hisaichi Ishii. The screenplay and direction by Isao Takahata. Produced by Studio Ghibli.

Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Dengeki! Buta no Hizume Daisakusen (1998)

See the paragraph about the Crayon Shin-chan the first movie. The sixth movie version is a full-scale action film with tastes of the '007' series and Jackie Chan's movies. The story of the members of the secret organization for world peace 'SML', code-named 'Oiroke' (sexual attractiveness) and 'Kinniku' (muscle), who join hands with the Nohara family and 'Kasukabe Defense Forces' (Shinnosuke Nohara and his mates: Kazama-kun, Nene-chan, Masao-kun and Bo-chan), and fight against the evil organization 'Buta no Hizume' (Pig's Hoof), who tries to conquer the world by using a computer virus. An excellent action entertainment film among other 'Shin-chan' movies. The screenplay and direction by Keiichi Hara. Produced by Shin'ei Doga.


Copyright(c) Yoshito Usui/Futabasha/Shin'ei/TV Asahi
The quotation source: DVD distributed by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

Detective Conan the Movie: The Fourteenth Target (1998)

See the paragraph about 'Detective Conan' the first movie. In the second movie version, Conan Edogawa challenges a serial murder case, in which an unidentified criminal tries to kill people in order whose names contain the playing-card numbers: from Thirteen (King) to One (Ace). The highlight is the sequence of criminal-hunting in a closed situation inside an undersea restaurant. Directed by Kanetsugu Kodama. The animation production by Tokyo Movie.

Nadesico the Movie: The Prince of Darkness (1998) *

See the paragraph about the Martian Successor Nadesico TV series. The completely new movie version. A sequel to the story of The TV series. The story of ex-Nadesico crew's attempts to crush a coup d'etat by 'Martian Successors'. Minute cutting of the scenes and high quality images. Directed by Tatsuo Sato. Produced by XEBEC.


Copyright(c) XEBEC/Nadesico Production Committee
The quotation source: DVD released by King Records Co., Ltd.

Spriggan (1998)

A Sci-Fi action movie based on the original story by Hiroshi Takashige and manga (graphic novel) by Ryoji Minagawa. The leading character is a 17-year-old high-school boy named Yuu Ominae, who is a 'Spriggan', the special agent of Arcam Corporation, that is an international secret organization aiming to seal off the dangerous legacy of an ultra-ancient scientific civilization. Directed by Hirotsugu Kawasaki. The supervising director is Katsuhiro Otomo. The animation production by Studio 4�‹C.


Copyright(c) Hiroshi Takashige/Ryoji Minagawa/Shogakukan/Bandai Visual/TBS/Toho
The quotation source: DVD released by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

Pokemon the First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)

The animated film of 'Pokémon' (Pocket Monsters), a popular video game on Game Boy and Nintendo 64. Pokémon is strange creatures who fight each other by using their skills. The first movie version. The story of Mewtwo, the world's strongest Pokémon created as a clone. Directed by Kunihiko Yuyama. The animation production by OLM. There is the TV series too.


Copyright(c) Nintendo/Creatures/Gamefreak/TV Tokyo/Sho-pro/JR Kikaku
Copyright(c) Pikachu Project 98
The quotation source: DVD released by Shogakukan

Rurouni Kenshin the Movie: Requiem for the Ishin Shishi (1997)

'Rurouni Kenshin' is a TV anime series (aired in 1996-98, 94 episodes) based on the Japanese historical/samurai manga (graphic novel) by Nobuhiro Watsuki. This movie version is a romantic sword-play/samurai film set in Tokyo after the Meiji Restoration (the absolutism revolution in modern Japan), in 1878, and has the original story not told in the manga and the TV series. 'Ishin Shishi' means something like 'pro-Restoration warriors'. A swordman Kenshin Himura, who once had worked as an assassin to overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate (Japan's feudal government) in the end of Edo Period, meets a man named Takimi Shigure, who tries to create a new restoration by overthrowing the Meiji government. Takimi was the man who once fought as a pro-Tokugawa loyalist against Kenshin's side, anti-Tokugawan forces. The character designer, animation supervisor and director is Hatsuki Tsuji. The animation production by Studio Gallop. There are also the OAV series.


Copyright(c) N. Watsuki/Shueisha/Fuji-TV/SPE Visual Works Inc.
The quotation source: DVD released by SPE Visual Works Inc.

Noiseman Sound Insect (1997)

A totally digital short film (15 minutes) by animator/director Koji Morimoto, who had participated in the OAV 'Robot Carnival', the movie 'AKIRA', and the movie 'Memories' as a core staff. High quality images with a sense of speed and stereoscopic effect by fusion of 2-D animation/3-D CG and free-flowing camera work. A story set in a town ruled by a sonic lifeform called Noiseman, who changes music into noise crystals. Directed by Koji Morimoto. The Character designers and supervising animators are Koji Morimoto and Masaaki Yuasa (setup designer of 'Crayon Shin-chan' movies). Music by Yoko Kanno. The animation production by Studio 4�‹C. Screened in the Tokyo International Fantastic Film Festival in 1997.


Copyright(c) Studio 4�‹C/Bandai Visual
The quotation source: DVD released by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

Armitage III Poly-Matrix (1997)

A Sci-Fi cyberpunk action anime aimed at the US market. The movie version re-edited from the OAV series 'Armitage III' (1995, 4 episodes) with new parts (about 10 minutes) added. The sound effects were re-produced by Hollywood staff. The scene is laid on Mars, in the 2179. Ross Sylibus, a lieutenant in MPD (Martian Police Dept.) who transferred from Chicago, Earth, and Naomi Armitage, a female detective in MPD who was a humanoid robot, hunt a murderer D'anclaude who killed ultra-advanced humanoid robots called "The Thirds". Directed by Hiroyuki Ochi. Produced by AIC. The voices are English only. The voice actors are: Elizabeth Berkley (Armitage), Kiefer Sutherland (Sylibus) and so on. The OAV 'Armitage III Dual-Matrix' (2002) was the sequel to this movie.


Copyright(c) AIC/PIONEER LDC, Inc.
The quotation source: DVD released by Pioneer LDC, Inc.

Slayers Great (1997)

See the paragraph about the 'Slayers' first TV series. The third movie version. An original episode featuring Lina Inverse and Naga the Serpent, the main characters of 'Slayers Special', the novel version by Hajime Kanzaka. The two sorceresses, Lina and Naga came to the town of Stoner, which was famous for golem (dolls movable by magical power) production, and they get involved with the fight for hegemony between the two castellans, Heisen and Granion, who try to decide by creating each one's giant golem and making them fight... A completely nonsense, laughable slapstick comedy valued by fans as the greatest one among all the five 'Slayers' movie versions. The original story and screenplay by Hajime Kanzaka. Directed by Hiroshi Watanabe. The animation production by J.C.STAFF.


Copyright(c) Hajime Kanzaka/Rui Araizumi/Slayers Production Committee
The quotation source: DVD released by Kadokawa Shoten

Tenchi Muyo! Manatsu no Eve (Tenchi the Movie 2: The Daughter of Darkness) (1997)

See the paragraph about the Tenchi Muyo OAV series. The second movie version and an original episode that is independent of the TV series and OAVs. The original Japanese title, 'Manatsu no Eve' means 'Eve in Midsummer'. The story of an artificial humanoid girl named Mayuka, who calls herself Tenchi's daughter. Directed by Satoshi Kimura. The animation production by AIC.


Copyright(c) AIC/Tenchi-Muyo Manatsu no Eve Committee
The quotation source: DVD distributed by Pioneer LDC, Inc.

Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Ankoku TamaTama Daitsuiseki (1997)

See the paragraph about the Crayon Shin-chan the first movie. The fifth movie version is an action comedy film depicting the Nohara family who get caught in a fight between two clans, Tamayura and Tamayomi. Set in Tokyo and Aomori (northern end of Japan's main island). The Tamayomi clan had plotted to revive the evil genie "Jarke" and to conquer the world. To stop Tamayomi's plot, the three gay brothers (Rose, Lavender and Lemon) from Tamayura clan wrested "Jarke's ball", which was a key to revive Jarke, from the bar girl gang of Tamayomi clan, but Shinnosuke's younger sister Himawari swallowed down the ball. The Nohara family, with the three gay brothers and a female detective Yone Higashimatsuyama, fights a fierce battle against the Tamayomi gang chasing them. The screenplay, storyboards and direction by Keiichi Hara. Produced by Shin'ei Doga.


Copyright(c) Yoshito Usui/Futabasha/Shin'ei/TV Asahi
The quotation source: DVD distributed by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

Detective Conan the Movie: A Clockwork Skyscraper (1997)

'Detective Conan' is a popular TV anime series (started in 1996) based on Gosho Aoyama's serious mystery manga (started in 1994) featuring Shin'ichi Kudo, who had been a 17-year-old high school boy and detective, but his body shrivelled up like a child after receiving a poison from a criminal organization called 'Black Organization', and since then he have acted as a 7-year-old grade-schooler and detective, Conan Edogawa. The first of the 'Detective Conan' movie versions which have been released in holiday period of April every year since 1997. Conan confronts the challenges of a mysterious bomber who blows up with plastic explosives the building structures designed by Teiji Moriya, an eminent architect. Directed by Kanetsugu Kodama. The animation production by Kyokuichi Tokyo Movie.

Perfect Blue (1997) *

The feature-length anime movie that adapted Yoshikazu Takeuchi's psycho horror novel. The story of Mima Kirigoe, who had been a member of the three-girl pop idol group Cham, but she left the group and begun to work as an actress. After that, the people involved with her are murdered one after another, and she falls into the world where there is no distinction between reality and delusion, like an endless nightmare. Directed by Satoshi Kon, a manga (graphic novel) artist who had participated in several anime works: 'Roujin-Z', 'Patlabor 2 the Movie' and 'Memories'. The original character designed by Hisashi Eguchi. The animation production by Madhouse.


Copyright(c) Rex Entertainment Co., Ltd.
The quotation source: DVD released by Pioneer LDC, Inc.

Princess Mononoke (Mononoke Hime) (1997)

A historical action/adventure film produced by Studio Ghibli. A fantastic story concerning conflicts between modernization and the force of nature in the medieval time of Japan. The story of Ashitaka, a boy of the Emishi Race in the Northeast, who went on a journey to the Western land, and there he met Lady Eboshi, the female leader of the iron-making community, and San (Princess Mononoke), a girl raised by the dog god. San had been fighting with the gods of the forest against Lady Eboshi who had cut down the forest. The original works, screenplay and direction by Hayao Miyazaki. The No.1 at the box-office of all movies released in Japan in 1997.

The End of Evangelion (1997) **

See the paragraph about the Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series. The completely new movie version that adapted the last two episodes of the TV series, which were incomplete, with incredibly high-quality images. Consists of two parts: the 25th episode 'Air' and the 26th one 'For You, My Heart and Soul'. When 'The Human Instrumentality Project'-as organic integration of all personalities-is being realized, the leading character Shinji Ikari refuses a luscious fusion with Rei Ayanami (a clone of his mother), and choses that he should be with Asuka Langley Soryu, the other he can never fuse into one with... This film is another ending with the variation on the theme presented ironically in the last part of the TV series. The planning and original works by GAINAX and Hideaki Anno. The screenplay and supervising direction by Hideaki Anno. Produced by Production I.G and GAINAX.

Mahoujin GuruGuru/Magical Circle GuruGuru the Movie (1996)

'Mahoujin GuruGuru' (Magical Circle GuruGuru) is Hiroyuki Eto's manga serialized in the magazine 'Monthly Shonen GanGan' since 1992. An easygoing slapstick fantasy/comedy based on the world-view of Japanese role-playing video games such as 'Dragon Quest'. The leading characters are Nike, a boy with the title of the Brave (hero), and Kukuri, a girl who uses a special magic called 'GuruGuru', and they have a journey to bring down the Satan. The movie version, which was released after the first TV anime series (aired in 1994-1995) ended, is a short film (30 minutes) depicting Nike and Kukuri's adventurous journey to Mt. Megalo in search of Megalodragon and the 'Pickle of Happiness', which can fulfill any wish. Directed by Nobuaki Nakanishi. The animation produced by Nippon Animation. There is also the second TV series 'Dokidoki Densetsu Mahoujin GuruGuru' (aired in 2000).


Copyright(c) Hiroyuki Eto/Enix/Nippon Animation
The quotation source: DVD manufactured by Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.

Black Jack: The Movie (1996)

See the paragraph about the Black Jack OAV series. The movie version by the staff of the OAV series. The story of Black Jack's challenge to the mystery of an unknown infectious disease called 'Moira Syndrome'. The original works by Osamu Tezuka. Directed by Osamu Dezaki. The animation production by Tezuka Productions.


Copyright(c) Tezuka Productions/Shochiku
The quotation source: DVD manufactured by Pioneer LDC, Inc.

Tenchi Muyo! in Love (1996)

See the paragraph about the Tenchi Muyo OAV series. The first movie version and an extra episode in the storyline of the TV series. The story of Tenchi and his party's time warp into the past (the year 1970) to save Tenchi's mother, Achika Masaki, whose life is sought by a criminal named Cain. Directed by Hiroshi Negishi. Produced by AIC.


Copyright(c) AIC/Tenchi-Muyo Committee
The quotation source: DVD distributed by Pioneer LDC, Inc.

X: The Movie (1996)

See the paragraph about the Crayon Shin-chan the first movie. The fourth movie version is a modern horror style fantasy depicting a laughable adventure in 'Gunma Hender Land', the largest theme park in the north areas around Tokyo. Nohara family fight with Toppema Muppet (a talking doll from Magic World) against two gay 'witch' men Makao and Joma, who came from Another World and try to invade the Real World. Directed by Mitsuru Hongo. The animation production by Shin'ei Doga.

Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Great Adventure in Hender Land (1996)

See the paragraph about the Crayon Shin-chan the first movie. The fourth movie version is a modern horror style fantasy depicting a laughable adventure in 'Gunma Hender Land', the largest theme park in the north areas around Tokyo. Nohara family fight with Toppema Muppet (a talking doll from Magic World) against two gay 'witch' men Makao and Joma, who came from Another World and try to invade the Real World. Directed by Mitsuru Hongo. The animation production by Shin'ei Doga.


Copyright(c) Yoshito Usui/Futabasha/Shin'ei/TV Asahi
The quotation source: DVD distributed by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

The Diary of Anne Frank (1995)

The anime movie based on 'The Diary of a Young Girl/The Diary of Anne Frank' (the original Dutch title is 'Het Achterhuis'. It means 'The House Behind') written by Anne Frank (1929-1945), the worldwide best-seller that described the life in hiding in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, Netherlands in the last days of the World War II. The story of the Jewish Frank family (a 13-year-old girl Anne Frank, father Otto, mother Edith and elder sister Margot), who was obliged to live in a hiding place with other four Jews, to escape from the Nazi Holocaust against the Jews. The animattion is decorous and delicate, like the old 'World Masterpieces Theater' series produced by Nippon Animation. Directed by Akinori Nagaoka. The animation produced by Madhouse. Music by Michael Nyman.


Copyright(c) "The Diary of Anne Frank" Production Committee/Office Araki
The quotation source: DVD manufactured by Columbia Music Entertainment, Inc.

Junkers, Come Here (1995)

The first theatrical film directed by Junichi Sato, the first director of Sailor Moon series. A fantasy drama depicting carefully the daily life of an adolescent girl and her family. The leading character, Hiromi Nozawa is a sixth-grade school girl. She keeps a schnauzer dog named Junkers, who speaks human language. She faces the crisis of her parents' divorce, and Junkers says to her, 'I can work miracles only three times...' The original story and music by Naoto Kine. The animation production by Triangle Staff.


Copyright(c) Naoto Kine/Bandai Visual/Kadokawa Shoten
The quotation source: DVD released by Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co., Ltd.

Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Intrigue of Unkokusai (1995)

See the paragraph about the Crayon Shin-chan the first movie. The third movie version is a Sci-Fi action/historical drama depicting the fight against a time-travel criminal who goes back into the past and tries to change the history. The Nohara family time-traveled with Ring Snowstorm, a female time-patroller from the 30th century, into the Warring States Period of feudal Japan (the year 1570), in order to prevent the crime of a history nerd from the 30th century, Hierre Jocoman, who called himself 'Unkokusai'. Shinnosuke and a boy swordsman (girl in reality) Fubuki-maru beat down Unkokusai with the help of Ring Snowstorm, and the Nohara family returned to the 20th century, but it had been another modern Japan changed into a strange world by Hierre. An entertaining film with lots of highlights, such as full-scale sword-action scenes, Sci-Fi elements dealing with time paradox theme, and the great battle between two giant robots in the final climax. The screenplay by Mitsuru Hongo and Keiichi Hara. Directed by Mitsuru Hongo. Produced by Shin'ei Doga.


Copyright(c) Yoshito Usui/Futabasha/Shin'ei/TV Asahi
The quotation source: DVD distributed by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

Ghost in the Shell (1995)

An ultra realistic Sci-Fi cyberpunk action movie by full use of computer graphics and digital technology. Set in an Asian country of the highly-networked information society in the near future, 2029 AD. The story of a female cyborg named Motoko Kusanagi, who is the major of the Security Police Section 9 (also known as 'Kokaku Kidotai/Armed Riot Police'), fights against the cyber crime by an unidentified hacker called 'Puppet Master'. The theme is something like self-identity crisis in network society and cyberspace. Based on Masamune Shirow's manga (graphic novel). Directed by Mamoru Oshii. Topped the video sales chart in Billboard, the US music magazine. The animation produced by Production I.G. There are also the TV anime series 'Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex' (2002-2003, directed by Kenji Kamiyama), 'Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG' (2004-2005, directed by Kenji Kamiyama), and the sequel movie 'Innocence: Ghost in the Shell' (2004, screenplay and direction by Mamoru Oshii).


Copyright(c) Shirow Masamune/Kodansha/Bandai Visual/Manga Entertainment
The quotation source: DVD released by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

Memories (1995) *

An omnibus that consists of three short anime films with gorgeous images by the executive producer and supervising director Katsuhiro Otomo. 'Magnetic Rose' (the original works by Katsuhiro Otomo, directed by Koji Morimoto) is a serious science fiction set in outer space. 'Stink Bomb' (the original works, screenplay and original character design by Katsuhiro Otomo, directed by Tensai Okamura) is a slapstick action comedy, and the leading character is a guy who begins to give off an awful smell because of taking a new drug developed in strict secrecy. 'Cannon Fodder' (the original works, screenplay, direction, original character design and art by Katsuhiro Otomo) is a story of a mobile metropolis heavily armed with lots of cannons, and this is by one-shot/one-scene shooting through most of the film. The animation production by Studio 4�‹C ('Stink Bomb' was produced by Madhouse).


Copyright(c) Mash Room/Memories Project
The quotation source: DVD released by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

Whisper of the Heart (1995)

A pure love story of boy and girl. Based on the girls' manga (graphic novel) by Aoi Hiiragi. The leading charecter, Shizuku Tsukishima is a junior high girl and book lover. She met a boy named Seiji Amazawa, who aimed to be a violinmaker, and was attracted by him. Directed by Yoshifumi Kondo. He had worked as an animator with Miyazaki and Takahata. Produced by Studio Ghibli. The No.1 at the box-office of domestic movies in Japan in 1995. The original of the theme song 'Country Road' is 'Take Me Home, Country Roads' by John Denver. The setting of this film is modeled after the real apartment complex city, 'Tama New Town' in western Tokyo.

Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Treasure of Buri Buri Kingdom (1994)

See the paragraph about the Crayon Shin-chan the first movie. The second movie version is an action adventure film set in a southern island in the Indian Ocean. The evil secret society, "White Snake" abducted Shinnosuke and Prince Sunnokeshi of the Buri Buri kingdom, who looks very much like Shinnosuke, in order to get the kingdom's hidden treasure in the golden palace under the ground. Shinnosuke's parents, Hiroshi and Misae fight with Lulu, the major of the palace guard of the kingdom, against White Snake, trying to recapture Shinnosuke and the prince. The screenplay and storyboard by Mitsuru Hongo and Keiichi Hara. Directed by Mitsuru Hongo. Produced by Shin'ei Doga.


Copyright(c) Yoshito Usui/Futabasha/Shin'ei/TV Asahi
The quotation source: DVD distributed by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

Pompoko (Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko) (1994)

A Studio Ghibli work. A humorous film featuring anthropomorphized Japanese raccoon dogs (animals like raccoons, called 'Tanuki'). The story of Tanuki living at Tama Hills in western Tokyo, who launch a movement against the housing development project of 'Tama New Town', which destroys the natural environment and their habitat. The highlights are the scenes where Tanuki change their shape into Japanese traditional monsters/specters (called 'Yokai') and trying to sabotage the housing construction. The original works, screenplay and direction by Isao Takahata. The No.1 at the box-office of domestic movies in Japan in 1994.

Pom Poko

Street Fighter II (1994)

The animated film version of the world-famous arcade game, Street Fighter II (1991-94, Capcom), which is the first big hit in man-to-man fighting game genre. The story of martial artists, Ryu and Ken Mansters, who fight with Chun-Li (a Chinese woman and narcotics agent in Interpol) and Guile (US Air Force Major) against Vega, the commander of the crime syndicate Shadowloo. Directed by Gisaburo Sugii. The animation production by Group Tac. There is also the TV anime series 'Street Fighter II V' (1995, 29 episodes) and Hollywood live-action version 'Street Fighter' (1994, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme).


Copyright(c) CAPCOM
The quotation source: DVD released by SPE Visual Works Inc.

BonoBono (1993)

The animated film version of 'BonoBono', Mikio Igarashi's best-selling manga (serialized since 1986). The original manga version is a series of four/eight-panel comic strips featuring anthropomorphized animal characters inhabiting the sea and woodland, and it's seemingly an idyllic and humorous fable, but it has profound subjects like philosophy. The story of a little sea otter named BonoBono, who had a question in his mind: "why does something fun end?". One day he and his friends (chipmunk and raccoon) went to see a huge creature coming that they had never seen before. Meanwhile, adults in the woods say: "every time that creature comes, something will change in the woods." The original story, screenplay and direction by Mikio Igarashi. The animation production by Group Tac. Music by Gontiti. There is also the TV anime series (1995-1996) and the second movie version "BonoBono: the Tree of Kumomo" (a totally CG movie, 2002).


Copyright(c) Mikio Igarashi/"BonoBono" the Movie Production Committee
The quotation source: DVD released by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Action Kamen vs. Haigure Maou (1993)

'Crayon Shin-chan' is a popular comedy anime based on the manga (graphic novel) by Yoshito Usui. The leading character is Shinnosuke Nohara (nicknamed Shin-chan), a five-year-old, impertinent preschool boy. The original manga (started in 1990) is for adult readers, but the animated TV series started in 1992 has been adapted for children. This is the first of the 'super-laughable movie' versions, and the Sci-Fi story set in an alternate Earth (parallel world) where 'Action Kamen' (the hero of Shinnosuke's favorite TV show) really exists. Directed by Mitsuru Hongo. Produced by Shin'ei Doga. There are lots of other Crayon Shin-chan movies worth noting.


Copyright(c) Yoshito Usui/Futabasha/Shin'ei/TV Asahi
The quotation source: DVD distributed by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

Sailor Moon R the Movie: The Promise of the Rose (1993)

See the paragraph about the Sailor Moon TV series. The first movie version directed by Kunihiko Ikuhara, who was the series director of Sailor Moon R/Sailor Moon S/Sailor Moon SuperS TV series. The story of the Sailor Scouts' fight against an alien named Fiore, who is in the control of the flower monsters called Kisenian, and takes away Mamoru Chiba/Tuxedo Mask. More serious, dramatic and adult-oriented than the TV series. There are the five films of the Sailor Moon series in total, including the short films, and this is the greatest one among them. Produced by Toei Animation. Screened with co-feature: 'Make Up! Sailor Scouts' (a short film).


Copyright(c) Naoko Takeuchi/Kodansha/TV-Asahi/Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

Patlabor 2 the Movie (1993) *

See the paragraph about the Patlabor OAV series. The second movie version. A politico-military drama depicting the confrontations between terrorists, the police and the Self-Defense Force (the Japanese forces) in the near future Tokyo. Ex-members of the Special Vehicles Section 2 follow a terrorist (former Self-Defense Official) who tries simulating a war situation in Tokyo. The photorealistic images with using CGs, like live-action documentary footage, are worth seeing. The original works by Headgear. Directed by Mamoru Oshii. The animation production by Production I.G. There is also the novelized version, 'Tokyo War: Patlabor the Mobile Police', written by Oshii himself.


Copyright(c) Headgear/Emotion/TFC/ING/Shogakukan
The quotation source: DVD released by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

Ninja Scroll (1993)

A quite entertaining historical romance/ninja sction, like Japanese ninja novels by Futaro Yamada. Set in the Edo period of feudal Japan under the Tokugawa Shogunate regime. A stray Ninja, Jubei Kibagami and a female Ninja of the Koga clan (beneath Tokugawa), Kagero fights fierce battles against the "Eight Devils of Kimon", the anti-Tokugawan Ninja group with unusual arts, commanded by Gemma Himuro, Jubei's long time enemy and a deathless man. This film has enjoyed greater popularity outside Japan than within Japan. In the North American market, the video was released in 1995 and racked up cumulative sales of about 800 thousand. The original story, screenplay, character creation and direction by Yoshiaki Kawajiri. Produced by Animate Film. Cooperated by Madhouse. There is also the "Ninja Scroll" TV anime series (13 episodes, aired in 2003).


Copyright(c) Yoshiaki Kawajiri/Mad House/JVC/Toho Co. Ltd./Movic Inc./Manga Entertainment, Inc.
The quotation source: DVD released by Manga Entertainment, Inc.

Ranma 1/2 the Movie: Nihao My Concubine (1992)

See the paragraph about the Ranma 1/2 TV series. The second movie version of 'Ranma 1/2', romantic comedy/martial-arts action anime based on Rumiko Takahashi's manga (graphic novel). One day in summer, the Tendo family and other related people had taken a vacation in an island in the south, but the ruler of the island Toma, who was the prince with magical power, abducted the girls one by one to make them his prospective brides. To rescue kidnapped Akane Tendo (Ranma Saotome's fiancee) and other girls, Ranma Saotome and other boys fight against Toma and the gang. There are lots of amusing action scenes. Directed by Akira Suzuki. The animation produced by Studio DEEN.


Copyright(c) Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan/Kitty/Fuji Television
The quotation source: DVD distributed by Pony Canyon Inc.

Porco Rosso (1992)

A comic and nostalgic film set in Italy in the 1920s. The story of a bounty hunter called Porco Rosso, who has the pig's face and fights against the flying pirates by a seaplane in the Mediterranean Sea. The original works, screenplay and direction by Hayao Miyazaki.Produced by Studio Ghibli. The No.1 at the box-office of domestic movies in Japan in 1992.

Ranma 1/2 the Movie: Big Trouble in Nekonron, China (1991)

See the paragraph about the Ranma 1/2 TV series. The first movie version of 'Ranma 1/2', romantic comedy/martial-arts action anime based on Rumiko Takahashi's manga (graphic novel). A Chinese martial artist named Kirin, who was the head of the perfect and faultless martial art school called 'Shichifuku-Dojin/Seven-Gods', visited Tendo family's home, and he kidnapped Akane Tendo (Ranma Saotome's future bride) to take her for his wife. Ranma and all other related people go to Nekonron, China and confront the Shichifuku-Dojin/Seven-Gods martial artists to bring back
Akane. Directed by Shuji Iuchi. The animation produced by Studio DEEN.


Copyright(c) Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan/Kitty/Fuji Television
The quotation source: DVD distributed by Pony Canyon Inc.

Mobile Suit Gundam F91 (1991)

One of the Gundam sagas. The completely original movie by the staff of Gundam first TV series. In 0123 Universal Century, a militant group named Crossbones Vanguard occupied the space colony Frontier IV, and a high school boy named Seabook Arno joined a resistance group and started to fight Crossbones Vanguard as the pilot of Gundam F91. The supervising director is Yoshiyuki Tomino. Produced by Sunrise.

Roujin-Z (1991)

A Sci-Fi slapstick action/comedy set in the near-future Japan, where the society is rapidly aging. 'Roujin' is a Japanese word for 'old man'. The story of a computer-aided automatic hospital bed for a bedridden old man, called 'Z-001', which finds the will like a robot, and begins to run amuck with an old man riding on it. The original works, screenplay and mechanical designs by Katsuhiro Otomo. The original character designs by manga (graphic novel) artist Hisashi Eguchi. Directed by Hiroyuki Kitakubo. Produced by A.P.P.P.


Copyright(c) Tokyo Theaters Co., Inc./Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co., Ltd./Movic Co., Ltd./TV-Asahi/Aniplex Inc.
The quotation source: DVD manufactured by Aniplex Inc.

Only Yesterday (Omoide Poroporo) (1991)

The film based on the manga (graphic novel) by Hotaru Okamoto (story) and Yuuko Tone (drawing), produced by Studio Ghibli. The story is set in 1982. A 27-year-old single woman Taeko Okajima, who is an office worker in Tokyo, takes a vacation at her brother-in-law's home in Yamagata (Northeastern countryside in Japan). There she reconsiders herself, helping with the farm work, and thinking back on events of her childhood when she was in the fifth grade (in 1966). There are lots of nostalgic scenes of the 1960s. The screenplay and direction by Isao Takahata. The No.1 at the box-office of domestic movies in Japan in 1991.

Chibi Maruko-chan: the Original Movie (1990)

'Chibi Maruko-chan' ('Little Maruko') is a popular TV anime series (started in 1990) based on the essayistic manga (started in 1986) by Momoko Sakura, which is a nostalgic and heartwarming comedy story depicting the everyday life of Momoko Sakura (nicknamed Maruko), a nine-year-old girl in the third grade. Set in Shimizu City, Shizuoka Pref. (a local city in Japan) in the 1974. This first movie version has the original story of the friendship between Maruko's two boy classmates, Ken'ichi Ono and Satoshi Sugiyama. The original story and screenplay by Momoko Sakura. Directed by Tsutomu Shibayama. Produced by Nippon Animation.


Copyright(c) Sakura Production/Nippon Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Pony Canyon Inc.

A Wind Named Amnesia (1990)

The third anime work based on the novel by Hideyuki Kikuchi and produced by Madhouse, following the 2 OAVs, 'Wicked City' and 'Demon City Shinjuku'. A Sci-Fi adventure story set in the near-future world after the human race lost their memories and the civilization collapsed. A Japanese boy Wataru and a mysterious woman Sophia start a journey crossing ex-United States of America, fighting against two-legged robots called 'Guardians', which were the fighting machines deployed by the security authority of San Francisco in the early 1990s, for suppressing riots. A serious science fiction with a critical view on mechanized and computerized civilization. Directed by Kazuo Yamazaki. Supervised by Taro Rin and Yoshiaki Kawajiri. The animation produced by Madhouse.


The quotation source: DVD released by Japan Home Video Co., Ltd.

The Five Star Stories (1989)

The anime film version based on the first volume's episode of 'The Five Star Stories', the Sci-Fi/fantasy saga manga (graphic novel) by Mamoru Nagano (the character/mechanical designer for the TV anime 'Heavy Metal L-Gaim'). The original manga version is a very long and best-selling series started in 1986. A sweeping epic of romance and mecha-action set in the Joker Star Cluster, formed by the four solar systems and one sun-and-plannet system. On the Planet Addler, people have fought fierce battles with each other by using giant humanoid machines called 'Mortar Headds', which are piloted by knights called 'Headliners' and controlled by female androids called 'Fatimas'. The film version is the love story between Ladios Sopp, the maker of Mortar Headd 'The Knight Of Gold', and a Fatima girl, Lachesis. The original story by Mamoru Nagano. Directed by Kazuo Yamazaki. The animation produced by Sunrise. Recommended to those who like the original manga version, or who have an interest in it.


Copyright(c) Mamoru Nagano/Kadokawashoten
The quotation source: DVD released by Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co., Ltd.

Soreike! Anpanman: Tears of the Planet KiraKira (1989)

The first movie version of 'Soreike! Anpanman' (Go! Anpanman), the TV anime series (aired since 1988) based on Takashi Yanase's picture books for little children. 'Anpan' means 'a bean-paste bun' (a sweet bun filled with red-bean paste), and Anpanman is an Anpan-headed hero fighting for justice. The story of Anpanman and his fellow's fights to save the Princess Nanda from the Planet KiraKira. The character designs are simple and cute. Directed by Akinori Nagaoka. The animation produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha. The TV version has been aired in South Korea, Thailand, Spain and Brazil. There are many other movie versions too.

Patlabor the Movie (1989) **

See the paragraph about the Patlabor OAV series. The first movie version. The story of the Special Vehicles Section 2 members of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, who fight against a cybercrime to plot to destory Tokyo by making Labors run amuck with a computer virus. The new Patlabor, 'Type-Zero' is cool. A high quality finished movie as an entertainment film. Highly recommended. The planning and original works by Headgear. Directed by Mamoru Oshii. Produced by Studio DEEN.


Copyright(c) Headgear/Emotion/TFC/Shogakukan
The quotation source: DVD released by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

A fantasy film based on the juvenile literature by Eiko Kadono. The story of a 13-year-old witch named Kiki, who with her black cat Jiji, left her family, and started to work as a deliverer flying on a broom, for being a full-fledged witch. The screenplay and direction by Hayao Miyazaki. Produced by Studio Ghibli. The No.1 at the box-office of domestic movies in Japan in 1989.

Dragonball Z the Movie: Dead Zone (1989)

See the paragraph about the Dragonball Z TV series. The first movie version of 'Dragonball Z', the world-famous martial-arts action TV anime series based on Akira Toriyama's manga (graphic novel). The story of fight between Son Goku and Garlic Jr., who kidnapped Goku's son, Son Gohan. Directed by Daisuke Nishio. Produced by Toei Animation. There are many other movie versions too.


Copyright(c) Bird Studio/Shueisha/Fuji Television/Toei Animation
The quotation source: VHS released by Toei Co., Ltd.

Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack (1988) *

See the paragraph about the Mobile Suit Gundam TV series. The first completely original movie of the Gundam series. The sequel to the story of the first TV series. The story of the final fight between Amuro Ray (who belongs to Londo Bell, the independent corps of the Earth Federal Forces) and Char Aznable (the leader of Neo Zeon) in 0093 Universal Century, 13 years after the 'One Year War'. The original works, screenplay and direction by Yoshiyuki Tomino. Produced by Sunrise.

AKIRA (1988) *

A world-famous cyberpunk Sci-Fi action movie. Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, a manga (graphic novel) artist. Based on the full-length manga by Otomo himself. In near future 'Neo-Tokyo' after the World War III, government, armed services, urban guerilla and motorcycle gangs fight over a state secret called 'AKIRA'. The highlights are the elaborate and ultra realistic drawings/animations. The animation production by Tokyo Movie Shinsha.


Copyright(c) Mash Room/Akira Committee
The quotation source: DVD released by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

Grave of the Fireflies (1988) *

A tragic story of a young orphaned Japanese brother and sister at the time of World War II. In the last days of the Pacific War, in 1945, a 14-year-old boy named Seita and his four-year-old sister Setsuko lose their mother and house in an air raid, and they try living alone at an air-raid shelter. An impressive film depicting hopeless love and near-death experience with cold and realistic touch. Based on the novel by Akiyuki Nosaka. The screenplay and direction by Isao Takahata. Produced by Studio Ghibli. Screened with co-feature: 'My Neighbor Totoro' directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

A fantasy film set in a Japanese farming village of around the 1960. The story of a 11-year-old girl named Satsuki and her four-year-old sister Mei, who move into a farming village (Tokorozawa City, Saitama Pref.), and meet Totoro, an odd-looking creature (spirit) living in the woods. The original works, screenplay and direction by Hayao Miyazaki. Produced by Studio Ghibli. Screened with co-feature: 'Grave of the Fireflies' directed by Isao Takahata.

Dirty Pair the Movie (Project Eden) (1987)

See the paragraph about the 'DirtyPair' TV series. The movie version released after the TV series (1985) and the OAV 'Dirty Pair: Affair of Nolandia (Mystery of Norlandia)' (1986). A Sci-Fi action entertainment featuring the girl duo, Kei and Yuri, who work in the WWWA (Worlds Welfare Work Association) as galactic troubleshooters. In the year 2141, they went to the planet Agerna to investigate the case of the attack on the experiment plant for 'Vizorium' (a rare-metal element essential to the latest technologies like warp engine). They sneaked with a master thief Carson D. Carson into the laboratory of scientist Wattsman, and they discovered that the case was caused by Wattsman, who tried to create a new life form from Vizorium ore (fossils of an ancient creature 'Sadinga'). The features are the sequences of tremendous physical actions and battles against monsters. The original story by Haruka Takachiho. Produced by Shochiku and Sunrise. Directed by Koichi Mashita.

Royal Space Force: Wings of Honneamise (1987) *

A Sci-Fi film depicting the first manned space flight in another world, the Kingdom of Honneamise. The story of Shirotsugh Lhardatto, a young officer in the 'Royal Space Force', who meets a devout girl named Leiqunni Nondelaiko, and volunteers for being the pilot of the experimental manned spacecraft. The highlights are the detailed settings and realistic description of another world. The first production by GAINAX (the production company of Gunbuster, Nadia and Evangelion). The original concept, screenplay and direction by Hiroyuki Yamaga. The musical director is Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Arion (1986)

A fantasy/romance film on Greek myths. Directed by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, the animator/manga artist who is known as the character designer and animation director of the Gundam first TV series. Based on the manga/graphic novel (serialized in 1980-85) by Yasuhiko himself. Set in ancient Greece which had been ruled by the god family Titans. A coming-of-age story of a boy named Arion, who was born between Titans and humans. The original works, direction, character design and animation direction by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko. The animation produced by Nippon Sunrise. Recommended to those who like the original manga or Yasuhiko's characters.


Copyright(c) Yoshikazu Yasuhiko/THMS
The quotation source: DVD released by Pioneer LDC, Inc.

Windaria/Once Upon a Time (1986)

A fantasy film depicting the tragic love of the two couples involved in the war between the two powers. The story of a youngman named Izu and his young wife Marlin, who had lived in the village of Saki, where a big tree called 'Windaria' stood. They had worked as vegetable vendors and lived peacefully, but when the war started between the two kingdoms, Isa and Paro, Izu went to Paro and joined the war, leaving Marlin. Meanwhile, princess of Isa, Ahanas and prince of Paro, Jill had loved each other, but their destiny was to meet again in the battlefield and fight each other. The storyline is based on the one episode 'Asaji ga Yodo/The House of Wild Gramineons' from 'Ugetsu Monogatari/Tales of Ugetsu' by Akinari Ueda (the Japanese ghost stories of the 18th century). The original story and screenplay by Keisuke Fujikawa. The character design and animation supervised by Mutsumi Inomata. Directed by Kunihiko Yuyama. The animation produced by Kaname Production. There is the novelized version, 'Windaria: Legend of Fabulous Battle' by Keisuke Fujikawa.


Copyright(c) Victor Entertainment
The quotation source: DVD released by Victor Entertainment, Inc.

Project A-ko (1986)

A Sci-Fi slapstick action/comedy by two animators who had participated in working on the Urusei Yatsura TV anime series: Katsuhiko Nishijima and Yuji Moriyama. Directed by Katsuhiko Nishijima. The character designer and chief animator is Yuji Moriyama. The leading character, Eiko Magami (A-ko) is a high school girl with superhuman strength. She and her friend Shiiko Kotobuki (C-ko) transfer to the Graviton School. There A-ko combats against her childhood friend Biiko Daitokuji (B-ko) over C-ko, and they get involved in the battle between alien's spaceship and defense forces. The animation production by A.P.P.P. There are the sequels too.


Copyright(c) Final/Nishijima/Moriyama/Soei Shinsha/Pony Canyon
The quotation source: DVD released by Media Factory, Inc.

They Were Eleven (1986)

A Sci-Fi suspense set in a closed situation inside a spaceship. Based on Moto Hagio's short manga (published in 1975). The story of a young man named Tadatos Lane (Tada), who took the entrance exam for 'Cosmo Academy', the most prestigious university in space. In the final test, test-takers were made to live together in groups of ten each in a derelict spaceship during 53 days, but for some reason, there were 11 test-takers in the spaceship Tada boarded. Produced by Kitty Film. Directed by Tetsu Dezaki and Tsuneo Tominaga.


Copyright(c) Moto Hagio/Shogakukan/Kitty
The quotation source: DVD distributed by Pioneer LDC, Inc.

Doraemon the Movie: Nobita and the Platoon of Iron Men (1986)

See the paragraph about the Doraemon first movie. The seventh movie version is a Sci-Fi action/drama depicting the fight against robotic corps from another planet. One day, Nobita met a mystery girl named Rilulu. She was actually a robot from the Planet Mechatopia, in which highly-advanced robots are living, and she tried to establish a front-line base for conquering the earth. Nobita and his friends get Mechatopia's robotic corps into the 'Specular World' (world on the other side of the mirror) and fight a desperate battle againt them. The original story and screenplay by Fujio F. Fujiko. Directed by Tsutomu Shibayama. Produced by Shin'ei Doga.


Copyright(c) Fujiko Pro/Shogakukan/TV-Asahi
The quotation source: DVD released by Shogakukan.

Laputa: The Castle in the Sky (1986)

A delightful fantasy action adventure film on 'Laputa', the floating island in the sky, from Jonathan Swift's novel, "Gulliver's Travels". The story of a boy, Pazu (an apprentice mechanic) and a girl, Sheeta, who embarks on an adventurous journey for exploring the legend of 'Laputa' and the mystery of the 'Flying Stone'. The first of the feature-length anime movies produced by Studio Ghibli. The original works, screenplay and direction by Hayao Miyazaki.

Urusei Yatsura 3: Remember My Love (1985)

See the paragraph about the Urusei Yatsura TV series. The third movie version directed by Kazuo Yamazaki, who became the chief director of the TV series, taking over from Mamoru Oshii. A fantasy drama and a straightforward love story based on the original worldview of the manga version and TV series. Featuring all the main characters. Being cursed by a sorcerer, Lum and Ataru Moroboshi were separated by the fault line in time and space. Ataru changed into a pink hippopotamus, and Lum disappeared after a mysterious boy named Ruu, who changed Ataru into a hippopotamus. And then, Ataru reverted to his original appearance, and became used to the daily life without Lum, but one day he realizes that he needs Lum at heart. Produced by Kitty Film. Cooperated by Studio DEEN.


Copyright(c) Kitty Film
The quotation source: DVD released by Five Ace

Night on the Galactic Railroad (Nokto de la Galaksia Fervojo) (1985)

A fantasy film based on Hiroshi Masumura's manga (graphic novel) version of the fairy story written by Kenji Miyazawa. The main characters are anthropomorphized cats. The story of a boy named Giovanni ans his best friend Campanella, who go on a strange trip into the Milky Way on the galactic railroad train. Directed by Gisaburo Sugii. Music by Haruomi Hosono. The animation production by Group Tac. 'Nokto de la Galaksia Fervojo' is the Esperanto title.


Copyright(c) Asahi Shimbun, TV-Asahi, Nippon Herald Films Group
The quotation source: DVD manufactured by The Asahi Shimbun

The Dagger of Kamui (1985)

A ninja action/adventure film based on the novel by Sci-Fi writer Tetsu Yano. Set in Japan (last days of the Tokugawa Shogunate of the Edo Period) and the US (the pioneer days of the American West) in the middle of the 19th century. The story of a half-Ainu half-Japanese young man named Jiro (Ainu is Japan's indigenous people), who became a ninja and takes an adventurous journey with the 'Dagger of Kamui' (a relic of his father), from Japan to the US through Kamchatka peninsula and ice-bound seas, to explore the mysteries of the pirate Captain Kidd's treasures. 'Kamui' is Ainu's word for something like 'Gods'. Directed by Taro Rin. The animation production by Project Team Argos and Madhouse.


Copyright(c) Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co., Ltd.
The quotation source: DVD released by Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co., Ltd.

Wata no Kuni Hoshi (The Star of Cottonland) (1984)

The anime film version based on the girls' manga 'Wata no Kuni Hoshi' by Yumiko Oshima (serialized in monthly 'LaLa' since 1978). The original manga version is a fantasy masterpiece with a literary flavor, which depicted the worlds of humans and cats from the viewpoint of an anthropomorphized kitten. The storyline of the film is mainly based on the episode one ('Watanokunihoshi') and three ('Silkmoon Petitroad') of the original: A young man going to a prep school, Tokio Suwano brought home an abandoned female kitten, and he named her 'Chibineko'. Chibineko believed she could be a human being someday, but a beautiful, silver-colored male cat Raphael said to her "cats can't be humans", and talked to her about the legendary 'Cottonland'. The planning and production by Mushi Production. The screenplay by Masaki Tsuji and Yumiko Oshima. Directed by Shin'ichi Tsuji.


Copyright(c) Yumiko Oshima/Hakusensha/Mushi Production
The quotation source: DVD manufactured by Columbia Music Entertainment, Inc.

Macross: Do You Remember Love? (1984) *

See the paragraph about the Macross TV series. The completely renewed movie version based on the main storyline of the TV series. The drawings and animations are much more elaborate and splendid than the TV series. In terms of images, the highest quality anime film of the time. Directed by Noboru Ishiguro and Shoji Kawamori. Produced by Big West, Tatsunoko Production and others.


Copyright(c) Big West
The quotation source: DVD released by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer (1984) **

See the paragraph about the Urusei Yatsura TV series. The second movie version is a controversial piece which is both a self-parody of the TV series as 'an endlessly repeating slapstick comedy' and a meta-fictional Sci-Fi film with the theme of 'inner space'. The story of Ataru Moroboshi and other main characters, who are confined in a strange world of inner space like a dream, where one and the same day-the day before the school festival in Tomobiki High School-is being repeated over and over. The screenplay and direction by Mamoru Oshii. The greatest work in all of the Urusei Yatsura series, and must-see masterpiece. Produced by Kitty Film (cooperated by Studio Pierrot).


Copyright(c) Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan/Kitty/Fuji Television/Toho Co., Ltd.
The quotation source: DVD released by Toho Co., Ltd.

Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind (1984) *

An ecological Sci-Fi film. The original works, screenplay and direction by Hayao Miyazaki. Based on the full-length manga (graphic novel) by Miyazaki himself. Set in a distant future world when industrial civilization has collapsed after the apocalyptic war called the 'Seven Days of Fire'. The large parts of the earth have been covered by the 'Sea of Corruption', the forests with miasma (poison gas) and 'Ohmu' (giant mutated insects). Nausicaa, who is the princess of a small kingdom 'Valley of Wind', gets involved in the war against Torumekia, the military kingdom plotting to revive the Giant God Soldiers (weapons that destroyed the world in the 'Seven Days of Fire'), and she seeks to follow a path of coexistence with ecosystem. The storyline is simpler than the original manga, but a very high quality finished work as a motion picture. Produced by Top Craft (later Studio Ghibli).

Golgo 13: The Professional (1983)

'Golgo 13' is Takao Saito's graphic novel serialized in the magazine 'Big Comic' since 1968 for long periods. The leading character Golgo 13 (alias: Duke Togo) is a professional assassin and ruthless sniper who never fails to shoot down any target. The anime movie version is a hard-boiled action with the story based on the 108th episode of the original. The oil tycoon, Leonard Dawson fights a pursuit battle with Golgo 13, who killed Dawson's son Robert, mobilizing FBI, CIA and Pentagon. Directed by Osamu Dezaki. The chief animator is Akio Sugino. The animation production by Tokyo Movie Shinsha. The title of the US release version is 'The Professional: Golgo 13'. There is also the OAV (original animation video) 'Golgo 13: Queen Bee' (1998) by the duo of Dezaki and Sugino.

Urusei Yatsura: Only You (1983)

See the paragraph about the Urusei Yatsura TV series. The first movie directed by Mamoru Oshii, who had been the chief director of the TV series. A slapstick comedy/love romance that is extension of the TV series. The story of Elle, the queen of the Planet Elle, who pressed to Ataru Moroboshi to get married with her, and took him away to her planet. She tried going ahead with the marriage, but Lum begins an operation to recapture Ataru. Produced by Kitty Film (cooperated by Studio Pierrot). Screened with co-feature: 'The Big Catch; Shonben Rider', a live action film directed by Shinji Somai.


Copyright(c) Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan/Kitty/Fuji Television
The quotation source: DVD released by Five Ace

Harmagedon (1983)

A Sci-Fi anime based on the original works by Kazumasa Hirai (novel) and Shotaro Ishinomori (manga). The story of a Japanese high school boy with psi power, Joe Azuma, and other psionic fighters in the world, who unite in fighting against 'Genma', an invader from outer space, to save the Earth. The characters designed by Katsuhiro Otomo are cool. Directed by Taro Rin. The music directed by Keith Emerson. The animation production by Madhouse.


Copyright(c) Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co., Ltd.
The quotation source: DVD released by Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co., Ltd.

Crusher Joe (1983)

A Sci-Fi action movie based on the space-opera novel by Haruka Takachiho. The direction, character design and drawing direction by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko (an animator/manga artist who is known as the character designer and animation director of the Gundam first TV series). The story of a space handyman, Crusher Joe and his team's fights against space pirate Murphy. Kei and Yuri from 'Dirty Pair' (the original characters by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko) appear as guests. Produced by Sunrise. There are also the 2 OAVs released in 1989.

Goshu the Cellist (1982)

A fantasy film based on the fairy story written by Kenji Miyazawa. Self-produced by Oh-Produntion, the well-established animation company. Set in a Japanese old-time country town surrounded by nature. The story of a young cellist named Goshu, who meets strange talking animals (cat, cuckoo, Japanese raccoon dog and mice). The background music is Beethoven's Symphony No.6 'Pastoral'. The screenplay and direction by Isao Takahata. The character designs and key animations by Shunji Saida for himself.


Copyright(c) Oh-Produntion
The quotation source: DVD released by Pioneer LDC, Inc.

Arcadia of My Youth (My Youth in Arcadia) (1982)

A Sci-Fi adventure which depicted the younger days of Herlock, the hero of the TV anime series 'Space Pirate Captain Herlock' (aired in 1978-79) based on Leiji Matsumoto's manga (graphic novel). The story of young Herlock, who had fought agaisnt the invasion by aliens Illumidus, as the captain of the space battleship Death Shadow, which belonged to the Solar System Federation, but he lost the battle, and the Earth was conquered by Illumidus. After losing his beloved woman Maya in the fight against Illumidus' occupation forces, Herlock left the Earth and took off for space, with his lifelong friend Tochiro and the space battleship 'Arcadia', for his belief, 'to live freely'. The original story by Leiji Matsumoto. Directed by Tomoharu Katsumata. Produced by Toei. The TV series 'Arcadia of My Youth: Endless Orbit SSX' (aired in 1982-83) is the sequel of this film.


Copyright(c) Leiji Matsumoto/Tokyu Agency/Toei
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

The Ideon: A Contact/Be Invoked (1982) **

See the paragraph about the Space Runaway Ideon TV series. This movie version consists of two parts: The first part 'A Contact' is a digest version summarizing the TV series, and the second 'Be Invoked' is a completely new film and the ending part that corresponds to the last four (40-43) episodes not aired on TV. 'Be Invoked' is a grand-scale Sci-Fi film depicting the drama of mankind's extinction and transmigration set in outer space, like Stanley Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey'. The supervising director is Yoshiyuki Tomino. Produced by Sunrise.

Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space (1982) *

See the paragraph about the Mobile Suit Gundam TV series. The third of the Gundam movie trilogy. Re-edited version of the episodes 32 to 43 (the last) of the TV series. About 70% of the animation is new. The supervising director is Yoshiyuki Tomino. Produced by Sunrise.

Unico (1981)

A feature-length, child-oriented fantasy adventure film based on Osamu Tezuka's manga (graphic novel) 'Unico', which was serialized in 'Lyrica', a girl's magazine published by Sanrio. The storyline is an adaptation of the chapters 3 ('A Cat on a Broomstick') and 8 ('Lonely Unico') of the original manga. A little unicorn with a white horn, Unico met a kitten Chao, who wanted to be a human girl. Unico transformed Chao into a girl by his magical power, but she was kidnapped by Baron Ghost, who was the incarnation of a giant Satan. Unico and his friend Akuma-kun (a little devil) try to fight against Satan and help her out. The original story by Osamu Tezuka. Directed by Toshio Hirata. Produced by Sanrio (cooperated by Madhouse). There are other 'Unico' film versions: a short pilot film 'Unico' (produced in 1979 and released as video under the title of 'Unico: Black Cloud and White Feather') and the second movie 'Unico: To the Magic Island' (1983).


Copyright(c) Sanrio Co., Ltd. Tezuka Production Co.
The quotation source: DVD released by IMAGICA Corp.

Jarinko Chie the Movie (Chie the Brat) (1981)

The animated feature film based on Etsumi Haruki's popular manga (graphic novel) 'Jarinko Chie (Chie the Brat)' (serialized in weekly 'Manga Action' since 1978 until 1997). A comedy full of human touches, set in downtown Osaka (the big city in Kansai region, the middle west of Japan). The leading character, Chie Takemoto is an eleven-year-old girl (in the fifth grade). She manages her family business, a bar-and-grill serving broiled pig innards, on behalf of her father Tetsu Takemoto, who does nothing but gambling and brawling. The original story by Etsumi Haruki. Directed by Isao Takahata. The character design by Yoichi Otabe. The animation directors are Yoichi Otabe and Yasuo Otsuka. The animation produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha. The TV anime series (1981-1983, 65 episodes) was aired after this movie version. In Kansai region, the TV series was re-aired many times and became a popular show. There is also the sequel second TV series (1991-1992, 39 episodes).


Copyright(c) Etsumi Haruki/Futabasha/Toho/Universal Music/TMS
The quotation source: DVD released by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc.

Adieu Galaxy Express 999 (1981)

See the paragraphs about the Galaxy Express 999 TV series and the first movie version. The second movie version based on the manga by Leiji Matsumoto. The sequel to the first movie. Tetsuro, who had been fighting against the Mechanized Men as a partisan soldier on the Earth, gets on the 999 again and starts for the terminal station, the planet Great Andromeda. Directed by Taro Rin. Produced by Toei Animation.


Copyright(c) Leiji Matsumoto/Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Co., Ltd.

Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's Space Story (1981)

See the paragraph about the Doraemon first movie. The second movie based on Fujio F. Fujiko's manga (graphic novel). A Sci-Fi action/adventure in the Western style. The scene is laid in the Planet Koyakoya, where the gravity is lighter than the Earth's. The story of Nobita's heroic activity in battle against the Galtite Mining Industry, which plots to drive the pioneering settlers out of the planet and to monopolize the Galtite ore, a substance that generates antigravity energy. This work is noted as a masterpiece of Doraemon movie versions, among many others. The original works and screenplay by Fujio F. Fujiko. Directed by Hideo Nishimaki. Produced by Shin'ei Doga.

Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow (1981)

See the paragraph about the Mobile Suit Gundam TV series. The second of the Gundam movie trilogy. Re-edited/re-constructed version of the TV series, from the 16th episode to the 31st one, with some new shots and scenes added. The supervising director is Yoshiyuki Tomino. Produced by Sunrise.

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Movie (1981)

See the paragraph about the Mobile Suit Gundam TV series. The first of the Gundam movie trilogy, and the re-edited version from the first 13 episodes of the TV series with some new shots and scenes added. The supervising director is Yoshiyuki Tomino. Produced by Sunrise.

Cyborg 009: Legend of the Super Galaxy (1980)

See the paragraph about the Cyborg 009 the first movie. The third movie version released after the second TV series was aired. A Sci-Fi action film set in space. The team of 9 cyborg warriors take a spaceship called "Ismael" and fight against Zoa, the king of the Planet Dagas, who plots to conquer the universe by using the super energy "Vortex", which is something like the mother source of the universe. The original works and general supervision by Shotaro Ishinomori. Directed by Masayuki Akehi. Produced by Toei.


Copyright(c) Ishimori Production/Toei
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

Ashita no Joe (Tomorrow's Joe) (1980)

A sports anime. The story of Joe Yabuki, a homeless orphan boy, who met his archrival, a boxer Toru Rikiishi in a youth prison and became a boxer to fight against Rikiishi. Based on the manga (1968-73) by Asao Takamori (Ikki Kajiwara) and Tetsuya Chiba. The first movie edited from the first TV series (1970-71). Directed by Yoichiro Fukuda. The original manga version is a monumental masterpiece noted as the greatest work of boxing/sports manga. There are the second TV series and the second movie version too.


Copyright(c) Asao Takamori/Tetsuya Chiba/Kodansha/Sankyo Eiga
The quotation source: DVD distributed by Pioneer LDC, Inc.

Phoenix 2772: Love's Cosmo Zone (1980)

The one and only original theatrical anime movie based on the worldview of Osamu Tezuka's manga, 'Phoenix/Hi no Tori' (serialized in 1967-88). The manga version is a saga drama dealing with the theme of 'human life and death', and Tezuka's lifework that mainly consists of 12 long stories from the ancient times to the distant future. This movie version '2772' has the original story independent from the manga version. A Sci-Fi fantasy set in extremely rationalized and controlled future society. A young man named Godot, who was born as a test-tube baby and raised as a space hunter by a nursery robot Olga, takes the spaceship 'Space Shark' and goes on a journey with Olga to outer space in search of space life 2772, so-called the 'Phoenix'. The original works and supervising direction by Osamu Tezuka. The screenplay by Osamu Tezuka and Taku Sugiyama. Directed by Taku Sugiyama. Produced by Tezuka Production. There are other 'Phoenix' film versions: the live-action movie 'Phoenix' (partly combined with anime, 1978), the anime movie 'Phoenix: Karma Chapter' (1986), and 2 OAVs, 'Phoenix: Yamato Chapter' (1987) and 'Phoenix: Space Chapter' (1987).


Copyright(c) Tezuka Production/Toho
The quotation source: DVD released by Toho Co., Ltd.

Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's Dinosaur (1980)

Based on Fujio F. Fujiko's popular Sci-Fi comedy manga. Doraemon is a cat-like robot, who came from the future world to help a boy named Nobita Nobi, a grade schooler and born loser. The original manga version (1969-1996) is one of nationally-popular manga works in Japan, and had gained popularity in Asian countries too. The first movie. The story of Nobita's attempts to protect a Cretaceous dinosaur named Peesuke (he raised by himself) from a dinosaur hunter came from the future. Directed by Hiroshi Fukutomi. Produced by Shin'ei Doga. There are the first TV series (1973), second TV series (1979-) and lots of movie versions too.

Aim for the Ace! (Ace o Nerae!) (1979)

See the paragraph about the 'Aim for the Ace!' first TV series. The completely renewed movie version based on the first part of the original manga (graphic novel) by Sumika Yamamoto. More faithful to the original manga version than the first TV series. Directed by Osamu Dezaki. Produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha.

Galaxy Express 999 (1979)

See the paragraph about the Galaxy Express 999 TV series. The first movie version based on the storyline of the TV series. The express stops are: Megalopolis Central Station (on the Earth), Titan (the Saturn's satellite), Pluto, Trader's Fork (on the planet Heavy Melder), and Maetel, the mechanized mother planet. Tetsuro avenged his mother's death on Count Mecha, and challenges Promethium, the queen of the Machine Empire. Leiji Matsumoto's other main characters, Emeraldas and Captain Herlock appear as supporting players. Directed by Taro Rin. Produced by Toei Animation. The No.1 at the box-office of domestic movies in Japan in 1979. There is the sequel second movie version too.


Copyright(c) Leiji Matsumoto/Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Co., Ltd.

Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979) **

See the paragraph about the Lupin III first TV series. The second movie version. The scene is laid in Principality of Cagliostro, an European small country that makes fake bills. The story of Lupin III's attempts to protect the Princess Clarisse from unwilling marriage with Count Cagliostro. The screenplay and direction by Hayao Miyazaki. The first film by the director Miyazaki. A very high quality finished work as an entertaining action/adventure film. A must-see masterpiece. Produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha.

Lupin III: The Mystery of Mamo (1978)

See the paragraph about the Lupin III first TV series. The first movie version released when the second TV series was on the air. A slapstick action/comedy depicting a battle between Lupin III and Mamo, a mystery man who developed cloning technology at the very dawn of time, and gained enormous wealth and eternal life. The atmosphere is like the first half of the first TV series, and much closer to the image of the original manga (graphic novel) version by Monkey Punch, and more adult-oriented than other movie versions. The original story by Monkey Punch. Directed by Soji Yoshikawa. Supervised by Yasuo Otsuka. Produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha.

Farewell to Space Battleship Yamato: In the Name of Love (1978)

See the paragraph about the Space Battleship Yamato TV series. The first original movie version of Yamato series and the sequel to the story of the TV series. In 2201 AD, ex-Yamato crew go aboard Yamato again and carry out suicidal attacks on the White Comet Empire Gatlantis trying to destroy planets and to conquer the universe. There was criticism for its romanticism as if to glorify death in war or suicide attack, but this movie was a big hit in Japan (the attendance was four million). The original works by Leiji Matsumoto. The original conception by Yoshinobu Nishizaki, Leiji Matsumoto and Toshio Masuda. The planning, production and supervision by Yoshinobu Nishizaki. Directed by Toshio Masuda and Leiji Matsumoto. Produced by Office Academy. Produced as the last program of the series, but after this many sequels had been produced: the second TV series 'Space Battleship Yamato 2' (1978-79), the TV special 'Space Battleship Yamato: The New Voyage' (1979), the movie 'Be Forever Yamato' (1980), the third TV series 'Space Battleship Yamato III' (1980-81), and the movie 'Space Battleship Yamato: The Final Battle' (1983).


Copyright(c) Leiji Matsumoto/Tohoku Shinsha
The quotation source: DVD released by Bandai Visual Co., Ltd.

Space Battleship Yamato (1977)

See the paragraph about the Space Battleship Yamato TV series. The digest movie version edited from the first TV series. In Japan it scored a big hit at the theaters, and caused 'Yamato' boom (the first anime boom in Japan). The original works by Leiji Matsumoto. Supervised by Yoshinobu Nishizaki. Directed by Toshio Masuda. Produced by Office Academy.

Space Battleship Yamato: Movie

Puss in Boots: Around the World in 80 Days (1976)

The third of Toei Animation's 'Puss in Boots' series, following 'The Master Cat or Puss in Boots' (1969) and 'The Three Musketeers in Boots' (1972). An entertaining action/comedy film based on Jules Verne's 'Around the World in Eighty Days'. Pero (cat) made a bet with Lord Gourmont (pig), a big shot in the city, and he gambled that he could go around the world in 80 days. Pero challenges the round-the-world travel in 80 days with his fellows, Carter (river horse), Chibi (baby mouse) and Chibi's father, fighting against the interference by a hit team of three cats and Dr. Galigari (wolf), who was sent by Gourmont. Directed by Hiroshi Shitara.


Copyright(c) Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

Uchu Enban Daisenso (Space Saucer Great War) (1975)

A short film (30 minutes) released as one of the programs of 'Toei Manga Festival'. A giant robot anime using UFO (flying saucer) as a material. The story of the prince Duke Fleed, whose home, the planet Fleed was destroyed by the invading force led by Yarban the Great, and he escaped to the Earth and lived there as an Earthian Daisuke Umon. But the princess Terronna, who is Yarban's daughter and ex-lover of Duke Fleed, came to the Earth with the invading force, following Duke Fleed. Duke Fleed operates a UFO-type robot 'Gattaiger' and fights against the invading force. It is well-known that this film was the prototype of the later TV anime series 'Ufo Robo Grendizer'. The original works by Go Nagai and Dynamic Productions. Directed by Yugo Serikawa. Produced by Toei Animation.


Copyright(c) Dynamic Planning/Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

Great Mazinger vs. Getter Robo (1975)

A short film (30 minutes) released as one of the programs of 'Toei Manga Festival'. The movie version that co-stars the two giant robot heroes from the TV animes based on the original by manga (graphic novel) artist Go Nagai and his Dynamic Productions: Great Mazinger and Getter Robo. Great Mazinger from the Fortified Research Institute for Science and Getter Robo from the Saotome Research Institute cooperate with each other and fight against an unidentified flying saucer from space and a space monster GilGilGan. The original story by Go Nagai, Ken Ishikawa and Dynamic Productions. Directed by Masayuki Akehi. Produced by Toei Animation.


Copyright(c) Dynamic Planning/Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

Mazinger Z vs. Grand General of Darkness (1974)

The movie version that depicted an episode in the interval between the 2 TV series, Mazinger Z and the sequel, Great Mazinger: The Grand General of Darkness from the Mycenae Empire and his 7 Combat Beasts corps attack the cities around the world. In Tokyo, Mazinger Z is being attacked by the strong corps and gets mortally wounded, but the new hero Great Mazinger appears and with Mazinger Z beats back the Combat Beasts corps. Noted as the most memorable one in all of the 'Mazinger' movies. Directed by Nobutaka Nishizawa. Produced by Toei Animation.


Copyright(c) Dynamic Planning/Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

Belladonna (1973)

The third of the adult-oriented anime films by Mushi Production, following 'A Thousand and One Nights' and 'Cleopatra'. An avant-garde art film based on French historian, Jules Michelet's book "La Sorcière" (the title of the English version is "Satanism and Witchcraft"). Called "Anime Romanesque" in those days. Set in a farming community in medieval France. A sad story of a woman named Jeanne, who sold her body and soul to the devil for living with her beloved husband, Jean. Features the images drawn by illustrator, Kuni Fukai, and produced by an experimental method of using lots of still images and animating the illustrations. The images full of eroticism, like psychedelic wet dreams, are artistic and beautiful. Directed by Eiichi Yamamoto. The art by Kuni Fukai. The animation director is Gisaburo Sugii.


Copyright(c) Tezuka Production/Mushi Production
The quotation source: DVD manufactured by Columbia Music Entertainment, Inc.

Mazinger Z vs. Devilman (1973)

The movie version that co-stars the two heroes from the TV animes based on the original by manga (graphic novel) artist Go Nagai and his Dynamic Productions: Mazinger Z and Devilman. Mazinger Z, who gained the ability to fly in the air with the jet-propelled wings called 'Jet Scrander', fights with Devilman against the allied forces between Dr. Hell's Machine Beasts and Monstrous Beasts from the Demon Race. Directed by Tomoharu Katsumata. Produced by Toei Animation.


Copyright(c) Dynamic Planning/Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

Panda Kopanda (Panda! Go Panda!) (1972)

A fairy-tale anime aimed at children. 'Ko-panda' means 'a kid/little panda'. The story of a commotion caused by a panda family (father and his son), who came to the house of a little girl Mimiko and lived with her. The original works, screenplay and scene design by Hayao Miyazaki. Directed by Isao Takahata. Recommended to those who like Miyazaki's 'My Neighbor Totoro'. Produced by Tokyo Movie. There is the sequel entitled 'Panda Kopanda: Rainy Circus' (1973).

Animal Treasure Island (Doubutsu Takarajima) (1971)

An entertaining action adventure film adapted from Robert Louis Stevenson's novel, 'Treasure Island'. The story of a boy named Jim, who and a girl named Kathy go on an adventurous journey in search of Treasure Island, fighting against pirates. The pirates are all anthropomorphized animal characters. Hayao Miyazaki participated (idea construction and key animation). Directed by Hiroshi Ikeda. Produced by Toei Animation.


Copyright(c) Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

Thirty Thousand Miles Under the Sea (1970)

A science-fiction cartoon film set in the world under the sea and the ground. The original story written by manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori (former name was Ishimori). A 12-year-old boy Isamu, whose father is an oceanographer, got involved in the war between the Underground Kingdom and the Undersea Kingdom. The Underground King tries to conquer the world on the ground by manipulating big robotic monsters called "Flame Dragons", but Isamu struggles to interrupt the Underground Kingdom's invasion with the princess of the Undersea Kingdom, named Angel. The scenes with the Flame Dragons, like special effects monster film, are impressive. Directed by Takeshi Tamiya. Produced by Toei Animation.


Copyright(c) Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

Cleopatra (1970)

The second of the adult-oriented anime films, 'Animerama' (a coined word from anime and drama or cinerama) by Osamu Tezuka and his Mushi Production, following 'A Thousand and One Nights'. A historical drama on the checkered life of Cleopatra VII, the last queen of the Ptolemaic Dynasty of ancient Egypt. An amorous, comic film full of parodies/quotations from Japanese manga characters, famous paintings of all ages/countries and so on. The original story by Osamu Tezuka. Directed by Osamu Tezuka and Eiichi Yamamoto. The character design by Isao Kojima, who is known for his adult-oriented manga.


Copyright(c) Tezuka Production/Mushi Production
The quotation source: DVD manufactured by Columbia Music Entertainment, Inc.

A Thousand and One Nights (1969)

An entertaining action/adventure based on 'The Arabian Nights/Alf Laylah wa Laylah' (the collection of Indian/Persian/Middle Eastern stories written in Arabic), and an adult-oriented anime film that includes some erotic scenes. The story of a young man who had been a water seller in Baghdad, Aldin's checkered life full of love and adventure. The first theatrical, feature-length animated movie produced by manga artist Osamu Tezuka and his Mushi Production. The executive producer is Osamu Tezuka. Directed by Eiichi Yamamoto. The animation director is Sadao Miyamoto. The art direction (character design) by Takashi Yanase. The No.5 at the box-office of domestic movies in Japan in 1969.


Copyright(c) Tezuka Production/Mushi Production
The quotation source: DVD manufactured by Columbia Music Entertainment, Inc.

The Flying Ghost Ship (1969)

A Sci-Fi horror action film based on the manga (graphic novel) by Shotaro Ishinomori (former name was Ishimori). The story of a boy named Hayato Arashiyama, who got involved in the fight between the mysterious ghost ship and a large corporation Kuroshio Products Company, and he fights with the ghost ship against Boa, a mysterious undersea life that controlled Kuroshio's conspiracy from behind. The highlights are the scenes drawn by Hayao Miyazaki, where the giant robot Golem destroys Tokyo. Directed by Hiroshi Ikeda. Produced by Toei Animation.


Copyright(c) Ishimori Production/Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

The Master Cat or Puss in Boots (1969)

A feature-length action/comedy film based on the juvenile literature 'The Master Cat or Puss in Boots' (Le Maître chat ou le chat botté) by French writer Charles Perrault. The first film of the 'Toei Manga Festival'. The story of Pero, a cat with long boots, and a boy named Pierre, who have a try at getting the Princess Rosa out of The Satan, Lucifer. The highlight is the thrilling chase scene on the steeples of Lucifer's castle. Hayao Miyazaki participated as a key animator. Directed by Kimio Yabuki.


Copyright(c) Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

Horus: The Prince of the Sun (Little Norse Prince Valiant) (1968) *

A heroic/socialistic mob action/drama anime by the young staffs of Toei Animation at the time: directed by Isao Takahata, and scene design by Hayao Miyazaki. Based on Ainu's oral epic (Ainu is Japan's indigenous people) and Kazuo Fukazawa's puppet play. The scene is laid in northern Europe. The story of a boy named Horus, who and village people unite in fighting against the invasion by the devil Grunwald. A product of leftist ideology and labor union movement in the 1960s. Since this work, Takahata and Miyazaki kept on working as a director-animator team for a long time.


Copyright(c) Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

Jack and the Witch (Shonen Jack to Mahotsukai) (1967)

An action fantasy film produced by Toei Animation. The story of a boy named Jack (a descendant of Beowulf, the hero in the myth of North Europe), who was taken away by a devil girl named Kikie and came over to the castle of the Witch Grendel. Grendel had kidnapped children and changed them into devils. Jack tries saving Kikie, who is ready to be killed by Grendel. Directed by Taiji Yabushita.


Copyright(c) Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

Cyborg 009: Monster War (1967)

See the paragraph about the Cyborg 009 the first movie. The second movie version. The evil organization 'Black Ghost' attacked around the world, using dinosaur (plesiosaur) type giant robots, and the team of 9 cyborgs launched their quest for the Black Ghost's hideout. 009 met a girl named Helena, who was actually the 10th cyborg, 0010, and a spy sent out by Black Ghost, and she tries to kill 009. The animation produced by Toei Animation. Directed by Yugo Serikawa.


Copyright(c) Ishimori Production/Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

Cyborg 009 (1966)

The first movie version of 'Cyborg 009', Shotaro Ishinomori (former name was Ishimori)'s Sci-Fi saga manga (started in 1964). A Sci-Fi action with the story of a team of 9 cyborgs, produced by Dr. Gilmore, who fight for world peace against 'Black Ghost', the organization of war industry (merchants of death). Directed by Yugo Serikawa. Produced by Toei Animation. Unlike the previous cartoon films by Toei Animation, this film was produced in the method of Japanese TV anime, called 'limited animation'. There are also the second movie version 'Cyborg 009: Monster War' (1967), the first TV anime series (1967-68, monochrome), the second TV anime series (1979-80), the third movie version 'Cyborg 009: Legend of the Super Galaxy' (1980), and the third TV anime series (2001-2002).


Copyright(c) Ishimori Production/Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

Gulliver's Space Travel (1965)

The eighth of the feature-length cartoon films by Toei Animation is a fantasy adventure set in outer space, inspired by "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift. The story of a homeless boy named Ted and an old scientist Dr. Gulliver, who took a spaceship and embarked on an adventurous journey for the 'Blue Planet of Hope', but the 'Blue Planet' had been under the occupation of robots, and the people in the planet had escaped to the 'Purple Planet' in despair. Ted and Gulliver try to bring down the rule by the robots to help the people from the 'Blue Planet'. An artistic film with highly stylized shapes and exquisite color tones. The animation director is Hideo Furusawa. Directed by Yoshio Kuroda. Released in the US theaters in 1966.


Copyright(c) Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

Doggie March (Wan Wan Chushingura) (1963)

The seventh of the feature-length cartoon films by Toei Animation is an animal animation produced as competition with Walt Disney Studios. The story of a wild dog in the woods named Rock, whose mother was killed by a tiger named Killer. Rock and his fellow stray dogs in the town try to fight against Killer and his followers of wild beasts. The title and the motif of "revenge" derive from the Japanese medieval story "Chushingura" (the English title is "The Treasury of Loyal Retainers" or "Revenge of the Forty-Seven Ronin". Also known as Kabuki play or stage drama), but the story content is universal and modern, and it has little relation to "Chushingura". The origial story and storyline by Osamu Tezuka. Directed by Daisaku Shirakawa.


Copyright(c) Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

The Little Prince and the Eight-Headed Dragon (Wanpaku Oji no Orochi Taiji) (1963)

The sixth of the feature-length cartoon films by Toei Animation. An action adventure film on the Japanese ancient myths. The story of a naughty little prince named Susanoo, who embarks on an adventurous journey to search Underworld where his dead mother Izanami lives, and in the Izumo Country, he fights off the Eight-Headed Dragon. The chief animator is Yasuji Mori. The music by contemporary composer Akira Ifukube, who is known for his music for the Japanese special-effects monster film 'Godzilla'. Directed by Yugo Serikawa.


Copyright(c) Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

Arabian Nights: The Adventures of Sindbad (1962)

The fifth of the feature-length cartoon films by Toei Animation is an action/adventure derived from 'The Arabian Nights/Alf Laylah wa Laylah' (the collection of Indian/Persian/Middle Eastern stories written in Arabic). The story of a young man Sindbad, who makes an adventurous voyage with a boy named Ali and Princess Samir, in search of the treasure island in the south. The screenplay by Osamu Tezuka (manga artist) and Morio Kita (novelist). Directed by Taiji Yabushita and Yoshio Kuroda.


Copyright(c) Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

Anju to Zushio-maru (The Littlest Warrior) (1961)

The fourth of the feature-length cartoon films by Toei Animation. Based on "Anju to Zushio (Anju and Zushio)", which is the traditional story from medieval Japan, and known as the original of the novel "Sansho Dayu (Sansho the Bailiff)" written by Ogai Mori. Set in the Mutsu Country (in northeastern Japan), in the last days of the Heian period (the 11th century). The unhappy story about a girl named Anju and her younger brother Zushio-maru, who were separated from their parents, and were forced to work as slave laborers under Sansho Dayu, a greedy and ruthless bailiff. The images like Japanese-style paintings or picture scrolls are beautiful. Directed by Taiji Yabushita and Yugo Serikawa.


Copyright(c) Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

Saiyuki (Alakazam the Great) (1960)

The third of the feature-length cartoon films by Toei Animation. Based on Osamu Tezuka's manga (graphic novel), 'Boku no Son Goku/Son-Goku the Monkey', an adaptation of the Chinese classical fantasy novel 'Hsi Yu Chi/Journey to the West'. The comedy action story of Son Goku, a monkey boy with supernatural arts, who takes an adventurous journey with Chinese Buddhist priest Sanzo-hoshi to India in order to get the Buddhist texts. Directed by Taiji Yabushita, Osamu Tezuka and Daisaku Shirakawa. The English-dubbed version entitled 'Alakazam the Great' was released in the US.


Copyright(c) Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

The Adventures of Little Samurai (Shonen Sarutobi Sasuke) (1959)

The second of the feature-length cartoon films by Toei Animation. A ninja/samurai action set in Japan's medieval period of Warring States. Based on Kazuo Dan's novel in a newspaper. The story of a boy named Sasuke Sarutobi, who did the training of ninjutsu under a ninjutsu-master Hakuunsai Tozawa, and fights with the samurai warrior Yukimura Sanada against an evil enchantress Yasha-Hime (Princess Yasha). The first CinemaScope animated film in Japan. Directed by Taiji Yabushita and Akira Daikuhara.


Copyright(c) Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.

The Legend of the White Snake (Hakujaden) (1958)

The first full-color, feature-length cartoon movie in Japan. Based on the Chinese folktale 'Bai Su Zhen/The Legend of the White Snake', also known as the Beijing Opera. The fantasy romance story of love between a young man Xu Xian and a white-snake personified fairy woman Bai Nyang. An aesthetic work full of Chinese taste. The screenplay and direction by Taiji Yabushita. Produced by Toei Animation.


Copyright(c) Toei Animation
The quotation source: DVD released by Toei Video Co., Ltd.