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| 4/15/01 |
Shamanic Princess |
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Shamanic Princess is a newer release here in the states, coming to us by way of US Manga Corps/Central Park Media only in 2000, with the original Japanese version being released in 1997. In the beginning of this nicely done drama, our main character Tiara and her ferret partner Japolo arrive by night floating down from the sky to alight on a high rooftop of a modern city, where all seems to be very quiet. They have arrived from another plane known as the 'Guardian World', a place of magic users such as Tiara, and those who have the posess the power to negate magic, who are known as neutralizers. Our heroes have been sent here by the elders in search of a talisman called the 'Throne of Yord' that was recently abducted from the Guardian World by a neutralizer known as Kagetsu. Tiara arrives on Earth to search for the Throne, only to find that Lena, her rival, and Lena's partner Leon are already there, and in fact were sent there by the elders first. For some reason, however, Lena and Leon are trying to protect Kagetsu and keep Tiara from getting the Throne. Tiara must use her shamanistic powers to retrieve the Throne for the guardian world, but she must also fight an intense inner battle, for the lives of her dearest friends and the man she loves are at stake. Tiara must decide if she should follow her heart and betray the elders, or if she should ignore her own feelings and complete the mission that she has been entrusted with by all she believes in.
This anime is chock full of magical action and intense drama. What little comic relief there is, is provided by Japolo's critical comments to Tiara regarding his disdain for some of her more self-indulgent actions. There is a little fan service in Tiara's choice of costume, but it does not impede the seriousness of this series in any way. The magic in this series is not your run of the mill 'fireball and lightning' jazz, either. All of the shamanistic powers are well animated, they flow well, and are impressive without being overly flashy. Overall, the animation is lush, appealing, and very clean.. pleasing to watch. The theme songs are very catchy and well suited for the series itself, while the soundtrack is well orchestrated, inobtrusive and appropriate.
The biggest complaint I have heard about Shamanic Princess is something that didn't really bother me a whole lot, in fact I think the series itself would have been less memorable if it had been done differently. The thing is, the first episode kind of drops you in the middle of the story, without a whole lot of explanation. The storyline ends with the 4th episode, and if the series had ended there it would have left me unsatisfied with a lot of unanswered questions. Episode 5 goes back to the very beginning of the story, and gives a lot of the missing general background, while episode 6 leaves off right where episode 1 begins, tying up all the loose ends into nice, pretty little bows. By the end of episode 6, all of the questions were answered, and I was very satisfied.
Shamanic Princess shares many of the same English dub voice actors as the equally newly released anime 'Photon'.
Tiara: Tara Jayne (Aun)
Graham/the Throne of Yord: Tristan Goddard (Papachareeno Nanadan)
Lena: Suzy Prue (Keyne Aqua)
Japolo: P.M. Lewis (Pocheeni)
The Japanese voice cast is equally star studded...
Tiara: Sayuri (Lady Une-Gundam Wing, Suzuka-Outlaw Star)
Lena: Mitsuki Yayoi (Aira-Green Legend Ran, Kaede-Blue Seed)
Kagetsu: Kouichi Yamadera (Ryoga-Ranma½, Spike-Cowboy Bebop)
Japolo: Rika Matsumoto (Satoshi-Pokemon, Jim Hawking-Outlaw Star)
These great voices coupled with the lush character design of Atsuko Ishida (Magic Knight Rayearth) make Shamanic Princess a real feast for the eyes, and the direction and original story by Mitsuru Hongo (director Outlaw Star, Candidate for Goddess) make this piece something that I feel is very worth the $22.95 I shelled out at Best Buy for this DVD. Series runs for 6 episodes, each of which are approximately 30 minutes long.
If you're looking for a drama, or a magical girl anime that is not so cutesy or run of the mill, then Shamanic Princess is an excellent choice. At least PG-13 for violence and brief nudity. This one appeals to fanboys and fangirls alike, you won't regret it! I give this one 8 stars, and it earns them easily.
Episodes: 6
Approximate Run Time: 180 minutes
Holly
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