Shôjo kakumei Utena

Utena is one of the most remarkable anime there is. It has beautiful animation, wonderful storyline, character development, humor, and one of the chief reasons that this show doesn't have as big a following as it deserves, it's extremely surrealistic. There can be a lot read into this show and metaphors run rampant. If you don't like such an odd show, definitely do not watch the movie. Now THAT is weird. ^^;;

A unique and dynamic series, absolutely unlike anything you've ever seen. One of the most amazing stories I've ever seen put to screen, and so much more than the bubbly, vapid romance series I was expecting. Heavy themes from both Christian stories and Greek mythology, but a lot of it masked by symbolism and implication. an incredible story, but you have to watch ALL 39 episodes to get the full-impact. Not really a show you can watch out of order. I'm personally not a fan of the dub, but dubs have to be pretty impressive to compare to the original Japanese actors, in my opinion. There's so much subtext and raw emotion in their voices that they create the characters more than the pictures. And these characters are so complex it's a shame to not experience them at their full potential. This is a series where you can watch it over and catch new thing every time. WELL worth your money and time.

Many people when they see this series for the first time take out the disk thinking, "what...was that?" These people are those who aren't thinking about what's going on. This is one of those shows that you need to pay attention to. You've got to notice the little things and remember them--if you don't however, it's okay, you just won't be able to understand the complete depth that this show has to offer.

This IS a controversial show--but ONLY when you DON'T look deeper into it. Every time you see this show, you'll notice something you missed before. No regrets on purchasing this at all! If you think that it's a little slow in the beginning, have no worries--it'll pick up right quick in no time. Although some may see it as somewhat pointless to the main plot line, the Black Rose Saga does wonders for understanding more about the minor characters. Then, you get led into the Apocalypse Saga and thats when it really becomes shockingly amazing.

Don't get caught up in its facade. This show is clearly for those who enjoy a bit of everything: action, comedy, romance, tragedy and above all, a refreshingly original plot line.

I love this series! Not only is it visually pleasing and funny (in its own way sometimes, I must admit), it makes the viewer THINK in order to get the story behind the characters and their odd behavior, something most anime fans today are forgetting to do. One thing needs to be clear for those whose interest has been piqued... this is NOT Sailormoon, despite the fact that it is directed by the same (talented) man and despite the fact that it is a shoujo anime. Don't get me wrong, I love Sailormoon. But, Shoujo Kakumei Utena does have weirder (eerie) twists and mysterious (eerie) characters. So if you want something different, something not one-dimensional,like Dragonball, let's say, take a look at Shoujo Kakumei Utena. It's one of the best shoujo series around; after all, the girls in it all rule in some way or another.

This show is completely and totally incredible. It's so much more than just a simple shoujo drama. It's shoujo, it's drama, but it's also got action (sword duels, and they're just...awesome), comedy (yes, the quintessential Cute-Animal-Mascot, but even he's a little...different), and a plot that actually forces you to think. Who is End-of-the-World? Who is Mikage? What is the "power to revolutionize the world"? Why does Utena want to be a prince if she's a girl? What is free will? These questions and so many more arise over the course of the show. Every character has a deep psychological flaw and their own personal set of motivations and unique (often tragic) past. This is not a show for the faint of heart -or- mind. While the show is never explicit, it does contain mild violence (come on, sword duels without violence would be an oxymoron--blood is never shed though) and implied (never graphic) sexual situations. Another issue that may stand in the way of some narrow-minded types' enjoyment is the fact that nearly every character in the show has a--oh, shall we say, *flexible* sexual orientation. Just know that if you can't handle the original non-butchered "Sailor Moon", you won't be able to handle this. The Utena dub, by the way, is excellent (with the exception of a few voices). Juri and Touga were given voices that fit their characters extremely well. All in all, I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend this show.