Shiriusu no densetsu

It is a rare event when I rate a movie on the level of a 10, but if I could, I would go even higher for this film. I grew up with many films like this. Cartoon fantasies including "BFG", "The Brave Frog", "The Hobbit", and even "Wizards"... but none quite effected me on the level of this brilliant movie. While, when I was young, I did not capture the fantastic beauty of such a sweet story, I did feel something that nothing else gave me. Something... perfect. I only wish I could find it, and sadly I cannot.

The story is, as many say, somewhat themed after Shakespeare's classic "Romeo & Juliet", however, the mixture of vibrant Fantasy and animation makes this far more memorable (And I am a lover of R&J). This is, in my truest of hearts, THE movie to me. There is no better movie, and there is no film that means more.

I would recommend this to anyone with a child in their heart, and passion in their soul. It is a wonderful piece of cinematic genius, and I know that if I could only find it... I could reclaim a piece of my wondrous childhood.

If you ever find this, obtain it and hold onto it. You do not know what a beautiful Gem you possess.

Some say Sea Prince and the Fire Child (AKA Legend of Sirius) is like a Disney movie. While I can't say that for certain, its certainly is as imaginative. I've rarely seen animated films with this much scope and artistry go unnoticed. Just google the film - its not some cheap cash-in. Its colorful, cute, with attention in building its fantasy world.

Its also ambitious in the story it wants to tell. Most characters are cartoonish, but the plot is serious, and pretty well-done. So much so, I'm not sure I'd recommend it for children. You'll have to make that decision.

The biggest problem with the movie is its English translation. The acting of the leads is pretty bad, and a lot of dialog is too focused on exposition. I heard the original with subs is better, but I cannot confirm that. I still enjoyed the movie, though. The awkward, forced laughter of our star-crossed lovers kinda grew on me...

Fans of animation, especially the scenes of Fantasia and The Little Mermaid, should definitely give it a shot. Its a bit dated, but still beautiful. And few movies offer us such an original fairy tale.

I saw this on either HBO or Showtime in the early 80's (As the legend of Sirius) and was entranced by it. The story is a retelling of Romeo and Juliette, though with a happier ending (Not a difficult feat). It also reminds me greatly (especially Ursula) of Disney's 'The Little Mermaid', though that came much later (And wasn't as good). The final battle between Posideon and 'Ursula' (A very different beast that I can't remember the actual name of) is better than Disney's offering, including the animation.

Our hero Sirius, a water child, falls in love with Marta, a fire child. In the english translation, they were Prince and Princess, respectively though that doesn't affect the storyline much. Friends are lost, and other sacrifices are made in the name of true love, then....well, can't give away the ending.

I have a copy of this movie taped from TV in the 1980's, otherwise it would be a fuzzy memory to me by now. The Sea Prince and the Fire Child ranks right up there with The Last Unicorn for great animation and powerful story. It begins with the tale of fire and water, and their love for each other. But the wind grew jealous of their love and planted lies to each about the other. A terrible battle was fought and now the forces of water and fire have separated and their kind are forbidden to see each other. This is where the story is brought up to the present time and focuses on a Sea Prince, Sirius, and a fire child, Malta. Much in the fashion of Montegues & Capulets the Lord of Water and the Queen of Fire, Oceanus and Hyperia (respectively) try all they can to keep their children apart. Filled with beautiful (if surreal) underwater scenery and definitely a must watch...if you can ever find it.

It seems that the 80s had many great fantasy films all in a bunch (neverending story, last unicorn, etc...) I grew up with these films. Sadly this one is on a tape so faded that it cannot be watched. This is unfortunate since if it was decent I would try to preserve it on dvd... This is definetly a film worth preserving or maybe a re-release on dvd which many companies are doing of late.