Tenkuu no Escaflowne

The director and script writer of Escaflowne, Shoji Kawamori, was a big part of the original Macross anime (nee Robotech, as it was called in the USA). Macross/Robotech was widely recognized as a pivotal moment for animation in the USA; definitely one of the best filmed entertainment ever. Now, imagine if Shoji Kawamori spent fifteen years after working on Macross carefully refining his technique, practicing and perfecting his storytelling abilities. Imagine if the greatest living musician on the face of the Earth, Yoko Kanno, was then contracted to produce a four-cd soundtrack for Kawamori's next production. That, then, is what Escaflowne is; the greatest work of some of the greatest artists ever.

Having just read all of the comments for Escaflowne, it's difficult to add anything to that. But as a true Escaflowne fan, I have to have my say, even if I'm just repeting everyone else. I started watching Escaflowne a few years ago, on the English FOX channel. Any viewers out there having only seen this version: BUY THE DVDs! These "edited" (more like butchered) episodes do not even classify as Escaflowne in my head. As well as editing out all of the blood and gore (which, you'll be glad to know, there isn't an overwhelming amount of), FOX went on to replace most of the original soundtrack to replace it with their own. Wrong move. The original soundtrack contains some of the most fantastic pieces ever to grace ours (or any other) planet. From heart-stopping dramatics such as "Dance of Curse" to soft and gentle songs like "Memory of Fanelia", this soundtrack has everything. Hats off to Yoko Kanno and Hajime Mizoguchi, they did a wonderful job. But the soundtrack would be nothing (well, that's a little exaggerated, but you catch my drift) without being accompanied by the brilliance of the show itself. Not only does this series present us with a tale of conflict between the peoples of a planet, we also get to see conflicts within characters, and one of the greatest plot twists ever. (I'm nice, I won't spoil it for you!)And whoever dreamt up Dilandau and Van needs an award, never have I seen such well developed, and brilliantly interesting characters. If you haven't seen it already, I suggest you do so, because it'll be the greatest few hours you'll ever spend in front of the TV.

A classic anime that will take it's place in the hearts of many forever. *School bell rings and so I switch off the Escaflowne soundtrack I'm listening to*

"The Vision of Escaflowne" is by far, one of the best anime series I've ever seen, and in my heart I still feel the many, many emotions it awoke on me.

Kanzaki Hitomi is a cheerful and athletic girl who is about to confess his love for his "sempai" - word used in japan to describe someone superior - Amano, Captain of the race team. But that day she receives visions about a young man who's preparing to fight a dragon in order to become king.

It is easy to see where this goes: the usual story about a girl sent to another world. However Escaflowne is far better than what someone would expect. And this superiority lay upon it's characters.

Van Fanel, the young prince, is a guy with a troubled fate, who in order to become king must kill an earth dragon, a hunt rite that his elder brother failed to accomplish.

Allen Schezzar is a Caeli Knight of Asturia, a powerful country, who values chivalry and honor, even when he's labeled as a traitor for his own country...

Folken, a mysterious and cold strategist of Zaibach a nation determined to conquer other countries, has a dark and mysterious past, but his actions are guided but what he believes is best for others Dilandau Albatou, is a twisted general of Zaibach, consumed by madness and blood lust...

I could go on, the series is full of great characters, even if they just walk by.

And the feeling I got while watching it, was that of an infinite sadness, maybe because of the story, too real and sincere about human nature, or maybe because of Yoko Kanno's magical and haunting soundtrack. But I know it was mainly because I knew there were only 26 episodes, and the series was bound to end too soon.

A must see, it was Beautiful, tears rolled down my face...

I first watched this on Fox Kids then I got to watch the other version but either way I found Escaflowne to be a true classic. It has a great storyline and with wonderful characters!

Hitomi Kanzaki was I think a great lead character and I liked her relationships with Van Fanel and Allen Schezar. Every episode always keeps you interested not just terms of storyline and character development but also the good animation and great mecha designs or Guymelef's as they are known.

All in all a true classic! It was one of my favorites from teen years and still remains a favorite now I'm in my thirties as of this review.

I have to say well done to this 90s anime for keeping me entertained and it was fantastic in some scenes! Even though, the noses on the characters were hilarious. Honestly never seen such long noses when it comes to anime in my entire life haha!

I was super glad that Kelly Sherdian (aka Barbie) was playing Hitomi in the English Dub. She was so good like i really didnt think she was in anime until last night. Kudos to her for doing this project!

What else can I say? This anime was just absouletely great, definately recommend peeps who love 90s anime to give this a watch!