Shiriusu no densetsu

Here is another rarely-seen anime film I watched online, and after I did, I loved it. It's a beautifully animated fantasy about two star-crossed lovers from opposite sides: Fire and Water. You know, I didn't know Sanrio, creator of Hello Kitty and all the other cuddly characters we love, made this film, but now I do.

The feud between Fire and Water started a long time ago, when the two siblings, Oceanus, God of Water (Sirius' father), and Hyperia, Goddess of Fire (Malta's mother), lived in peace and dearly loved each other. However, the God of Wind, Algaroc, becomes jealous of the pair's happiness and spreads lies and deceit between them until their hatred for each other brings about war. Finally, Algaroc was imprisoned by the King of Gods himself, but after that time, the brother and sister still despised each other. And so the children of fire and water remained apart. Years later, Prince Sirius of the Water and Princess Malta of the Fire meet and fall in love, and they meet in secret.

So that was all I could tell you. And I don't have a favorite scene because I love this film from beginning to end.

This film is pretty hard to find, but I was lucky enough to have my parents tape it for me when I was pretty young. The animation is beautiful and the story a familiar one, much like Romeo and Juliet (but with some major differences). The underwater world portrayed in the movie is a bit strange. It's the only ocean I've seen that has bats, clouds, and waterfalls!

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.

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.