InuYasha, film 1 - Au-delà du temps

Inuyasha is an action fantasy tale written by the famous writer, Takahashi Rumiko, who has previous world's popular titles like Ranma1/2 and Urusei Yatsura. The Inuyasha TV anime came out in 2000 as a production of an acclaimed company, "Sunrise". The TV anime's got high-ratings and also won some awards. Following the success of the TV series, the first movie, "Inuyasha - Toki O Koeru Omoi" was released in Japan in December 2001.

Memoumaru, the movie-only character, was a decendant of one great foreign demon that invaded Japan 200 years ago. His anchester's power was sealed by Inuyasha's father. With the help of a piece of Shikon no Tama (that Kagome accidently broke), Memoumaru returned his life. He wanted Inuyasha's sword "Tessaiga" to break the sealed power so he could have an absolute power. And that's how it all began...

The story plays around the weakest points of the main characters; Kagome who always felt sad that Inuyasha was still in love with Kikyou and Inuyasha who kept on having a nightmare about how his beloved woman killed him. The overall movie is not much of a new plot since the climax is similar to Takahashi's manga works. But that doesn't mean it's not a good movie.

Toki O Koeu Omoi is actually a high-qualitied animation with the carefully-done scenery (forest, trees, & sky), exciting action scene and nice background music that fits the story perfectly. I especially admire the 'make-up theme' which is used everytime Inuyasha tries to make up with Kagome. The movie also uses a 3D technique on the growing-up forest which became more "living", (nicely done!).

The outstanding scene is when Kagome tried hard to refuse the spell of Menoumaru who tried to make her kill Inuyasha. You can actually feel her pain! Other must-see scenes are those romantic installments 'cause this is the first time you will ever hear Inuyasha confess his feeling toward Kagome!!

Though not the best Inuyasha, but there're still a lot that Inuyasha's die-hard fans shouldn't miss!

I recommend this movie to people who have met two perquisites: Those who like anime, and for those who like Anime to watch at least the first 20 or so episodes of Inuyasha. If you've watched that many or have a good understanding of the Inuyasha storyline and characters, then watch the movie too. I felt that this movie was BETTER than the series itself and was not just like a long episode. Rather, it was more of an in-depth description of the characters.

If I had to give a score, up to 100, 1 being a being a home video with the cover still on and a broken microphone, 100 being something that you will watch over and over again for eternity, I'd give it:

89/100

I give it less than 90 because the 2nd movie was better than this one.

InuYasha, a story about a 15 year old who ended up being transported through time to the Fuedal Era in Japan, (sort of) befriends a Half-Demon to search for Jewel shards and joining them are a perverted monk, a small fox demon and a Demon Slayer team up as well only on the way, they have to go after a villain who goes by the name of Naraku.

That simple story has gained a lot of fans including myself around the world. To this day, the show and the manga is still popular. I mean it has various kinds of merchandise and even people dress up as the characters for various Anime conventions. Due to the popularity, there was no doubt they had to make a movie, let alone four movies.

The first in the series of movies called Affections Across Time involves our heroes going up against a new villain only this time, it's not Naraku. It's Menomaru, the son of a demon InuYasha's father killed years ago. And he doesn't intend on taking over the world, instead, well, from what I've seen, he intends on committing genocide in a very badass way believe me.

Now, first time viewers if they watch the film first, they might lost but there is a sequence where it does tell the basic story, although rather condensed but it helps. Even if you're not an Anime fan, the film has plenty to offer. It has great action, great animation, great voice acting from both the Japanese and English voice actors, funny humor, awesome violence and gore, and great music to accompany the film especially at the end credits.

Any nitpicks? Well, barely actually.

Overall, the film gets a 10 out of 10 from me.

I recommend this movie to people who have met two prequisits: Those who like anime, and for those who like Anime to watch at least the first 20 or so episodes of Inuyasha. If you've watched that many or have a good understanding of the Inuyasha storyline and characters, then watch the movie too. I felt that this movie was BETTER than the series itself and was not just like a long episode. Rather, it was more of an in-depth description of the characters.

If I had to give a score, up to 100, 1 being a being a home video with the cover still on and a broken microphone, 100 being something that you will watch over and over again for eternity, I'd give it:

89/100

I give it less than 90 because the 2nd movie was better than this one.

This movie is great from the start to the finish. But I must warn that it is not for everyone. Fan of the series will definitely love it. But for those who haven't seen the series, I would suggest you watch the series, and if you do not like the series, then definitely don't watch the movie! It's just a long episode really.

The story strays away from the Naraku saga and creates a whole new evil character Hyouga. Inuyasha's father defeated Hyouga's father many years ago. Now Hyouga wants to take revenge on Inuyasha by killing him and all his friends. That's about all of the story I can give away without ruining the movie. But the story involves ALL characters!! Well, the main ones at least.

If you were moved by the intense Naraku, Kikyo saga, then you will be moved by this adventure as well. Also, the animation is alot better and the drawings are sort of different. But action sequences are done very well.

Overall I gave this movie a 10/10.