The Vision Of Escaflowne |
 | Summary:Vivid, romantic adventure follows a young girl's pivotal role in a distant world plagued by dissension. Instant classic, popular entertainment vehicle continues to dazzle fantasy buffs. Animé aficionados alike seeking gloriously crafted epics. Rousing score. |
| Title Aka: | Tenkyuu No Escaflowne |
| Company/Distributors: | Emotion;Bandai Visual;TX;Sunrise |
| Year: | 1996 |
| Length: | 26 Episode Series |
| Rating: |  |
| Genres: | Fantasy, Romance, Drama, Action |
| Format: | T.V. Series |
| Content Level: |
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| Comments: |
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Synopsis:
The enchanting story of a young girl's quest for love, honor and friendship; a story which is swept away by the ever-present array of magical dragons, powerful mecha, skilled swordsmen and enchanting creatures. Sound familiar?, well they just happen to be some of the many things which surround a surprisingly engaging epic plot all seen in the "Vision Of Escaflowne". Now, this could be the kind of series which suffers from a well-known case of endless cliche. For instance, the central character is one which many fans can relate to. The average High School student, attempting to succeed whom is caught between the struggles of everyday teenage life. Hitomi is a athlete trying her best, swept in a complicated but common struggle of boys, school, piers and parents. One normal day, something stange happens to change Hitomi's world. She envisions the presence of a young boy named Van. After a near deadly encounter, Hitomi is swept away with Van to the land of Gaea. A Mystical land which lies far from Hitomi's home on Earth and to the kingdom of Van's world. While there, Hitomi discovers that the fate of the kingdom may rest upon her new-found abilities, as well as the help of the many allies which she has made. The land is plagued by the cruel intentions of an evil madman, and the many opposing forces which clash for control of power. It's all part of the magic, beauty and granduer of the epic story of the Vision Of Escaflowne.
Review:
The Vision Of Escaflowne is an excellent series directed by Kasuki Akane, while being part shoujo anime, part dark-mecha and part epic fantasy, it is a series which amazingly enough manages to contain all of that; and perhaps every thing else inbetween. At first sight, the As we learn more about the characters throughout, the entire mood of the series never ceases to surprise or entertain. The scope of the story is often masterful, yet does not drift into something which we could easily be lost in. Instead of over-hyping the audience like many titles of this sort, the Vision Of Escaflowne takes a more gentle approach; as it gradually but surely reaches a peak of awesome quality. This is what I feel must be present in order to make a series like this work. I as a fan must admit, I have never seen it done any better. A show as great as this containing it's wonderful mix of humor, action, drama and romance would not be complete without the ever present quality of it's score. The music was composed by Yokko Kanno (Macross Plus), who is probably one of the best composers in anime thus far; and in this title it really shows. The score never fails to enhance every emotion of the storyline, one which continues to impress as much as it's terrific music. Some of the best I've heard for an anime in a long while. There are a great deal more things I wish I could say about this series, all of which needed to be said at one time or another. These of course are mostly comments of the highest praise I could possible give it. This series has something for everyone, a gripping fantasy which is definately one of the most entertaining out there. The Vision Of Escaflowne is a real gem, a true classic; and one which should not be missed. If there are many animes which you plan to see, be sure not to forget to pass this one up anytime soon.
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series appears to be yet another take-off of many re-used and worn anime cliches, styles and side plots. Instead the show ends of being something very special indeed. The Vision Of Escaflowne is a title which contains a distinctive quality unlike anything I've seen before. The series manages to maintain a considerable level of anime techniques, while at the same time making them fresh and original. Never has a series which such a familiar premise been so enjoyable to watch. With maintaining the story motives and styles presented, the show never lets up in making the viewers even more interested as the plot unfolds. The animation in the series is truly something to see, which is far above average for a television series. The colors are vibrant, the animation style fluid and the character designs excellent. Often unorthodox effects and imagery are utilized in producing a totally unique animation style, making the 'Vision Of Escaflowne' stand alone; while it does not get carried away in it's array of familiar storyline, the direction is rather perfect in conveying the desired execution for this kind of anime. Akane is brilliant in doing this, in a sense of attempting to make the plot of Escaflowne work for an experienced audience.