Trigun

-A terrific concept and imaginatively in-depth characters drives this zany action/comedy to the core of it's entertainment value. However, this often gauche effort fails to realize a true fixation of emotion; torn between opposing ideas of screen time and character exposition. "Wolfwood" is great as the analogous, antipodal-priest; but the relationship of the two mains is given too much time to flower, & the series' finale seems rushed. Trigun is true quality anime, but it really could have been more.

Twilight Of The Dark Master

-Elaborate set-ups & cunning atmosphere almost rescue this often convoluted mess from remaining eminent as palpable fantasy/horror. Which is so short-lived in fact that it's barely given an opportunity to take off with it's concepts and ideas. Graphic violence is (not-surprisingly) utilized here as a random excuse to move the plot along; a more or less 'verbal showdown' amid the depths of space fails to make light of that issue. In the end, this doesn't succeed as a one shot OAV.

Vampire Hunter D

-The very fact that this classic film is a milestone in terms of "anime-style" as well as series distribution will succeed in enlightening many, however; the very reality that "Toyoo Ashida's" poor excuse for a 'fantasy/horror/thriller' crosses the path of campy and pointless will fail to be a surprise to anime fans. However, this frequent misconception for a bad display of talent, animation and technical originality will always be a surprise to those who refuse to believe that VHD is anything less or more than what it really is. A bad movie.

Vampire Princess Miyu

-One of the most visually stunning & true anime dramas in a long time is the near-epic story of a young girl and her 'craving' to discover the meaning of existence. "Vampire Princess Miyu" is both a visually elegant & taunting tale which excersises the age-old questions of immortality and human compassion. The result is one of the most emotionally exhilerating OAVs seen in along time. Not since Leiji Matsumoto's "Galaxy Express" has there been such a profound examination of this theme. While slightly dated, this is by all means a masterpiece on all levels of anime entertainment.

The Vision Of Escaflowne

-"Kazuki Akane's" romantic fantasy is perhaps the very definition of what a great anime series should contain. Likable characters, a profound narrative, striking atmosphere & the breathtaking music; which in this case happens to be fueled by the legendary "Yoko Kanno". Who lends her unique talent to this fantastic array of dazzling characters, who almost manage to overshadow Kanno's emotion. Superior to all is vision supplied by Akane, and his incredible ability to enthrall us with a clichéd storyline. Instead, he transformes "The Vision Of Escaflowne" into an anime classic.

Wicked City

-Ninja Scroll director "Yoshiaki Kawajiri" has his work cut out for him in this heavily atmospheric horror/thriller; well, almost anyway. He manages to pull off the usual visuals & heavy backdrops. However, some rather declamatory content leaves this film with a bad aftertaste. Few of his fans will find this to be entertaining toward the second half, which becomes careless & conventional. A pointless excersise of sexual content and violence keep this perhaps visually ambitious film from being a solid effort.

A Wind Named Amnesia

-"The Wind Of Amnesia" is one of the most original & taunting science fiction stories I've ever witnessed. It also happens to be one of the few true anime dramas in recent years. Along w/"Vampire Princess Miyu" & "Gunbuster". The film conveys through wonderful color and emotion, a story of a youth who has lost his memory due to an elusive mistral. Few very awkward and conventional scenes plague the amazing storyline of Amnesia, which is both mindfull, patient & attentive; all the way to it's curiously ironic surprise ending. Which is one of the most original seen in a long while.

The Wings Of Honneamise

-This visually breathtaking drama about the triumph of the human spirit has been hailed as one of the greatest anime dramas of all time. Set to the incredibly meticulous backdrop of an alien world's political & social corruption, this vividly crafted tale will challenge ardent viewers w/it's leisure pacing and unique characters. This remains a must see for sci-fi & drama fans alike.

The World's Strongest

-DBZ hero's "Goku", "Gohan", "Piccolo" & "Krillin" battle a power-hungry 'cerebrum' in this 60-minute exposition of action sequences; which though vibrant and relentless, seem carelessly mis-structured & at an emotional distance from the story. Oops!, did I say that this film had a storyline?

X

-This foremost "CLAMP" & "Rintaro" endeavor contains a stylistically taunting atmosphere, and incredibly detailed visuals; but this heavily curtailed 'manga-to-film' incarnation is far from being an all-out masterpiece. The characters in "X" are shallow & dizzying warriors who evince anime convention, rather than display unique individual emotion; and the direction of the movie is rotten to the core. An elaborate 'first-half' cannot save a gruelling and sloppy effort by the heart of the film's struggle to compensate for bad terrain. In the end "X" is a bad cake beneath tasty frosting. The frosting being the innovative artists behind the over-hyped production.

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