Pros: The things you just don't expect. Ever.
Cons: I hate it when people don't explain themselves.
The Bottom Line: It's got it all - and there's still so far to go...
Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot. We’re back again to the magical world inside Fushigi Yuugi, searching for a way to summon the Beast God Suzaku and to bring everlasting peace to the land of Konan. With seven celestial warriors ready to protect and serve her, Miaka makes vital decisions concerning herself, the world around her, and the love of her life, Tamahome, all the while her brother reads the book in the library. Boy what a trip.
In case you have no idea what I’m talking about, that’s probably because you’re not starting in the right place. Go check out the first volume and move on from there. Going in order is a must – it makes no sense otherwise.
There are 52 episodes on a total of 8 volumes, significantly less than if you were to get them on VHS. Half, to be exact. Trust me, I would know.
The Deal In This Volume:
It’s finally time to begin the ceremony that will call Suzaku to Miaka so she can have her wishes granted and for the people of Konan to be saved. There’s just one problem. Actually there are a few. Only adding to these problems is Miaka’s sudden decision regarding Tamahome. What are her reasons for saying such things after all they’ve been through? It just doesn’t add up... There’s a surprise at the end of this volume that you’d never expect – and it’s not the good kind of surprise either.
Music, Animation, Voices:
The music is the same as always: fits the series, and with the same opening and closing songs. Still all goodness.
The same goes for the animation. Bright, clear cut, detailed, and with fun goofy exaggerated segments here and there in the right spots. Nothing out of place.
Voices are still going strong, in both the English and Japanese versions. I still like the Japanese version over the English one, but you can decide for yourself. There aren’t any major problems with either one, mostly just personal preferences, such as Tasuki’s voice isn’t deep enough in English, at least when he’s serious, or sometimes it feels like the English voice actor of a character here and there is either trying too hard or just isn’t into the character of the moment. Listen to both – then decide.
What You’ll Like:
Ironically, my gripe about no one ever changing clothes gets squelched here, as Miaka wears numerous things instead of her school uniform. Thank you! Well, at least that’s the case for a while until the end of #26. You’re going to travel on a ship – why are you in that getup? Ugh. Anyway, forget that.
There’s a lot going down here. Fighting, love triangles, Tasuki freaking out about not being able to swim. Everything from sad to hilarious once again. The range is great, and it’s all done at a good pace, so nothing feels too strange or sudden. At least, for the most part. It’s hard to not get attached to the characters. They’re just so much fun and full of life (leaving aside the fact that they’re technically not, hehe).
And though I have to admit that the surprise I mentioned totally sucks I give points to the makers for doing it and taking every viewer by total surprise. Shock factor accomplished. Way to go.
What Will Annoy You:
Episode #25 has a very good chance of making you roll your eyes and feeling otherwise semi-violent. It makes you wonder if Miaka has any brains at all. Granted, you figure out why she does what she does in #26, but still, it was totally unnecessary. If only some people would just explain their reasoning, this kind of overly dramatic crap wouldn’t happen. Maybe that’s the point – for it to be dramatic, but it comes off as just aggravating and unnecessary.
Warning! A warning for all you parents out there – I don’t know what you allow your child to see and not see, so I’ll just point out that there is a tiny bit of swearing, violence (blood, death, etc.), a bit of cross-dressing (although that was basically in the first half of the series), and some nudity/sexual content. It’s up to you.
Volume 4:
21: To Protect You
22: I'll Never Leave You
23. Shadow of Intrigue
24. Resolution
25. Love & Sorrow
26. Star Festival
NT
Want a more in-depth look at the episodes? Start here with the VHS:
Fushigi Yugi: The Mysterious Play Vol. 1 - The Universe of the Four Gods
Fushigi Yugi Series
Fushigi Yugi: The Mysterious Play - Vol. 1
Fushigi Yugi: The Mysterious Play - Vol. 2
Fushigi Yugi: The Mysterious Play - Vol. 3
Fushigi Yugi: The Mysterious Play - Vol. 5
Fushigi Yugi: The Mysterious Play - Vol. 6
Fushigi Yugi: The Mysterious Play - Vol. 7
Fushigi Yugi: The Mysterious Play - Vol. 8
Fushigi Yugi OAVs
Fushigi Yugi - The Mysterious Play Special Vol. 1: Illusions
Fushigi Yugi - The Mysterious Play Special Vol. 2: Memories
Fushigi Yugi - The Mysterious Play Special Vol. 3: Reflections
Fushigi Yugi Eikoden
Recommended:
Yes
Viewing Format: DVD
