The film's life-affirming fable offers a richer metaphorical subtext than Vision's intricate coming-of-age soap opera. Unfortunately, clumsy dialogue, characterization, and exposition interfere with that subtext.
Escaflowne: The Movie(エスカフローネ)
✭ ✭ ✭ Read critic reviews
Japan · 2000
Rated PG-13 · 1h 38m
Director Kazuki Akane
Starring Maaya Sakamoto, Tomokazu Seki, Mayumi Iizuka, Minami Takayama
Genre Adventure, Animation, Drama, Fantasy
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Hitomi Kanzaki is depressed and plagued by unusual dreams. After a falling out with her friend, she is transported to another world called Gaea, where she is thrust into a conflict between the Black Dragon Clan and rebels who believe that Hitomi may be the prophesized hero they've been waiting for.
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What are critics saying?
A smoothly structured, earth-toned and well-drawn Japanese anime.
Chicago Reader by Lisa Alspector
Becomes blandly idealistic.
Plenty of dramatic action, stunning imagery and an operatic score add weight to Escaflowne. It may not appeal to fans of traditional animation.
New Times (L.A.) by Luke Y. Thompson
The big-screen surround-sound effects are nice; too bad they're the only aspect of the film that's ready to rumble. And parents, be warned: There's an astonishing amount of bloodletting for a PG-13 film.
TV Guide Magazine by Maitland McDonagh
Beautifully animated epic is never dull.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer by William Arnold
It's endlessly confusing.
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