Shōjo Kakumei Utena watched
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- DirectorTôru TakahashiKunihiko IkuharaStarsTomoko KawakamiYuriko FuchizakiTakehito KoyasuIn an attempt to defend her best friend's honor, Utena challenges the kendo captain to a duel, and soon finds herself wrapped up in so much more than she'd anticipated.9/10 - Great standalone introduction to the show.
- DirectorShingo KanekoKunihiko IkuharaStarsTomoko KawakamiYuriko FuchizakiTakehito KoyasuBy chance, Utena managed to defeat Saionji in their duel, and now he's determined to have a rematch. However, Utena already secretly intends to lose on purpose.8/10 - Another one, a little less good.
- DirectorTakashi WatanabeKunihiko IkuharaStarsTomoko KawakamiYuriko FuchizakiTakehito KoyasuAs Utena continues to adjust to life with her new roommate, she starts to realize how few friends Anthy actually has.8/10 - Fairly uneventful but cute overall.
- DirectorTôru TakahashiKunihiko IkuharaStarsLeah ApplebaumSharon BeckerJames Carter CathcartMiki, a shy pianist and member of the Student Council, has an interest in Anthy. Miki swears he has no interest in the duels and offers to help tutor Utena and Anthy.8/10 - Some solid comedy early on, though slightly repetitive. It does shine a light on the show's excellent soundtrack.
- DirectorShingo KanekoKunihiko IkuharaStarsTomoko KawakamiYuriko FuchizakiTakehito KoyasuMiki's starting to realize the extent of Anthy's loyalty to her role as the Rose Bride. Will such an understanding be enough to move such a passive boy to duel for possession of her?7/10 - The formula starts wearing on you, as you starts to wonder about all those re-used clips. The story an characters are not strong enough for a two-parter.
- DirectorYukio OkazakiKunihiko IkuharaStarsTomoko KawakamiYuriko FuchizakiTakehito KoyasuA number of strange events have been occuring, placing Nanami in danger. The latest caused a dashing young boy to appear from out of nowhere to save her.8/10 - The premise is somewhat questionable, but if you get on board there is plenty of fun moments to be found here.
- DirectorYukio OkazakiKunihiko IkuharaStarsTomoko KawakamiYuriko FuchizakiTakehito KoyasuJury, the fencing team captain, has taken a special interest in Utena lately. She finds Utena's lack of regard for the dueling game to be sensible, but Jury still hopes to accomplish something by winning.9/10 - An obvious highlight among the early episode. The "twist" only really works because they tried so hard to muddy the water in the middle, but really it is to be expected. Lots of approprietly over-the-top drama with a 1970s european flair.
- DirectorAkihiko NishiyamaKunihiko IkuharaStarsTomoko KawakamiYuriko FuchizakiTakehito KoyasuA mishap during home economics has caused Anthy and Utena to switch bodies. Nanami, accepting the blame for this mishap, sets out to find the cure for their predicament.9/10 - Very zany plot, but full of great one-liners and non-sequeters. Maybe it will not hold up to repeated viewings or leave a lasting impression.
- 199724mTV-148.2 (55)TV EpisodeDirectorTakuya IgarashiKunihiko IkuharaStarsTomoko KawakamiYuriko FuchizakiTakehito KoyasuSaionji and Touga have always been at odds since they were children.8/10 - Overly serious, especially coming off the previous curry-based adventure. Getting up to speed on some of the back-story this early on is appreciated.
- DirectorKatsushi SakurabiKunihiko IkuharaStarsTomoko KawakamiYuriko FuchizakiTakehito KoyasuNanami's possessiveness of her brother has only grown after his injury at the hands of Saionji. Even the simplest gesure from Utena brings Nanami's jealousy and anger out...8/10 - Approprietly dramatic and well placed into the overall story of the show's first third.
- 199724mTV-148.2 (55)TV EpisodeDirectorShingo KanekoKunihiko IkuharaStarsTomoko KawakamiYuriko FuchizakiTakehito KoyasuUtena has gradually grown fonder of Touga over time. But even as she ponders as to whether or not Touga may be her prince, his plots continue to encircle her.9/10 - A downer of a setup for this first leg of the show's conclusion. It does raise the stakes.
- DirectorTôru TakahashiKunihiko IkuharaStarsTomoko KawakamiYuriko FuchizakiTakehito KoyasuAfter losing to Touga in their duel, Utena's spirit has been crushed.10/10 - Unexpectedly epic and (at first) brooding episode that hits all the right notes. The show could have ended here without losing the audience.
- DirectorTôru TakahashiKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAmanda GoodmanA look back at all the prior duels and major events with some perspective. Also, a hint of what lies in store for Utena if she continues the path of the duelist.6/10 - Clip show. There is some intriguing contextualisation and the opening is amusing. Not a complete waste of time.
- DirectorYukio OkazakiKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaUtena is introduced to Anthy's older brother, Akio, who also happens to be the acting chairman for the school. Meanwhile, trouble is brewing in the depths of Nemuro Memorial Hall.9/10 - The blueprint for the show's second leg. There is a lot a new stuff to learn and there is an almost horrific tone being set in parts. The character motivations are especially clear in this one, which will not always be the case in the following ones.
- 199724mTV-147.6 (47)TV EpisodeDirectorTakafumi HoshikawaKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaKozue, Miki's twin sister, is seen as somewhat of an oddity around school. In particular, her feelings for her brother remain most ambiguous... but the Black Rose Society knows all.8/10 - While the setup is good, and the presentation still shines, the third act already feels by-the-numbers.
- DirectorShigeo KoshiKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaNanami's just received a priceless piece of jewelry; a Sebastian Dior... cow bell. As she touts it around school, people start to wonder if she's truly lost her mind.7/10 - Goofy to an almost unsettling degree. At least they go for it.
- DirectorKatsushi SakurabiKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaShiori, Jury's childhood friend and the source of her heart's turmoil, has transferred to Ohtori Academy. As Jury tries her best to ignore Shiori, Mikage's seminar beckons to her.8/10 - Not as interesting as its parent episode, it suffers a bit from following the formula too closely.
- DirectorYukio OkazakiKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaMitsuru is constantly being excluded and disregarded due to his age. He yearns to be more like an adult, but isn't even sure what that entails.8/10 - While it is almost generic by this point, there is enough comedy and clever writing to make it interesting.
- 199724mTV-147.8 (48)TV EpisodeDirectorTôru TakahashiKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaWhen Wakaba was a child, she had a prince she'd held close in her heart. Well now, her prince has arrived at Ohtori, but he's interested in Utena! Will Utena be able to set him straight?9/10 - Not the conclusion I expected but it was properly set-up. Another impressive ramp up of the tension and production quality before an epic conclusion.
- DirectorKatsushi SakurabiKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaThe expelled student council vice president, Saionji, has been shacking up with Wakaba. As she spends time with him, she starts to feel a change within herself.10/10 - It is hard to ask for more when it already does so much. It is a quite a feat to make the reliable recycled clip from the pilot look worse compared the rest of the episode.
- DirectorHiroaki SakuraiKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaKeiko's always been content with being a member of Nanami's gang, but her desires for Touga still remain. When an opportunity opens for her, it results in a disaster that Mikage can exploit.8/10 - While the subject is unexpected, it is a fine breather episode following an epic two-parter. Very solid use of the formula.
- DirectorHayato DateKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiNoriko HidakaThe truth behind Nemuro Memorial Hall's dark history lies shrouded in mystery. As Mikage is down to his last black rose, he stakes his last hopes on allying with Utena.9/10 - The unusual setting seems to put a strain on the animators, this nonetheless remains an effective slice of atmospheric storytelling, and a welcome change of pace.
- 199724mTV-148.7 (55)TV EpisodeDirectorYukio OkazakiKunihiko IkuharaStarsTomoko KawakamiYuriko FuchizakiKotono MitsuishiAs the student council searches for answers as to who is behind the Black Rose Duelists, Utena is already poised to fight the mastermind of the plot.8/10 - A bit overstuffed considering most of the plot only started being dealt with in the previous episode. It is also a bit anticlimactic for all the gravitas it was given.
- DirectorTôru TakahashiKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaAfter a mishap puts Mitsuru in the hospital, Utena, Anthy, and Nanami stumble upon a diary he's kept that details Nanami's every plot since the time he's known her.5/10 - Another clip show, one of all the most zany miscellaneous plot lines that have occurred so far. It is hard to see this as anything but a time waster, but they have the courtesy of adding some decent jokes.
- DirectorShingo KanekoKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaSaionji, still sore from the events surrounding his expulsion, vows to quit the dueling game. However, Touga and Akio have other plans for him.9/10 - Not the most emotionally engaging and some of it is not so polished, but it is refreshing to get some new animation and music for the show's (final?) act.
- 199724mTV-147.6 (49)TV EpisodeDirectorYukio OkazakiKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaMiki, despite his friendship with Utena and Anthy, is once again pushed to duel. This time, his sister is the one doing the pushing.8/10 - The run-of-the-mill plot is elevated by the fantastic presentation.
- DirectorHayato DateKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaNanami is startled to find an egg in her bed one morning. Unsure as to whether or not it's possible that she's the mother, she assumes the role.7/10 - While much less "unhinged" than the show's last attempt at a goofy filler episode, this is unfortunately a rare case of an undercooked plot. This one might have fared better as an early episode and with less shoddy animation, but it is far from a disaster or a bore.
- DirectorTôru TakahashiKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaAfter a long absence from school, Rukia, the original fencing captain, returns. But as to whether he's back to enjoy life as a student or to push Jury's buttons remains to be determined.8/10 - Another formuleic yet immaculately produced episode. What these mostly lack is a sense of resolution for the main character of the week.
- DirectorKunihiko IkuharaYoshiaki IwasakiStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaRealizing the only way to defeat Utena and Anthy is with a partnership equally as strong, Rukia seeks to ally himself with Jury.9/10 - Turned out to be the much needed conclusion missing from the previous episode, with fantastic use of color to boot.
- DirectorKatsushi SakurabiKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiYuka ImaiAs Utena has gotten to know Akio, she's started to realize that she has feelings for him. But what of the prince Utena holds within her heart? And what of Akio's fiance? Can love be wrong?9/10 - Incredibly foreboding and another welcomed deviation from the show's formula. The animation style is also slightly different and delves both in the subtle and the cartoonish.
- DirectorYukio OkazakiKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaNanami's growing irritation with the girls that flock to her brother is put into a strange context when she uncovers a horrifying revelation regarding their relationship.9/10 - Rough around the edges, and a bit awkward in parts, yet the drama is as effective as ever.
- 199724mTV-148.0 (51)TV EpisodeDirectorShingo KanekoKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaUnable to face Touga after uncovering the nature of their relationship, Nanami does all she can to avoid him.8/10 - Some tonal issues, arising from the creative impulse to write in clever a joke when an opportunity presents itself. Otherwise, this is business as usual.
- 199724mTV-148.1 (52)TV EpisodeDirectorTôru TakahashiKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaAnthy sends Utena on an errand to deliver roses, but little does she realize that Anthy's plan is also Akio's plot.6/10 - One -supposedly- final clip show, although this one has more original content to offer since it otherwise goes over a smaller batch of episodes. It is decently engaging and rather surreal in places.
- DirectorKatsushi SakurabiKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiTomoko KawakamiUtena, Anthy, and Akio all go to see a play being put on by the school's drama club. The play, however, rings a little closer to truth than it does to fairy-tale.8/10 - A bit of a catch up on what the plot viewers may have gathered by reading between the lines. It feels more like a teaser than a full story despite all the new information.
- 199724mTV-147.8 (49)TV EpisodeDirectorHayato DateKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiTomoko KawakamiTouga's carried out Akio's will without question, up until now.9/10 - Laid back but substantive. For all the seriousness it has one of the funniest shots in the show.
- 199723mTV-148.5 (54)TV EpisodeDirectorTôru TakahashiKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaTouga's resolved to duel with Utena one more time. Aware of his feelings for her, he concludes that the only way to save her is to defeat her before she meets her prince.9/10 - Depressing but a promising piece of the larger composition that is this 5-parter finale.
- 199724mTV-148.4 (53)TV EpisodeDirectorKatsushi SakurabiKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaUtena has uncovered the truth behind Anthy and Akio and her disgust for them both has brought her to forsake everything she's fought for up until now.9/10 - Very disjointed but every scene manages to conjure up strong emotions. It could use some more direction.
- DirectorShingo KanekoKunihiko IkuharaStarsSharon BeckerYuriko FuchizakiAya HisakawaUtena has decided to follow the letter's instructions and proceeds to the dueling arena to meet her prince.9/10 - Part one of two.
- 199724mTV-149.4 (79)TV EpisodeDirectorTôru TakahashiKunihiko IkuharaStarsTomoko KawakamiYuriko FuchizakiTakehito KoyasuUtena's once again betrayed by Anthy. With the prince's sword in hand, Akio attempts to open the doors of revolution while the fallen prince contemplates her and Anthy's fate.9/10 - Though I wish it was more litteral and less aspirational, one can hardly fault the finale on it's presentation or emotion.