A subplot had been lurking in the background of the complex plot of Tenchi Muyo for some time: What happened to Tenchi's mother? Intriguing lines would pop up from time to time, like Katsuhito saying of Tenchi: "He's the serious type, just like his mother." This first movie based on the series reveals the long-awaited story of Achika Masaki.
The art and animation is gorgeous. The soundtrack by Christopher Franke is quite distinctive and beautiful. It stands out from the all the generic soundtracks these days, and lives up to the quality of previous Tenchi Muyo soundtracks, if not the spirit.
Viewers unfamiliar to Tenchi or to anime in general may be confused by the mixing of genres. Much of the movie is romantic comedy, but it switches gears often and without warning to drama, action, slapstick, mystery, and occasionally horror.
There is a level of poignancy that only time travel stories can achieve. Two images that stand out to me are the falling snow (referencing Tenchi's memories) and cherry blossoms(symbolic of a short life).
The art and animation is gorgeous. The soundtrack by Christopher Franke is quite distinctive and beautiful. It stands out from the all the generic soundtracks these days, and lives up to the quality of previous Tenchi Muyo soundtracks, if not the spirit.
Viewers unfamiliar to Tenchi or to anime in general may be confused by the mixing of genres. Much of the movie is romantic comedy, but it switches gears often and without warning to drama, action, slapstick, mystery, and occasionally horror.
There is a level of poignancy that only time travel stories can achieve. Two images that stand out to me are the falling snow (referencing Tenchi's memories) and cherry blossoms(symbolic of a short life).