The appeal and reviews of "Rayearth": A thorough explanation of the adventures and growth of magical girls

Rayearth - A story of friendship and a different world

"Rayerth" was released as an OVA in 1997 and was originally created by the popular manga group CLAMP. The story is set in the alternate world of Cephiro and the real world of Tokyo, and tells the story of friendship and battle. Below, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of the work, as well as recommended points.

Overview

■ Public Media

OVA

■ Original Media

comics

■ Release date

July 25, 1997

■Release and sales

Kodansha, Polygram, TMS Entertainment

■Frequencies

135 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 3

■Original Story

CLAMP

■ Director

Toshiki Hirano

■Works

© CLAMP・ST/Kodansha・Universal Music・TMS

story

cast

Main Staff

Theme songs and music

Work rating and details

Rayearth is a work that is attractive for its unique worldview and characters by CLAMP. In particular, the story that depicts the friendship and growth of the main characters has touched many viewers. Below, we will delve deeper into the evaluation and details of the work.

Story and Themes

The story of "Rayerth" takes place in the alternate world of Cephiro and the real world of Tokyo. The three main characters, Shidou Hikaru, Ryuzaki Kai, and Hououji Fuu, are a trio of close friends about to graduate from junior high school. The story begins when Hikaru meets a mysterious creature named Mokona under a cherry blossom tree. Invaders from Cephiro appear in Tokyo, and a battle to protect the Earth begins, drawing viewers in.

The themes of this work are friendship and growth. The three girls make a contract with a demon and fight with new powers, symbolizing the strength of friendship and the process of growth. Furthermore, as the boundary between the other world and the real world becomes blurred, the film also depicts the inner conflict of the girls, who are torn between reality and fantasy. These themes deeply move viewers and have the power to make them think about their own lives.

character

The characters in Rayearth shine with CLAMP's unique designs and personalities. The main character, Shidou Hikaru, is a bright, positive girl who values ​​friendship. Her growth and fighting style leave a strong impression on viewers. Ryuzaki Umi is a cool, intelligent character whose calm judgment and ability to act support the story. Hououji Fuu is a kind, caring girl who cares for her friends. Their personalities and growth enrich the story.

Additionally, the characters of the antagonists Eagle, Lantis, Alcyone, and others are also fascinating. Eagle is a cold-hearted leader, but he is also a character with deep inner conflict. Lantis is a strong warrior, but he is also a kind-hearted character. Alcyone is a powerful witch, but she is also a character who is tormented by past trauma. The depth of these characters adds depth to the story.

Visual and drawing

The visuals and artwork of Rayearth reflect CLAMP's unique style. The character designs are characterized by their beauty and individuality. The designs of the demons and beasts in particular have a strong fantasy feel. The backgrounds and art are also beautifully drawn, enhancing the fantastical atmosphere of the otherworldly world of Cephiro.

Thanks to the teamwork of animation directors Shinobu Nishioka, Hisashi Saito, Kumiko Shishido, and Masahiko Itoshima, the characters' movements and expressions are depicted in detail. The power and beauty of the battle scenes in particular have the power to draw the viewer in. Additionally, thanks to the teamwork of art directors Hiroshi Kato and Masaru Sato, the beauty of the backgrounds and art stands out. The quality of these visuals and drawings enhances the appeal of the work.

Music and Sound

The music and sound of "Rayerth" are also important elements that enhance the appeal of the work. The theme song "All You Need Is Love" is impressive with Naomi Tamura's powerful singing voice and melody, and symbolizes the theme of the story. In addition, Toshihiko Sahashi's music has the power to enhance the sense of fantasy and tension. In particular, the music in the battle scenes has the power to draw the viewer's heart.

Thanks to the teamwork of sound directors Yasuo Urakami and Katsuyoshi Kobayashi, the character voices and sound effects are depicted realistically. In particular, the sound effects and background music in battle scenes have the power to heighten the viewer's sense of realism. The quality of the music and sound enhances the appeal of the work.

Recommended points

Rayearth is an inspiring story about friendship and growth, with CLAMP's unique visuals and drawings, and the quality of its music and sound. Below, we will introduce the recommended points in more detail.

A story of friendship and growth

The greatest appeal of "Rayerth" is its moving story on the theme of friendship and growth. The three main characters, Shidou Hikaru, Ryuzaki Umi, and Hououji Fuu, are a trio of close friends about to graduate from junior high school. The scene in which they make a contract with a demon and fight with new powers symbolizes the strength of friendship and the process of growth. This story deeply moves the viewer and has the power to make them think about their own lives.

CLAMP's unique visuals and artwork

The visuals and artwork of Rayearth reflect CLAMP's unique style. The character designs shine with CLAMP's distinctive beauty and individuality. The designs of the demons and beasts in particular have a strong fantasy feel. Additionally, the backgrounds and art are beautifully drawn, enhancing the fantastical atmosphere of the otherworldly world of Cephiro. The quality of these visuals and artwork enhances the appeal of the work.

Music and sound quality

The music and sound of Rayearth are also important elements that enhance the work's appeal. The theme song "All You Need Is Love" features Naomi Tamura's powerful singing voice and impressive melody, and symbolizes the theme of the story. Toshihiko Sahashi's music also has the power to enhance the sense of fantasy and tension. The music in the battle scenes in particular has the power to draw the viewer's heart. Thanks to the teamwork of sound directors Yasuo Urakami and Katsuyoshi Kobayashi, the character voices and sound effects are portrayed realistically. The quality of this music and sound enhances the work's appeal.

summary

Rayearth is an appealing work with a touching story on the theme of friendship and growth, as well as CLAMP's unique visuals and drawings, and the quality of the music and sound. The three main characters, Shidou Hikaru, Ryuzaki Umi, and Hououji Fuu, are a trio of close friends about to graduate from junior high school. The scene in which they make a contract with a demon and fight with new powers symbolizes the strength of friendship and the process of growth. This story deeply moves the viewer and has the power to make them think about their own lives. In addition, CLAMP's unique visuals and drawings, as well as the quality of the music and sound, enhance the appeal of the work. Rayearth is a work recommended for those who want to enjoy a story of fantasy and friendship.