Review of the movie "Saiyuki Requiem": A profound requiem for the unchosen

"Saiyuki Requiem: Requiem for the Unchosen" - Challenge from the Abyss

Released on August 18, 2001, "Saiyuki Requiem: Requiem for the Unchosen One" is an anime film based on the original manga by Kazuya Minekura, produced by Studio Pierrot and distributed by Shochiku. The film further deepened the worldview of the original, maximizing the visual beauty and tension of the story, leaving a strong impression on fans. Below, we will explain the appeal and details of this film from various angles.

story

The story of "Saiyuki Requiem: Requiem for the Unchosen Ones" begins when Xuanzang and his companions rescue a young girl named Ho-ran from a terrifying monster bird during their journey to Tenjiku. At Ho-ran's grateful invitation, the group enters the mansion of her master, where she serves. However, the mansion is the home of a new enemy, Wu Daoyan, and strange events begin to occur one after another. Unbelievable phenomena torment the group, such as Zhu Bajie stabbing Sha Gojing with a knife and Son Goku strangling Zhu Bajie. As they face the illusions created by Doyan's sorcery, the story unfolds in which their bond and beliefs are put to the test.

character

The four central characters in this film are Xuanzang, Sun Wukong, Sha Wujing, and Zhu Bajie. Although each of them has a different background and personality, they continue their journey towards a common goal. Xuanzang is the leader of the group and a gentle and compassionate monk. Sun Wukong is a strong and brave warrior, Zhu Bajie is a cheerful and slightly playful character, and Sha Wujing is a calm and intelligent being. In addition, the new enemy Wu Daoyan is portrayed as a character with deep darkness and powerful magic, and Peng Lan plays an important role in guiding the group to the mansion.

cast

The voice actors are also an important element in enhancing the appeal of this film. The performances of Toshihiko Seki as Xuanzang, Soichiro Hoshi as Son Goku, Hiroaki Hirata as Sha Gojyo, Akira Ishida as Zhu Bajie, Ryutaro Okiayu as Wu Daoyan, and Akiko Yajima as Horan are outstanding, bringing out the best in each character's personality. In particular, Toshihiko Seki's voice as Tripitaka combines compassion and strong will, deeply moving the viewer.

staff

The director was Date Yuto, the scriptwriter was Sumisawa Katsuyuki, and the character designer and chief animation director was Moriyama Yuji. Many staff members, including Date Yuto, participated in the storyboarding and direction, and the animation directors were some of the industry's leading artists, including Chiba Michinori and Otsubo Yukimaro. Professionals from various fields, including art director Isshiki Mio, color designer Kawami Takuya, digital cinematographer Matsumoto Atsuho, music composer Senjyu Akira, and sound director Takakuwa Hajime, came together to raise the quality of the film.

Background

"Saiyuki Requiem: Requiem for the Unchosen One" was produced in response to the popularity of the original manga, and the entire production team worked hard to live up to the expectations of the fans. In particular, they aimed to appeal to new audiences as well as existing fans by introducing new enemies and storylines while respecting the worldview of the original. In addition, the visual expression and music unique to the movie version were also emphasized, maximizing the visual and auditory appeal.

Theme songs and music

The theme song "TIGHTROPE" was written, composed and sung by TETSU69. The song captures the hearts of viewers with its powerful yet melancholic melody and lyrics, symbolizing the movie's theme of "a requiem for the unchosen." It plays an important role in further heightening the tension and dramatic development of the movie.

Related Titles

There are many other related works in the "Saiyuki" series. The TV anime series includes "Saiyuki," "Saiyuki RELOAD," "Saiyuki RELOAD GUNLOCK," "Saiyuki RELOAD -burial-," and "Saiyuki Gaiden," each of which depicts the world of the original work from a different perspective. By watching these works, you can understand and enjoy the world of "Saiyuki" more deeply.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Saiyuki Requiem: Requiem for the Unchosen One" is a film that can be recommended not only to fans of the original work, but to all people who love anime movies. The film, which beautifully combines beautiful visuals, a tense story, and the deep human drama of the characters, provides a visually and emotionally intense experience. In particular, the illusions caused by Wu Daoyan's sorcery and the sight of Tripitaka and his companions confronting them will evoke deep emotion and empathy in the viewer. The theme song, "TIGHTROPE," is also a wonderful piece that symbolizes the theme of the film, helping to further deepen the emotion of the film.

This movie will allow fans of the original work to enjoy the story from a new perspective, and will be a great opportunity for new viewers to experience the world of Saiyuki. Please do experience the charm of the movie version for yourself.

Conclusion

"Saiyuki Requiem: Requiem for the Unchosen One" is a masterpiece that deepens the worldview of the original work and draws viewers in with its visual and auditory beauty and tense story. The human drama of the characters and the battle against the illusions caused by magic are beautifully depicted, giving viewers deep emotion and empathy. The theme song "TIGHTROPE" is also a wonderful song that symbolizes the theme of the movie, helping to further deepen the emotion of the movie. This is a work that can be recommended not only to fans of the original work, but also to all people who love anime movies. Please experience the world of "Saiyuki" through this movie.