The appeal of Chrono Crusade: The deep emotion and evaluation of the Mary Magdalene edition

Chrono Crusade: The story of an exorcist fighting demons lurking in the darkness

Overview

"Chrono Crusade" is a TV anime series based on the manga of the same name by Daisuke Moriyama. Set in New York in 1928, the series follows Sister Rosette of the Magdalene Order, who specializes in demon exorcisms, and her attendant boy Chrono as they fight demons lurking in the darkness. The series aired a total of 24 episodes on Fuji TV from November 25, 2003 to June 10, 2004.

■ Story

New York, USA, 1928. Shortly after the end of World War I, America was experiencing unprecedented economic growth. However, this rapid growth also attracted invisible mysteries and non-humans lurking in the darkness. Meanwhile, Sister Rosette of the Magdalene Order and her attendant boy, Chrono, are professionals known as "exorcists" and embark on numerous adventures to stop demons from invading the United States from outside.

■Explanation

"Chrono Crusade" is a large-scale adventure filmed by a talented team. Not only are the action scenes depicted in high-quality images, but there are also plenty of points to note, such as the main weapons, firearms, and the American cityscapes that serve as the background. Directed by Kurenai Yu, character design by Kuroda Kazuya, and animation by GONZO DIGIMATION, the film has received high praise from all quarters.

■Cast

• Rosette Christopher: Tomoko Kawakami
• Chrono: Akira Ishida
• Azmaria Hendrick: Chiba Saeko
• Kate Valentine: Ryoko Sakakibara
• Ewan Remington: Sho Hayami
• Joshua: Junko Minagawa
• Florette Habenheit (Fiore): Natsuko Kuwatani
• Aion: Kazuhiko Inoue

■ Main staff

• Original work: Daisuke Moriyama "Chrono Crusade" (Monthly Dragon Age/Fujimi Shobo)
• Director: Yuu Ko
• Assistant Director, Monster Design: Kobe Yoko
• Series Composition: Atsuhiro Tomioka
• Character design and chief animation director: Kazuya Kuroda
• Mechanical design: Tomohiro Kawahara
• Firearms design: Naoo Muramatsu
• Art director: Toshiro Nozaki
• Color design: Eri Suzuki
• Director of photography: Katsuaki Kamata
• Edited by: Kiyoshi Hirose
• Music: Hikaru Nanase
• Sound Director: Yota Tsuruoka
• Producers: Atsuya Takase, Tsuyoshi Wakamatsu, Shigeaki Tomioka, Tsuneo Takechi
• Animation production: GONZO DIGIMATION
• Produced by Fuji Television, Fukuindan

■ Main Characters

• Rosette: A bright and optimistic 16-year-old girl who serves as an exorcist for the Magdalene Convent. Although she has excellent fighting skills as an exorcist, her reckless actions bring about destruction every time an incident occurs.
• Chrono: Rosette's constant partner. Although he looks like a boy of a certain age, he is actually a powerful demon with nicknames such as "Chrono the Sinner," "Broken Sharp Horn," and "Remover of Titles."
• Azmaria: A god's representative on earth who manifests healing powers through singing. She was hurt by her unhappy life due to her powers and was afraid of relationships with people, but she tries to live positively, aiming to be like Rosette, who saved her.
• Remington: A priest and knight of the Magdalene Order whom Rosette respects and admires. It was Remington who invited Rosette and Chrono to join the order, and he is a guardian figure who always supports them with kindness.
• Sister Kate: Rosette's boss. Along with her colleague, Reverend Remington, she is also well versed in the affairs of the convent. She is a popular, intelligent and sensible woman, but she is constantly troubled by the scandals that Rosette causes.
• Satera: A magic stone user who summons familiars using the power hidden in gems, she is also known as the "Jewel Witch" and is a bounty hunter who specializes in fighting demons. She is a realist who can sometimes seem ruthless, and often clashes with Rosette.
• Joshua: Rosette's younger brother. As the price of his power as a surface agent, he is sickly and secretly dislikes himself because Rosette always protects him. Aion exploits this gap in his heart and he accepts Chrono's <Sharp Horn>.
• Fiore: Joshua's faithful maid. Her true identity is a doll based on Satella's older sister, Florette. Her strong desire to protect her sister has been replaced by her feelings for Joshua, and they occupy her entire heart.
• Aion: A "sinner" who caused Rosette's journey to find her kidnapped brother Joshua. He commands the "sinners" Jennai and Vid, who are fascinated by him. What is Aion's true purpose?

■Subtitle

• #1: Sister Rosette / Pilot (2003/11/24)
• #2: The Covenant (2003/12/01)
• #3: Apostles (2003/12/08)
• #4: The Sinners (2003/12/15)
• #5: Militia (2003/12/22)
• #6: Jewelsummoner (2004/01/05)
• #7: The Devil (2004/01/12)
• #8: Puppet / Falling rain (2004/01/19)
• #9: Joshua (2004/01/26)
• #10: Horn (2004/02/02)
• #11: Beast / Gabriel Hound (2004/02/09)
• #12: Holy night (2004/02/16)
• #13: Older sister / Marionette train (2004/02/23)
• #14: Prayer / Invocation (2004/03/01)
• #15: The Pursuers (2004/03/08)
• #16: Believer (2004/03/15)
• #17: Accomplices (2004/03/22)
• #18: Four people / Photograph (2004/03/29)
• #19: Neck / Atonement (2004/04/14)
• #20: Poison / Temptation (2004/04/21)
• #21: Mary Magdalene (2004/04/28)
• #22: Goodbye (2004/05/19)
• #23: The Noise (2004/06/02)
• #24: Chrno (2004/06/09)

■ Theme songs and music

• OP1: Wings are Pleasure Line
  • Lyricist: Aki Hata
  • Composer: Noriyasu Agematsu
  • Arrangement: Noriyasu Agematsu
  • Vocals: Minami Kuribayashi
• ED1: Goodbye Solitaire
  • Lyricist: Yuki Kajiura
  • Composer: Yuki Kajiura
  • Arrangement: Yuki Kajiura
  • Vocals: Chiba Saeko

■ Evaluation and impressions

"Chrono's Crusade" is a dark fantasy set in America in the 1920s, but what makes it unique is that it also depicts human drama. The relationship between the main characters, Rosette and Chrono, and the difficulties they face and their determination to overcome them deeply move viewers. In addition, while the central theme is demon-fighting, it also depicts universal themes such as friendship, family love, and self-sacrifice, and has gained support from a wide range of viewers.

The high quality of the character designs and background art is particularly noteworthy. Kazuya Kuroda's character designs vividly express the individuality of each character and are full of visual appeal. Furthermore, the depictions of the streets of New York in the 1920s and the battle scenes with demons have the power to draw the viewer into the world of the story.

Music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of this work. The opening theme "Tsubasa wa Pleasure Line" is an exquisite match between Minami Kuribayashi's powerful voice and Noriyasu Agematsu's composition, symbolizing the adventurous spirit of the story. Meanwhile, the ending theme "Sayonara Solitaire" features Saeko Chiba's gentle voice and Yuki Kajiura's beautiful melody, enhancing the story's moving scenes.

■ Recommendation points

"Chrono Crusade" is a fusion of dark fantasy and human drama, and the following points make it especially recommended.

• Deep storyline and character development : The growth and struggles of characters such as Rosette and Chrono are carefully depicted, deeply moving viewers.
• High-quality visual expression : The character designs and background art are of high quality, making it visually appealing. In particular, the 1920s New York cityscape and the demon battle scenes are spectacular.
• Emotional Music : The opening and ending themes enhance the atmosphere of the story and stir the emotions of the viewer. The singing voices of Minami Kuribayashi and Saeko Chiba are particularly impressive.
• Universal themes : The film depicts universal themes such as friendship, family love, and self-sacrifice, and has gained support from a wide range of generations.

■ Related works and recommendations

If you enjoyed Chrono Crusade, we also recommend the following titles:

• "Hellsing" : A dark fantasy about vampire hunting. The character designs and battle scenes are of high quality, making it visually appealing.
• "Black Lagoon" : An action film set in the modern underworld. The portrayal of the protagonist's growth and human relationships is deep, leaving a strong impression on viewers.
• "Shaman King" : A fantasy work depicting a battle between people with psychic abilities. It has a touching story that explores themes such as friendship and self-sacrifice.

Conclusion

"Chrono Crusade" is a work with a deep story and high-quality visual expression that combines dark fantasy and human drama. Through the adventures and growth of Rosette and Chrono, it depicts universal themes such as friendship, family love, and self-sacrifice, and has gained support from a wide range of people. In particular, the quality of the character design and background art, as well as the moving music, are noteworthy points that leave a strong impression on viewers. Other related works that are recommended are "Hellsing," "Black Lagoon," and "Shaman King," so be sure to check them out.