"Tsubasa Chronicle" The Princess of the Birdcage Kingdom: A moving story and beautiful visuals

Tsubasa Chronicle: The Princess of the Birdcage Country - Review and Details

Overview

"Tsubasa Chronicle: The Princess in the Birdcage Country" is an anime film based on CLAMP's popular manga "Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE". It was released on July 20, 2005 and distributed by Shochiku. Although it is only a 35-minute short film, it has captivated many fans with its story that condenses the appeal of the original and its beautiful visuals. The film depicts the adventures and growth of the main characters as they travel to another world, and is particularly impressive for its unique worldview of "The Country of the Birdcage".

■ Story

In a desperate attempt to save his beloved Sakura, who has lost all of her memories, Syaoran visits the Witch of Dimensions. The Witch tells him that the only way to save Sakura is to collect the feathers of Sakura's memories that have been scattered across the other world. In exchange for granting Syaoran's wish, the Witch demands a relationship with Sakura. Together with Kurogane, a ninja from another dimension, Fai, a magician, and Mokona, who acts as a guide, Syaoran sets off on a journey to the other world. The story begins in the "Country of Birdcages," where Syaoran and Sakura visit with the guidance of Mokona, who was borrowed from Yuko, the Witch of Dimensions. It was supposed to be a peaceful country where people lived with birds as partners. However, the king now rules with oppression, and those who defy him have their birds taken away and are forced to live a miserable life. The king rules over his people with the power of a mysterious feather. Is it really Sakura's memories that he has? Syaoran, Sakura, and Mokona fall into a deep forest after being separated from Kurogane and Fai. They are mistaken for the king's guards and attacked by a young boy named Koruri. They claim that they are protecting Tomoyo, the princess of the country. For Princess Tomoyo, who has been forced to hide in the forest after her uncle the king sealed away her bird partner and voice, for the people of the forest and the young boy Koruri who protect her, and for the oppressed citizens, Syaoran stands up to the evil king.

■Explanation

I'll protect you.
Even if it means crossing the sky dimension...
To save his beloved girl who has lost her memory, the boy sets off on a journey to another world!

■Cast

• Syaoran/Irino Miyu
• Sakura/Yui Makino
• Black Steel/Toru Inada
• Fai/Daisuke Namikawa
• Mokona/Mika Kikuchi
• Princess Tomoyo/Maaya Sakamoto
• Yuuko Ichihara (Witch of Dimensions) / Sayaka Ohara

■ Main staff

• Original work: CLAMP ("Tsubasa -RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE-" serialized in Kodansha's "Weekly Shonen Magazine")
• Director: Itsuro Kawasaki
• Screenplay by Midori Goto, Junichi Fujisaki, Itsuro Kawasaki
• Character design: Yoko Kikuchi
• Animation director: Yoko Kikuchi, Kyoji Asano
• Stage design: Yasunori Miyazawa
• Prop design: Ayumi Shiraishi
• Color design: Izumi Hirose
• Art Director: Riko Shinohara
• Art setting: Akihiro Hirasawa
• Art supervision: Hiroshi Kato
• Director of photography: Miki Sakuma
• Edited by Hama Utsu Taeko
• Music by Yuki Kajiura
• Sound Director: Kazuhiro Wakabayashi
• Producers: Yoshihiro Iwasaki, Hiroaki Morita, Tetsuya Nakatake, Natsumi Shirahama, Ritsuaki Doshita, Tetsuya Watanabe, Hisako Matsumoto, Ikuko Kano
• Animation production: Production IG
• Produced by: Shochiku, Kodansha, Production IG, Nippon Shuppan Hanbai, Movic, Dentsu, NHK Enterprises, Pyrotechnist
• Distribution: Shochiku

■ Main Characters

• The protagonist of Syaoran Monogatari. In the country of Crow, he worked excavating ruins, following the wishes of his late adoptive father, but one day he was faced with a crisis involving his childhood friend Sakura. In order to save her life, he sets out on a journey to another world. He is earnest and single-minded, with a strong will to always see things through once he has made a decision, and he continues to grow day by day through the battles and encounters he encounters on his journey.
• Princess of Sakura Crow Country. She lost her memory due to a conspiracy by the mysterious Fei Wang, and was on the verge of death at one point, but was saved by Syaoran's efforts. After that, her memory is gradually returning, but she has lost all memories of Syaoran. She has a kind and cheerful personality, and treats everyone equally. She seems to have the power to change the world.
• A ninja from Kurogane Nihon. Princess Tomoyo of Nihon, unable to bear the constant killings, sent him to the Witch of Dimensions. He loves fighting, and becoming stronger is his purpose in life.
• A magician from the country of Faiseles. In order to escape from King Ashura of the country of Ceres, whom he had sealed away, he visits the Witch of Dimensions and asks for a way to travel to another world. He is always smiling and goes at his own pace.
• A mysterious creature given to Syaoran and his friends by the witch of the Mokona dimension in exchange for a price. It can transport between worlds, sense Sakura's feather of memories, and translate words.
• Yuko Ichihara A Japanese witch who is famous in various parallel worlds. She has great powers and can grant any wish if you pay the appropriate price.

■ Related works

• Tsubasa Chronicle Seasons 1-2
• Tsubasa TOKYO REVELATIONS
• Tsubasa: Spring Thunder Chronicles
• xxxHOLiC
• xxxHOLiC Continuation
• xxxHOLiC The Movie: A Midsummer Night's Dream
• xxxHOLiC Spring Dream Chronicle
• xxxHOLiC Cage
• xxxHOLiC Cage Adayume
• Kobato

■ Theme songs and music

• OP1
  
  • Song Name: aerial
  • Lyricist: Kinya
  • Composer: HΛL
  • Sung by: Kinya
• ED1
  
  • Song Name: Amrita
  • Lyricist: Kano Kaori
  • Composer: Kano Kaori
  • Vocals: Yui Makino

■Review

"Tsubasa Chronicle: The Princess in the Birdcage Country" faithfully reproduces CLAMP's original work, while creating a dense story in a short time. Particularly impressive is the unique worldview of the "Country of Birdcages." In this country, people live with birds as partners, and when their birds are taken away, their freedom is taken away, which adds depth to the story. In addition, the king's oppression and the courage of Syaoran and his friends who stand up against it convey a strong message to the viewers.

The portrayal of the characters is also excellent, showing Syaoran's determination and growth, and Sakura's kindness and strength. In particular, Syaoran's words "I'll protect you" resonate with the viewers. In addition, the supporting characters such as Kurogane, Fai, and Mokona also have their own distinct personalities and play an important role in adding excitement to the story.

Visually, Production IG's beautiful artwork also shines. The color design and art direction are on full display, depicting the beauty and horror of this otherworldly world at the same time. The scenery of "Birdcage Country" in particular has the power to draw the viewer in. Yuki Kajiura's music is also an important element in adding excitement to the story, with the opening theme "aerial" and ending theme "Amrita" further enhancing the atmosphere of the film.

This movie is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for everyone who loves anime movies. In a short time, you can enjoy deep themes and beautiful visuals. This is a must-see movie, especially for those who like adventure stories that take place in other worlds.

■Reasons for recommendation

I highly recommend "Tsubasa Chronicle: The Princess in the Birdcage Kingdom" for the following reasons:

• Deep themes : The film explores themes of freedom and oppression, courage and determination, and leaves a deep impression on viewers.
• Stunning Visuals : Production IG's artwork and color design convey the beauty and horror of this otherworldly world at the same time.
• Charming Characters : Characters such as Syaoran, Sakura, Kurogane, Fai, and Mokona each have their own unique personalities that add excitement to the story.
• Emotional Music : Yuki Kajiura's music adds excitement to the story, with the opening and ending songs being particularly memorable.
• A short, dense story : The story is packed with the charm of the original, all in a short 35-minute length.

This movie is recommended not only for CLAMP fans, but for everyone who loves anime movies. It is especially recommended for those who like adventure stories that take them to another world. Please experience this beautiful world and moving story.