Pandora and Akubi: A City of Spirits and Monsters - A thorough review! Explaining its merits and demerits

"Pandora and Akubi: The City of Spirits and Monsters": A Journey of Curiosity and Adventure

"Pandora and Akubi: City of Spirits and Monsters" is an animated feature film released on April 5, 2019, based on the original work by XFLAG and Tatsunoko Productions. It was directed by Jun Soga, animated by BAKKEN RECORD, and distributed by Kadokawa Animation. Although it is a short film with only one episode and 26 minutes, it is packed with depth of story and charm of characters. This work is a new adventure story born from the collaboration between Pandora, born from the game "Monster Strike", and Akubi, the creator of the TV animation "The Genie Family" produced by Tatsunoko Productions.

story

Pandora and Akubi are walking through the wilderness under the scorching sun. They came to this world to search for the "Fragment of Calamity," which is said to have the power to destroy the world. Pandora accidentally opened a box that Grandpa Zeus had told her not to open, and as a result, the "Fragment of Calamity" scattered. They continue their journey to retrieve the fragments. Meanwhile, in Three Hawks Town, Sheriff Go Mifune continues to protect the peace of the town amidst the rampant gangs. He gave up his childhood dream of becoming a racer to work, but Louise, a waitress at his familiar store, seems to be a little worried about him. Tired from walking through the wilderness, Pandora "asks" Akubi, and with the power of magic, she flies to Three Hawks Town in one go! There, she meets Go and Louise by chance, and asks them for help in searching for the "Fragment of Calamity."

Commentary

"Pandora and Akubi: The City of Spirits and Monsters" is a slapstick road movie featuring a pair of characters. The curious and slightly clumsy Pandora and the mischievous daughter of the Great Demon King, Akubi, team up to retrieve the "Fragments of Disaster" that have been scattered across the world, and they go on a wild adventure across dimensions. Pandora's innocence and Akubi's free-spirited personality intertwine, causing all sorts of trouble, but also delivering a warm message of hope. This spring, audiences will be moved by the story of adventure and friendship woven by the two girls.

cast

・Pandora: Yui Ogura ・Akubi: Sally Amagi ・Louise (Doronjo): Yuko Kaida ・Go Mifune: Hiroyuki Yoshino ・Breaking Boss: Masuo Amada

The cast members liven up the film with performances that bring out the best in each character's personality. Ogura Yui's Pandora fully expresses the charm of a curious and clumsy girl, while Amagi Sally's Akubi portrays the cuteness and strength of a free-spirited demon girl. Kaida Yuko's Louise plays a waitress who looks scary but has a kind heart, and Yoshino Hiroyuki's Mifune Go gives a passionate performance as a serious and responsible sheriff. Amada Masuo's Breaking Boss skillfully expresses the intimidating and creepy presence of the leader of a gang of thieves.

Main Staff

Director: Jun Soga; Character design and chief animation director: Keisuke Okura; Art director: Yusuke Takeda; Art setting: Satoshi Takabatake, Seiki Tamura; Director of photography: Shinichi Igarashi; Color design: Yuko Kobari; Editor: Tomoki Nagasaka; Music: Takahiro Obata; Sound director: Ryo Tanaka; Animation production: BAKKEN RECORD
・Producer: XFLAG
・Distribution: Kadokawa ANIMATION

The staff members all demonstrate high skill and sensitivity in their respective fields of expertise, supporting the quality of the work. Soga Jun's skills as a director allow him to skillfully depict the development of the story and the growth of the characters, while Okura Keisuke's character design and chief animation director bring out the best in the characters. Takeda Yusuke's art direction and Takabatake Satoshi and Tamura Seiki's art settings realistically recreate the wilderness and cityscapes, while Igarashi Shinichi's cinematography enhances the beauty of the images. Kobari Yuko's color design enriches the atmosphere of the work, and Nagasaka Tomoki's editing exquisitely controls the tempo of the story. Obata Takahiro's music and Tanaka Ryo's sound direction deepen the emotional expression of the work.

Main Characters

・Pandora A curious and clumsy girl. She accidentally opened the box that Grandpa Zeus had told her not to open, spilling out the "Fragment of Calamity." She is on a journey with her best friend Akubi to retrieve the "Fragment of Calamity." Will Pandora be able to find and retrieve the "Fragment of Calamity" safely?

Akubi is a genie girl who usually lives in a necklace worn by Pandora and pops out when someone yawns. She uses her mysterious magical powers to grant the wish of whoever summons her from the jar. She travels with Pandora in search of the "Fragment of Calamity," but her free-spirited personality and straightforward way of speaking often get her into trouble with those around her.

・Zetsubou-kun A mysterious creature who is always with Pandora. Can he sense the presence of the "Fragment of Disaster" first?

・Go Mifune Sheriff of Three Hawks Town. He works diligently every day to keep the peace in the town. His beloved car at home is always well-maintained and in perfect condition.

・Louise (Doronjo)
A waitress working at a bar in town. She is an old friend of the sheriff, Tsuyoshi, and worries about him, so she tries to look after him. Although she looks scary, she is a very nice person.

Breaking Boss: The leader of a group of thieves who ravages towns all over the country. He steals with his minions, but seems to be looking for someone these days. He wears a stone on his chest that gives off an eerie glow.

Theme songs and music

・OP: DAYS
Lyrics and composition: Shigeyuki Harada Singer: Shiggy Jr.

・Ending theme: BURN
Lyrics and composition: Shigeyuki Harada Singer: Shiggy Jr.

The theme song and the ending song were written and composed by Shigeyuki Harada and sung by Shiggy Jr. The opening song "DAYS" is a refreshing song that makes you feel the beginning of an adventure, and the ending song "BURN" is a powerful song that concludes the story. These songs play an important role in enhancing the atmosphere of the work and eliciting the emotions of the audience.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Pandora and Akubi: City of Spirits and Monsters" is a work that depicts a dense story and attractive characters in a short time. Pandora and Akubi's adventures provide the audience with a new perspective and excitement, and their friendship and growth will remain in your memory as a heartwarming story. In particular, the scenes where the characters of the curious Pandora and the free-spirited Akubi intersect will elicit laughter and emotion at the same time. Additionally, the relationship between Mifune Go and Louise, and the creepiness of the Breaking Boss also add depth to the story.

I would recommend this film to anyone who loves fantasy and adventure. It is especially not to be missed by fans of the game "Monster Strike" and the TV animation "The Genie Family." It is also of excellent quality as a short animation, so the whole family can enjoy it. I hope you will feel the power of hope and friendship through the adventures of Pandora and Akubi.

Additional Information

"Pandora and Akubi: The City of Spirits and Monsters" is a joint production between XFLAG and Tatsunoko Productions, and a new story was born in the form of a crossover between characters from both companies. XFLAG is known as the developer of the game "Monster Strike," and Tatsunoko Productions is a historic studio that has produced many classic animations. This collaboration has brought together characters from different worlds to develop a unique story.

The film was released in the spring of 2019, and has been featured in various media since then, and is loved by many fans. In particular, the characters of Pandora and Akubi are popular with a wide range of people, from children to adults, and their adventures have touched many people. Furthermore, the depictions of Three Hawks Town and the wilderness, where the film is set, are realistic and beautiful, making it visually appealing.

"Pandora and Akubi: The City of Spirits and Monsters" is a masterpiece that depicts a deep story and attractive characters in a short time, and is a work that I would like to recommend to anyone who loves fantasy and adventure. I hope you will feel the power of hope and friendship through the adventures of Pandora and Akubi.