Ranma 1/2

Production
Fuji TV, Kitty Film
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Year
1989

Ranma 1/2: Nihao My Concubine

By otaku_kei
4th Feb 06

Nothing quite like a bit of trans-gender fun to take your mind off the more serious issues in life. Ranma 1/2 returns for another movie of love, violence, comedy, shape-shifting, and misunderstandings! But clearly the creators living by the old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" have brought us another tale where the girls get kidnapped, and the guys (and Ranma) have to retrieve their loved ones. Sure this may be pretty much the same story as the first film (and for all I know the entire Ranma series), but this time each of the characters are given their own opportunity to shine!

All deciding to take a summer break this group of friends, family and love rivals end up marooned on a deserted island then of course they are going to have an eventful time, especially when the Prince of Illusions starts kidnapping the women! Incensed by the theft of the objects of their various affections the guys set off to rescue the girls. But the girls are not the only treasure the Prince of Illusions has in his possession - the sacred water that could end the cursed life of transformation! But of course just so that this film can also shoehorn in the comedy the only hope Ranma has of saving the girls and getting the sacred water is to win a potential bride competition! But nothing is ever that easy for Ranma and his friends!

Still only in my infancy when it comes to exposure to the Ranma 1/2 phenomenon, this being only the second Ranma show that I have seen. But I have to say that I found this film much more enjoyable than the first movie! Perhaps that comes from the fact that I now know who some of these characters are, or perhaps the fact that each of these characters now gets enough screen time to let us get to know and understand them. The production levels for this film have also been upped since the last release. Call me shallow but I do like my anime to be pretty, and the increased budget has gone into making this movie just look much nicer.

So for those of you looking to get into an anime legend that has been woefully overlooked here in the UK then I highly recommend you pick up Ranma 1/2: Nihao My Concubine. No need to have seen the previously released film, but for anyone who enjoyed the earlier release will surely like this as well. But for anyone out there who really wants to get their teeth into this show I'd cross your fingers for a UK DVD release, or pick up the manga. But if all you are looking for is some madcap fun and some cheap laughs at the trans-gender community then this film could be just right for you!

R2 DVD Notes

Features: English Language 2.0; Japanese Language 2.0; English Language Subtitles; Character Profiles; Conceptual Art; MVM Trailers

Release information: OUT NOW

Notes: Not much to say for this disc. Servicable extras packaged with the excellence that has become the benchmark of MVM presentation.

-- otaku_kei 4th Feb 06

Ranma 1/2 Images