One of the newer genres of Japanese animation is the Dungeons and Dragons-inspired epic tale. Western versions of elves, dwarves, fairies and dragons intermingle in what are essentially animated versions of role-playing games or sword-and-sorcery novels. Something is lost in the translation, naturally, but something is also added - a freshness not often found in tired Western attempts to revive mythological and legendary themes.
With the establishment of a genre comes parody, and Slayers:The Motion Picture is a prime example of a sword-and-sorcery tale that doesn't take itself too seriously. Indeed, Slayers could be considered the animated equivalent of Fritz Leiber's excellent (and funny)Fahfrid and the Grey Mouser novels.
Slayers is also the name of an ongoing manga and OAV series, but you needn't be aware of those entries to enjoy the freewheeling adventures of sorceress Lina Inverse, an often boyish lass with incredible occult powers. Lina's bustier, sillier counterpart is Nagha, a scantily-clad heroine with a penchant for conjuring faux dragons out of various elements. Nagha sees herself as Lina's true rival, whereas Lina correctly views Nagha as a royal pain. Both of these characters are written surprisingly well, which accounts for much of the film's appeal. They aren't one-dimensional, even if they prefer one-liners to actual dialogue. (You can catch assorted potshots at other anime series such as Dragonball and Dragon Half). The two sorceresses' adventures in the land of Mipross are frequently punctured by their attempts to outdo one another, a rivalry which will likely continue for a very long time.
The animation which accompanies their magical spells is often truly stunning, even in the post-Ghost-in-the-Shell era, and in general the animation is very high quality. The transformations and various special-effects are enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. While the character designs themselves are not particularly original (Nagha is built like a raven-haired version of Oh My Goddess' Urd, and villain Michigan J. Joyrock is a Godzilla-oid creation), they are certainly very good. Some of the demon designs are truly frightening, and the battle scenes are tastefully choreographed, especially for an animated film. In fact, considering this is a sword and sorcery film, there is very little violence, and none of it is what I would call realistically graphic.
The plot is the stuff of a typical Frank Frazetta illustration, with double-crosses, the promise of earning gold through adventure, a mythic quest, several amazing coincidences, and some not-too-bright bad guys. Again, the writing is what sets this apart from other fantasy films. The humor is witty, and the story itself is well-crafted for the genre. Unlike other films with a pair of comic heroines (Gunsmith Cats and Project Eden), Slayers is a fully-fleshed out concept in which characterization and story are given equal weight. And, despite Nagha's very skimpy costume, this isn't an excuse for endless jiggle either - girls should be able to enjoy this film as well as boys.
For a change, the voice actors in the ADV dub of Slayers are pretty good, and special praise should be singled out to Cynthia Martinez' services as Lina.
If you don't like fantasy, Slayers will not change your mind. If you do like fantasy, and are old enough to appreciate the comedy of the film, you will likely enjoy much of this 65 minute film. It never takes itself seriously, and has no pretensions to be anything but a rollicking good time.
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Other Anime Reviews Dragonball Z:The Movie Review* Fushigi Yuugi Review* Galaxy Express 999:Eternal Fantasy Review* My Neighbor Totoro Review* Neon Genesis Evangelion Review |
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