Years after its Japanese release - and the cancellation of the series in American syndication - finally, Sailor Moon R: Promise of the Rose is officially released to video. The video uses the same voice cast as the Canadian TV version of the series, and reflects the strengths and weaknesses of the TV series fairly accurately. In fact, its unlikely anyone but a seasoned fan could understand much of what is going on in the film. This isn’t a movie that will win over many new converts to Sailor Moon, but it’s likely to entertain Sailor Moon’s many fans – provided that they are forewarned that Promise of the Rose isn’t the greatest anime ever filmed.
All the elements of a typical episode of Sailor Moon are there. There’s the good-looking male villain (Fiori) who also happens to be an alien. There’s a bevy of buxom female baddies who look as though they’re modeling for some mutant fanboy version of Victoria’s Secret. And there’s the ritualistic transformation and attack sequences – lifted directly from the TV series!
Sailor Moon is often a guilty pleasure for fans. The lead characters, created by Naoko Takeuchi, are undeniably well crafted from a character-driven perspective. The Sailor Scouts may wear nearly identical uniforms, but look – and act – differently. Each possesses her own personality, and the uniqueness of each Sailor is a rarity in most "team" anime where characterization is reduced to one or two stereotypical traits. Similarly, the stories are told with a wink, as if the animators are encouraging us to sit back, enjoy the scenery, and not take anything too seriously. As escapism, the series ranks with the best of the 1990s.
Promise of the Rose probably won’t rank very highly on a non-Moonie’s anime list. For diehard Moonies, however, the film will be like visiting an old friend.
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