Sailor Moon R: the Movie
The Promise of the Rose
"New Sailor Moon in America? Impossible!" That's what I, (and I suspect a good deal of other fans) said upon seeing the new Sailor Moon R movie available for sale. But like a dream come true, the Moon Princess has returned to bring us new adventures. And I must say, it's about time.
Of all the popular titles that have been brought over from Japan, Sailor Moon has certainly suffered the worst fate among them. Of all the mega hits to have found an audience on both sides of the Pacific, (like Ranma 1/2 and Dragonball Z), Sailor Moon is the least supported title. Just to prove it, there were roughly 200 episodes made of Sailor Moon in Japan. And how many have been released on video in America? 25. That's all. There were 6 volumes showcasing the highlights of the first season, and the packaged boxed set of the 13 episode Doom Tree saga a few years ago, but that's it. Yes, reruns of the first and second season still play on Cartoon Network, (not for much longer though), but for those who would like to own Sailor Moon videos, there just isn't a market.
Getting back to the present, you can imagine my surprise upon finding out the three Sailor Moon movies were being released and in dubbed format to boot! All of the old actors are back for this movie, and it feels just like old times again. Many people prefer the subtitled, (and unedited version), but I've always found that Sailor Moon is one of the most flexible animes ever, and is capable of being enjoyed by both small children and adults alike.
The Sailor Moon R Movie's title is "The Promise of the Rose". The major character the plot revolves around is Tuxedo Mask/Darien, who ends up running into an old friend from childhood named Fiore. Turns out that Fiore is an alien of the same race as Alan and Ann, (from the Doom Tree saga) and wants to give Darien a beautiful flower from outer space, in return for a rose of kindness Darien once gave him. But the trouble is that Fiore's found the Kisenian flower, an evil weed which has been known to suck energy dry from entire planets. And it's manipulating Fiore into thinking Sailor Moon is out to destroy his friendship with Darien.
Of course, their is some classic Sailor Moon battle moments, but I can't get over how fantastic the animation is. It's such a step up from the regular series. And the final battle on the Kisenian Asteroid is just a blast.
But I believe the number one best thing of the movie, (and of Sailor Moon the series) is the message that love conquers all. Sappy as some may think it to be, I myself am always moved to see Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Mask, and the Sailor Scouts overcome all odds simply by the strength of their love and friendship for one another. It is one of the key themes of the series, and it is a theme that was never pulled off better.
Overall, this is one Sailor Moon event that you can't afford to miss. Sailor Moon R: the Movie does a lot more then promise a rose, it promises a story you won't soon forget. Welcome back Sailor Moon. Here's to hoping you stick around for some time to come.
**** stars, (or asterix)
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