Our web designer Opus, lovely fellow that he is, maintains a nice little site all his own from which he allows us to pilfer his reviews from time to time. And so, I present to you Opus' review of Karas: The Prophecy.
Watching Karas: The Prophecy, it's tempting to describe it as practically every single anime cliche condensed and distilled into its purest form so as to be piped directly into the viewer's nervous system in as undiluted a manner as possible. Seriously, this thing has it all: over-the-top action sequences, ultra-stylish mecha, bizarre enemies with grotesque powers and abilities, vehicular combat that behaves as if the laws of physics don't apply to them, and a definite emphasis on style over substance. So much so, it's like style took substance out behind the woodshed, beat it to a bloody pulp, and dragged it behind the car on the way back home.
(As for the list of anime cliches, all that Karas is missing are some well-endowed schoolgirls with big guns, and some tentacles. However, there are still two more episodes left.)
To call Karas a bunch of cliches is a little unfair to the animators. Yes, it has a lot of cliches in it, but the creators are very well aware of it. It serves as the 40th Anniversary of Tatsunko Productions (Speed Racer/ Gatchaman), and these guys are just pulling out all the stops to throw anime in general a giant birthday bash (it kinda serves as the stripper that jumps out of the cake). The whole thing is what a 13 year old boy would dream up, and that's precisely what the animators are going for, me thinks (think 5th Element).
And yeah, the Manga release of the dvd has some editing problems- they edited 3 OVAs into one movie so the pacing is waay too breakneck. It's much better to watch them as standalone episodes as they were originally made. But ah well- least it's cheap ;)
Karas is awesome. I never heard about film version. I seen only three 30 minutes episodes, but about six time each of them and with every watch I find new details I missed.
Animation is stunning. Simple Karas's move of his sword is exhibiton of look-like-real physical model. And background music? I need this OST! It's beautifull (it was recorded by Prague philharmonic orchester from Czech republic - my country ;) )
You write about lots of cliches, but story is served as puzzle. Well mixed. Every new episode throw some shine to old scenes and facts. It's brilliant.
I seen lots of anime by last few years, but this is one of the best. Don't miss it ;)
Sorry for language, english is not my native...
It's a really cool movie, no doubt. I have problems with how it's not really fleshed out or cohesive in any way, but as Opus says the stylishness of the movie can win you over.
There seems to be some confusion about whether this is an amalgamation of 3 episodes or the first episode in a trilogy as Opus states. If this is indeed a complete work then I am sorely disappointed in the cliffhangerish ending. What I want to say is that I REALLY liked this movie, but it is incomplete (or at least I hope so).
please answer back as soon as possible! :D
I would like to see more DVD's on KARAS. Its he kind of anime that sends me reeling. Please let me know if there are any more episodes of KARAS, other than the "PROPHECY".
yes theres a second coming out i think september 2007 if im not mistaken.but i like the anime who cares if its unclear some times.i love The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and its preety random if you wach it in cronological order but its still funny.its story line could be a little better but the agian i havent seen the whole thing
-----