C'era una volta Windaria

While it might not be the right film to cheer you up when you're feeling blue, I found Windaria to be a good movie. The dubbing left something to be desired (this is Streamline, after all) and I suspect it may have been edited somewhat for the US release. Still a film worth checking out. I hope an unedited version will be released someday.

Windaria is one of the most depressing films I have just about ever seen, but I was moved by it as well.

I really, really like this film despite its small plot holes. The Art and Character designs are just wonderful. If you think that Characters Eyes are too big, then I guess you just don't get it. The soundtrack is outstanding as well.

Some things about Windaria still haunt me today... you'll find yourself doing a lot of thinking after you watch this film. I first saw it back in like 1991, I paid $30 for a copy of it because I thought the box art was good, and the story sounded interesting. I scored big; I must have watched this movie about 10+ times. Fairly recently I was able to get a hold of the original Japanese version Subtitled in English. I was very interesting to finally see the movie as it originally intended. I thought it would answer all my questions. It did answer some, but also created some new ones. The difference between versions is quite interesting. For example, I can remember at least one occasion that dialogue existed in the US version, where the Japanese version was silent. Then of course there is some dialogue in the Japanese version that was changed into something completely different in the US version. I must admit, after watching both versions I think I still like the US version best, probably just because it is what I am used to, and is what I saw first.

This film is a unique Romeo and Juliet style story, but it goes much deeper than that. It is also not just about one couple, but two. Who struggle because of foolish war, seduction, temptation, and decite.

I personally loved this film and give it a 10, as long as you're not anti anime and have an open mind you'll enjoy it as well.

Like a lot of Eighties anime released in the US (Warriors of the Wind, Robotech, Space Warriors, Journey through Fairyland), this one was dubbed "down" to a child's level, with pandering voice acting and low intelligence expectations, in spite of the original's maturity. This isn't to say that Windaria is a particularly extraordinary feature even in the original version--it has pretty good animation, but it seems a little too derivative of Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind (and yet I can imagine Miyazaki laughing at the mystical parts of this movie). That said, the story in the English version, though missing sections important to the plot and character development, isn't so awful as to make it unwatchable. Hell, compared to Lin Minmei's voice on Robotech, this movie is rather pleasant!

Windaria: Legend of Fabulous Battle is a classic anime movie from the mid-80s--a deeply moving tragedy with gorgeous character designs by Inomata Mutsumi (Leda: Fantastic Adventure of Yohko) and one of the most effective musical scores of any anime film. Note, however, that the U.S. "adaptation" bears no resemblance to the original Japanese movie apart from the visuals; the script was completely rewritten from scratch by Carl Macek back when he worked for Harmony Gold. Even the soundtrack was altered, and yes, scenes were cut (ironically, the movie's closing ballad appears on the American "Best of Anime" CD, but not in the U.S. release of the movie). I would definitely recommend this film to anyone who enjoys epic dramas or animated films, but make sure you get the original Japanese version.

As a fan of animation and fantasy, Japan is a bottomless pit of potential. There are hundreds of works spanning the decades, every genre represented, every show appealing to someone out there. Where does one even start? Which are the classics, which are lowest common denominator? Which are bad, which are so-bad-its-good? Which are forgotten treasures, which deserve their obscurity? My first world problem is answering these questions.

I just came across Windaria. Never heard anyone talk of it. It apparently did have an English dub, disastrously executed. I did find some small discussion, most notably a 2/5 star review from a trusted source. I didn't think it was that bad...but I see where that comes from.

Windaria is almost a Studio Ghibli quality film. I'm not joking when I compare their similarities. It develops an interesting fantasy world, has solid animation and a nice orchestral score, has similar technology, and even shares the anti-war, pro-environmental themes of Miyazaki. However, Windaria is not a family-friendly adventure. It delves into ambition, how it can take over one's mind, ruining their relationships and selling their soul for fame, power, and fortune.

Too bad we can't believe these changes of heart.

The main characters start out as likable, then suddenly 180. You are left wondering why they're acting so cruel, or with blind stupidity. Halfway through, all the problems of the film could have been solved, yet they keep fighting. This is probably due to their ambition...but it feels like we're missing 10 minutes of dialog. Its a shame that an otherwise great film screws itself over with such a simple mistake.

But I still got goosebumps at the ending. I still felt the devastation.

There's writing issues, yes. But if you fill in the gaps yourself, I think Windaria is pretty good, especially for its obscurity. Its beautiful, yet somber. Just make sure you watch it subbed!