Krenzin

May include minor spoilers. Alright, since there's no review here, I decided to write one and try and keep it short. Try. Legend of Crystania is a rather average movie overall, but even with all it's flaws I still managed to enjoy it, because I went into it expecting it to be almost exactly as it is: average. Flaws - First and foremost, LoC suffers greatly from it's short length; there's dozens of loose ends and plot-holes and just general shortcuts/skip. Someone is locked in a room and can't bust out? Next scene they're rejoining the main group with no real explanation as to how theygot out. And that's not nearly the worst of it; the anime is incomplete, possibly needing the OVAs eps for conclusion, though I've yet to see them, so I can't tell for sure (judging by the description of the OVA, I'd put my money on them not completing this story) The characters are very bland, mostly due to the length so none of them really have any depth or backstory, with only a few exceptions with the minor characters that I personally wished would have had more time because they were somewhat interesting. I'm really not one to care about art, but I've met enough anime fans to know that the art and animation will definitely bother some folks who only want smooth, pretty art, so there's that. Merits - The action was good, the story was comprehensible and decent, even if it was incomplete and full of holes, and a few of the characters were interesting, even without any depth. And, as I said before, I did still enjoy it. That's honestly all I can say in favor of this anime movie. Conclusion - Watch it, but do not expect to be wowed. This is definitely a "bubblegum" movie; something to watch on a rainy day, when you have nothing else on your plate, and need something to pass the time.

cjdstruction

**WARNING: FOR THE FOLLOWING REVIEW, THERE WILL BE MINOR SPOILERS HERE AND THERE ON HOW THE WORLD CRYSTANIA RUNS AND HOW IT'S CREATED! IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED, WATCH THE FILM AND OVA SERIES BEFORE VIEWING THIS REVIEW! IF YOU ARE REBELLIOUS AND YOU DON'T CARE (RESPECT) GO ON RIGHT AHEAD BECAUSE I AM NOT PULLING ANY PUNCHES!** I LOVE Medieval type stories. Gives me inspiration to write and finish my own personal fictional world....... Someday. Aaanyway, here is another classic anime review compared to my other previous work. Here, I am going to review "Legend of Crystania". So, what ISCrystania? Why is this world is so..... "legendary"? I am going to tell you all about so, let's venture right in! _________________ **STORY** Since the beginning of time, Gods of Light and Darkness went to war with at each other. During the midst of battle, legendary dragons appeared whom are called "God Killers". When some of the Gods have heard of this, went neutral and fled from the war then created a world of their own, which is known as Crystania. The Animal Gods (Beast Gods) have placed their souls to the people and giving them the power of their according animal God. "Furries" if you will. After that, The Animal Gods created a lifted the entire world (or island) so high and placed a snake way- um WALL! A snake-looking wall to protect and keep outsiders who tries to enter Crystania. Crystania is peaceful.... Until everything changed, when a man named Ashram who came with his people, searching for a place to migrate. Barbas, The Tiger God was there and made a deal with Ashram and later he let them in. Sounds reasonable right? However, you'll know more once you've dive in a little into the movie. Okay, enough about Barbas and Christopher Columbus searching for India, I mean Crystania. Enter Redon/Raydan/Reidong, however this movie tries to name him. Y'know what, I'll call him Raymond, yeah that's it, Raymond. A young prince who doesn't know just yet who would help change Crystania for the better along with his party of "friends". Gretta – Rogue Class: Loyal to Raymond's royal family and his only purpose to serve and protect Raymond, even if it cost his own life. Ovierre – Swordsman Class: A mercenary who would kill and/or follow orders where the money is. Rifan – Beginner Mage Class: Young little girl whos mesmerized by Maddam Amerisia and likes hangs around with Ovierre. Nasser – Sorcerer Class: Friend to the royal family and close to Raymond. Lady Amerisia – Advance Mage Class: Priestess and firm believer who believes that everyone should get along..... basically. Well then, down to the nitty gritty. The story itself is very intriguing but leaves with so many plot holes that will leave you going "huh?" Yet, it's enough to get really immersed in. Furry or not. Perhaps all this could work if you maybe try to connect with "Record of Lodoss War" then maybe? The director's style for this 'Crystania' is jumping from character to character just to have everyone follow along. It's hard to explain. Kinda like, you pick a character from RPG video game and you're following that character's story that connects to other main character's story. 6/10 _________________ **ANIMATION** May be old, but for this kind of animation quality to release back in the late 90's is way ahead of it's time. It's the same animation that worked on "Record of Lodoss War". I can say, it could still hold up to this very day, for it has that timeless feel to it. 9/10 _________________ **SOUND** Let me put it this way: The main song that plays from the trailer and at the end of the movie, is the BEST SONG EVER!!! I couldn't imagine that no one wouldn't ever bobbing their skulls on how good the song is. Best choice they ever picked. The OST for Crystania is not bad either. Actually, it’s pretty darn good on which scene is appropriate for use. 9/10 _________________ **CHARACTERS** This is the part where I get REALLY sour. The English Dub are okayish but the majority of it but It gets pretty to listen to them talk. The most of the actors are fine for portraying the the character really well. The Original Jap Dub is slightly better and is lesser annoying but I wouldn't they would make 'Crystania' anymore good. The whoever the actor who portraid as Rifan, should be booted. Her acting is so cringeworthy, I just thought she should die somewhere. I would say the same thing for the main character for this movie too. Raymond was really nice from the beginning but as he goes through the whole story, he's such a whiny little bastard who so much wanted revenge. There is some character development and he got lesser whining. Of course he does held up on his own in battle. Rifan is godawful annoying. She's a child, sure but should be less exaggerated throughout the entire movie. 6/10 _________________ **ENJOYMENT** Yeah, I did enjoyed some. Despite myself power horsing through the acting, I really loved the battle action scenes. Pretty damn brutal when you two furry clans fighting each other and everyone working for the same cause on defeating the final boss (God's King Barbas) then bringing peace. I could REALLY see this as a good RPG if there ever is one. 7/10 _________________ **VERDICT** It's a pretty well drawn anime that would have anyone interested and be immersed in a beautiful, yet chaotic world like Crystania. The thing is, "Legend Of Crystania" is just an OPENING of the OVA series that comes right after. Despite for all the plot holes and cringeworthy acting, I would give this a solid recommendation for anyone who enjoys the "Record of Lodoss War" series. I wouldn't say it's the kind for someone who would enjoy this on a rainy day but it would be fun to look at. FURSONA TRANSFURMATION!!!! VERDICT: 6/10 - Legend? Eh! RECOMMENDATION: BUY BUY: Solid keeper for anyone who enjoys the Record of Lodoss War series and for those who like Fantasy Stories.