Tenchi Muyo: (Movie #3)

Tenchi Forever

CARL's TAKE: <<<Four stars>>>

Summary - Using the universe presented in the Tenchi television series, Yosho came to Earth with the woman he loved to escape being heir to the Juraian throne. But this woman, Haruna, died just before reaching Earth. Each person from Jurai has their own tree, with Haruna's being the Camellia tree. In his grief, Yosho traveled Japan planting camellias, including one near the Misaki shrine where he finally met his wife Itsuki and settled down.
But Haruna's spirit didn't fade quietly. She was so set on living a happy life with the man she loved that she became a mononoke, or vengeful spirit, residing in the camellia tree. And when Tenchi wanders by she sucks him into a dreamworld of his creation, erasing his memories so the two can live happily forever. But Ryoko, Ayeka and the gang won't just let Tenchi go, and they set out on a journey to find Tenchi and free him from Haruna's spell.

Impression - a fitting tribute to Tenchi Muyo in all its forms. The best, albeit bleakest, of the franchise.

Review - this movie hardly seems to have been born from the light-hearted comedy that is Tenchi, but that's because at its center it's a drama about love and perseverance. From the plot to the soundtrack it's one of the best works of franchise. The characters finally get fleshed out a little, revealing they have depth that we could only assume was there before. The best example of this is Tenchi, who finally grows up (literally) in this movie, and stops being that annoying can't-decide-anything kid in from the series. It's not made to make you laugh - and it probably won't - but it's a good, solid work that should mean something for Tenchi fans.

VERDICT: great piece for fans, especially for those looking to see more development for the big three- Tenchi, Ryoko, and Ayeka (the rest are only supporting roles in this movie).

MIKE'S TAKE: <<< >>>

BEN'S TAKE: <<< >>>