AH! MY GODDESS: THE MOVIE
Ctrl+Alt+Goddess
Review by: Craig “Angel With a Dirty Face” Norris
Length: 105 minute movie
Genre: Supernatural, drama, romance
Watched: All, subbed
After being more than moderately impressed (and lovestruck) following the original OAV, I was eager to watch the feature-length film starring my favorite goddess. I would have been content with merely a continuation of the content offered in the OAV, which centered around Keiichi and Belldandy defying all odds to stay together. Not only is that what this movie offered, it also served up an engrossing plot about a plan to destroy earth. Needless to say I was content, and then some.
Plot synopsis: During a seemingly chance encounter one evening, Belldandy is reunited with her former mentor Celestin. However, after Celestin surprises her with a kiss, Belldandy passes out, and it is revealed that Celestin has infected her (and subsequently the Yggdrasil computer system) with a virus. The virus appears not to harm her, except for one side-effect: she has no memory of Keiichi or the wish they share. As Keiichi attempts to cope with Belldandy’s amnesia, the other goddesses discover that Celestin is attempting to use the virus to hack into Yggdrasil’s computer and unleash a program that will destroy earth.
Artwork: The character designs are based on the designs from the original OAV, which I feel are in many ways inferior to the character designs in the newer TV series. However, they are still very nicely animated, and are of an overall higher quality that the OAV. The outfits of the goddesses are characteristically ornate and eye-catching, seemingly an extension of the fantastic realm from which they hail, Yggdrasil. The movie really shines, however, in the action sequences, spell animations in particular. The bar was raised to a level that not even the new series can measure up to. To call it amazing, especially in this era of highly sophisticated CG, may be a bit of a stretch, but at the very least it is way above average.
Music: The music found in the movie is original, but similar in style to that found in the OAV. However, some tracks are a bit more intense due to the dramatic content of the movie. Predictably the music is of very high quality, due to the presence of the lyrical, relaxing vocals of Kikuko Inoue and the irrepressibly cute voice of Aya Hisakawa. (Interesting side note: these two provided the voices for four out of ten of the members of our Top Ten Chicks List. Coincidence? You won’t think so after hearing their voices.) The soundtrack is very enjoyable, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys ballads and softer j-pop.
Characters: The four principals of Keiichi, Belldandy, Urd, and Skuld retain their personalities from the OAV. However, in this film the depths of their caring for one another are explored to a much greater, and more satisfying, extent. The same secondary characters in the OAV also make appearances in this film, but are largely insignificant. The film also marks the first animated appearance of Peorth, who was not given a role in the OAV despite her large role in the manga. Unfortunately, due to the issues in Yggdrasil’s computer that she must deal with, she comes across as very stern and businesslike and does not allow her true personality to show through. Celestin plays the role of a fairly archetypical villain in anime circles; the one who is disgusted with humanity and seeks to give them a fresh start by destroying them, all the while fooling himself into believing what he is doing is noble. If you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all, but this one is much more worthy of hatred simply because bad man hurt Belldandy. Me go beat with stick! Celestin’s henchwoman is Morgan, a fairy who has been devastated by loss and subsequently allies herself with Celestin’s plan of total global destruction. I guess it’s true, then, that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. One messy break-up and they go and try to blow up the world! It’s women like Morgan whom I believe are the major obstacles in the way of election of a female president.
Plot: I have to admit, Celestin’s plan is very well thought out. Other villains could accomplish a lot more by planning things as thoroughly as he did. The backdrop of global destruction is a lot more hard-boiled than the plots found in the OAV, but still can’t overshadow the romance between Belldandy and Keiichi. The fact that their relationship stays at the forefront at all times was an extremely well executed plot point, as it shows the depth and magnitude of the caring they show for one another. I was very impressed by the plot, despite the fact that it sent me spiraling into an even deeper depression knowing that Keiichi, an undeserving dork, gets the goddess, while I, an even more undeserving dork, get a big fat bowl of jack squat.
CHICKS!: Do I even need to say anything here? Can I even articulate properly the magnitude and scope of Belldandy’s utter perfection? Suffice it to say that, despite my unhealthy and borderline obsessive desire to possess a harem of one anime chick (two in the case of twins) for every day of the year, Belldandy would be all that I could ever want or need. Her incomparable beauty is more radiant than all the light from heaven itself. One smile from her sweet lips ignites passion from within me intense enough to last a thousand lifetimes. (Gee, maybe if I used lines like that on real girls I’d get more dates.) Oh yeah, Urd, Peorth, and Morgan are pretty hot. But who cares? It’s Belldandy, people! So pull up a chair and prepare to have your hearts melted by this 105-minute Belldandy love-fest.
Overall: Not many movies turn out to be more successful and enjoyable than the series or OAV that spawned them, but Ah! My Goddess the Movie delivered in a big way. The visuals, music, plot, and character interaction were all kicked into overdrive, leaving their OAV counterparts in the dust. Not that I don’t recommend the OAV, but when you’re finished watching that you should check out this movie to see what Ah! My Goddess can really do.
In a Nutshell
+ Fantastic animation
+ Great soundtrack
+ Well-rounded plot
+ Characters at their best
- Somewhat unimaginative main villain
Rating: 9.5/10
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