Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful yet disturbing escape from reality
Review: In some ways this is a movie that doesn't want to be understood. The story itself, when understood, is very captivating and intriguing. However, simply following the action with your eyes, having some basic understanding of the events, is what creates the most powerful viewing. The plot consists of twists and turns, a disjointing loss of continuity, and it's done this way purposely. The world that these characters inhabit does not follow the rules of reality, and I doubt the characters themselves are completely sure of what's happening. In fact, I'd assume that these characters follow the world the same way we follow the events of the movie; they are faintly aware of what's going on, why things are happening, but aren't fully conscious during the process.The plot, to simplify it, is composed of characters whom inhabit a paradise. This is a world with no imperfections, a place where everything works as it should. The only pain in this world is the pain of memories, and as you watch the movie you soon understand that all the angst swelling within these characters is always based on faint memories. The ending, not to spoil anything, is exactly how it should be; Anthy and Utena are faced with a choice... they can continue living in paradise, forever haunted by the painful memories of their pasts, or escape to a world that offers no safe havens except the freedom from the chains that bind them. Like many other reviewers have said, this is not a movie for everyone. It's confusing, uncomfortable and sometimes painful. But at the same time, there is a pure beauty presented here. The mesmerizing animation of the utopia of the academy alone is worth watching the film. But at the same time, the sparkling pink and blue hues have a fake, superficial beauty to them. When the real world is finally seen, the muddy browns and earth tones are incredibly refreshing to the eyes. Keeping an open mind to this movie is key. You have to let go of your pre-notions of reality and be absorbed into the world of Utena.
Rating:
Summary: Revolutionary!
Review: WOW! This is the MOST BEAUTIFUL MOVIE EVER! It is my favorite movie! A MUST-SEE!
Rating:
Summary: Animation that doesn't patronize its viewers!
Review: I fell in love with Adolescence Mokushiroku the minute I first watched it. Like many other reviewers, I recommend that you watch the series first as the movie is basically a re-telling of the story but with a new "layout" shall we say. The characters are magnificently drawn and the story is held together by the traditional surrealist aspect of the series. Now, I want to make sure you people realize one thing. Utena is not soft porn and it is not about "lesbians" or whatever else (...) people have written in some reviews. The movie is beyond any stereotypes like that. A lot of fans from the series are too caught up in their notion that Utena and Anthy were just good friends in the series and have suddenly become lovers in the movie. That is absolutely not true! People, surrealism uses imagery and provokes the mind to think beyond what we are seeing and hearing. It's not about Utena or Anthy. It's about humanity in general. It's about how we only feel comfortable when things are right or left, up or down and we really never stop and think, "Hey! Maybe I'll just be different for a change! Maybe I'll stop being what the world has made me and instead become what I want to be". For those of you who think Utena is soft porn, you need to losen your tie a little and get yourselves on track. There's a difference between mild nudity and sexual acts! In conclusion, this is a great movie for anyone that is 13 years or older and who doesn't take offense to thought-provoking ideas.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing movie
Review: Breathtaking animation and an... interesting plot make this a fabulous feature. Especially noticible is the high quality of the music. The dub is much improved over the first arc of the series relased here. It is very reccomended that you watch the TV series in its entierty before veiwing this movie, or at least have a good understanding of it.
Rating:
Summary: Bring the world revolution
Review: This is a story of four young women haunted by ghosts; a story of love, hate, incest, guilt and hope -- and revolution. An ugly, beautiful tale brilliantly told. Two girls are duelling each other for love in the academy walkways; Saionji and Miki are caught in a trial they do not see or understand. The girl without a heart dancing with her prince amidst the stars high above Ohtori, while the arena turns into a waterfall raining roses on the academy; Anthy literally driving Utena to pieces while they desperately race for end of the world, with the way blocked by a ghost who wants Anthy to be living dead. The world is an illusion and the castle has wheels; they also threw in a wicked bit with the elephants and Chu-Chu. Sounds like an acid trip? I'd call it an experience. This movie simply has to be seen to be believed. It is a masterpiece, but perhaps not for the younger viewers -- they might enjoy the Rose Collection better, where the symbolism is lighter and the story not so obvious. For the more mature viewers, this is a must have. Definitely one of the classics.
Rating:
Summary: THE BEST DVD IN MY COLLECTION!
Review: I am thoroughly impressed with this DVD! I had seen the movie in fansubbed version long before the commercial release, and the quality is SO MUCH BETTER ON DVD! The colors are vivid and the translation is good, in my opinion. I also like the extras that came with the DVD as well, especially the fan contest winners section. Buy this DVD today, and don't just stop there...buy the soundtrack CD as well! They're worth it!
Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyable and Unique... But Not for Everyone
Review: Excellent animation and art combine with a unique storyline and striking choreography to form a memorable experience. The experience is made more memorable by the bizaare turns of the story, which condenses the plotline of a manga series effectively into 80 minutes by using lavish doses of symbolism. My only warning is that viewers might want to be familiar with the Utena story before seeing this movie. Essentially, the director has retold the story with a great deal of imagery and symbolism as a way of revisiting a well known set of characters and storyline, almost as a fond rememberance for existing fans. This anime, therefore, will be enjoyed by those who know the story and most by those who are rabid Utena fans. In Japan, Utena is an absolute craze, breaking so many boundaries in a world of manga already known for challenging traditional social mores. This movie targets those people who have already joined the legions of devout fans and who want more, more, more... . STill, regardless of whether or not you are an Utena fan, this one is so unique and so well produced that, even with some imagery and symbolism that may be difficult to grasp... this is enjoyable and, more than anything else, memorable anime. I may not watch it again very soon, but will certainly watch it again, and, in between these times, I will continue to think of certain scenes from time to time and puzzle over their meaning and their absolutely striking strangeness! Enjoy...
Rating: 
Summary: A Fine Film
Review: Surreal and visually stunning, the Utena movie is a treat for fans of the series or anime fans in general.
It should be noted that the film is not a continuation of the series' events. It is actually a quite satisfying retelling of Utena's story, with many inside jokes for series fans to enjoy along the way.
I wouldn't suggest this to younger anime fans, since the film's themes are rather mature. But if you're of age, this film would be a fine addition to any anime collection.
Rating:
Summary: Innovation on a large scale
Review: This is one of the most stunning films I have seen in any genre in a long time. The animation is crisp and fresh, the themes are exciting and though provoking, and the imagery is unlike anything that has proceeded it. The filmmakers have create a world that can't be referenced or compared to any that have preceded it. The viewer is rewarded for watching this move repeatedly, be it finding another layer of the story or noticing something beautiful they had not seen previously. This should be considered a mod sci-fi classic. Any fan of androgyny, williful pretension, or adventurous mind-blowing owes it to themselves to get this disc. I can't stress it enough.
Rating:
Summary: Porn? Nooo!!!! Sii!! Noo!! Ooohh!
Review: Pornographic content, some say? I'd say no. Of course there are some scenes some might call explicit, but the film is about the two basic things: Sex and violence.
But why complain? The series was about them too. It had more layers, more sidekicks, and more comedy, but the basis is the same. It's about the world of misery and death, living and dying and living without being alive.
1½ hours of pain, purification, catharsis and sex. Depicted more beautifully and with more symbolism than in End of Evangelion. This movie, it rocks.
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