And continuing with feminism...

[katranna]

I feel once again motivated to sing the praises of one of the most complicated and brilliant anime I know to all those interested in gender dynamics or feminism or just good mindfucks with a dose or Barbie pink surrealism: Revolutionary Girl Utena. It's based partly on a deconstruction of "magical girl" shows like Sailor Moon, and it also takes

Comments

[lilithchilde]

Mmmm, god I love that show. Definitely my favorite anime series ever. Of course, I haven't ever finished it . . . only ever got a little ways into the Black Rose arc. I should really do that.

[katranna]

Me too actually. :-) I got almost UP to the Black Rose Arc... But I read some spoilers.

[aliterati]

Spoilers ahead, but...

How does Utena carry through a promise of feminist revolution (which is what I assume you mean when you oppose it to the patriarchical restoration of Brother, Dear Brother) when it essentially ends with the heroine being defeated in battle by the hyper-phallic male who magically endowed her with her strength in the first place?

Or are we talking about Anthy's victory? Which is kinda... well, really feminine and demure. ;P

[katranna]

Er... okay, um, I guess my idea of the ending was wrong, then.

I wasn't talking about a feminist revolution so much as a gender one... I thought the end of Utena shattered gender norms. The end of the movie definitely did, in any case, and that's the only ending I've seen...

[aliterati]

No, gender norms, yeah, I agree. ;P

[dangermousie]

Hmmmm.

I am afraid HYD is as weird as I am willing to go for now. But I am facinated by the triangular faces...

[blogofstench]

Okay, you decided me. I definitely need to see this series, especially since the main character has PINK HAIR!!!!! How would I go about finding it in DVD form?

--MW

P.S. Was geeking out about Labyrinth in my Blog of Stench...would love your opinion

[dangermousie]

Ebay has it (to buy).

Alternatively, netflix might have it for rent.