It is well known Star Wars creator George Lucas, was influence by Japanese culture, particularly the samurai when creating the epic Skywalker Saga. The Hidden Fortress a Jidaigeki film by legendary director Akira Kurosawa, was an inspiration on the narrative of Star Wars. The word Jedi is believed to come from Jidaigeki, the Japanese word for period dramas. It is only fitting and way overdue to return to the trilogy’s Japanese-inspired root with the Star Wars: Visions.
This exciting new anthology series features nine animated shorts created by seven Japanese anime studios, Kamikaze Douga, Studio Colorido, Geno Studio, Trigger, Kinema Citrus, Production I.G, and Science SARU. Each of the studios brings its own original stories and unique design and animation to the expanded Star Wars universe.
Since each episode stories are composed within themselves, instead of one overacting story. A quick episode-by-episode breakdown of the pros and cons would be best for this review.
1: The Duel
PROS
- Excellent episode to kick off the series with.
- Perfect homage to the classic samurai movies by Akira Kurosawa.
- Great mix of Star Wars music and Japanese traditional music.
CONS
- The use of 3D CGI then using a pencil sketch filter to make it look 2D.
2: Tatooine Rhapsody
PROS
- Cameos of Boba Fetts and Jabba the Hutt.
- Boba Fetts voiced by Temuera Morrison.
- Music reminds one of the rock band, The Pillows from anime Fooly Cooly.
CONS
- Some may like this, but the story is far from a normal Star Wars story
- All characters are design in the chibi anime style
3: The Twins
PROS
- Interesting Story about twin Brother and Sister
- High impact action
- Cool Darth Vader inspired suit designs
CONS
- Animation at times was rough and too limited
- Some may like it but it has that WEBTOON art style
- Story was a ripped off my own unreleased Star Wars story about twins
4: The Village Bride
PROS
- Flashbacks of a haunting story of past violence.
- Studio Ghibli inspired art style
- Explored the oddness of different planets and cultures in Star Wars Universe.
CONS
- Despite the flashbacks, the audience never really learns about the hero. A 12 episode anime series or an anime movie would give time to learn more about the hero’s past.
5: The Ninth Jedi
PROS
- Classic Star Wars vibes, just simply in an anime art style
- Full of potential Star Wars folklore and mythos, could be explored in an anime series.
- Epic lightsaber battle between a group of Jedi and Sith
- Did a better job at creating and explaining a strong and interesting female hero.
- Would make for a great Star Wars anime series.
CONS
- Like some of the other episodes, it was hard to understand which era of Star War we are in. Could have been easily after Revenge of the Sith or Rise of Skywalker.
6: T0-B1
PROS
- Inspiring story about a robot’s dream of becoming a Jedi Knight.
- Homage to the classic anime and manga, Astro Boy by Osamu Tezuka.
- Surprisedly great lightsaber battle.
CONS
- Because of the digitally mock of a pencil or ink stroke and the weight. The line art had a weird fizzy look to it, especially the backgrounds.
7: The Elder
PROS
- Taking place right after the Old Republic and fall of the Sith.
- Sound design, most notable the lightsaber, had great weight when wielding.
- The choreograph of both lightsaber battles was cleverly well-done.
- The mysterious villain gave the story intense suspense.
CONS
- Padawan felt a little too much like Attack of the Clone Anakin at times.
8: Lop and Ocho
PROS
- Perfect mix of Star Wars and Japanese culture.
- Background art was beautifully drawn and very detailed.
- Could be good for an anime series.
CONS
- Not reason or underling of the daughter’s decisions.
9: Akakiri
PROS
- Interesting and thought-provoking story
- Somewhat homage to The Hidden Fortress
- Intense lightsaber battle
CONS
- Feature an older anime style that some may not like.
Comments