Before getting to the contents of the movie itself, I should probably have a quick discussion about this movie's title: no, Daughter of Darkness is not a direct translation of the movie's original title, Manatsu No Eve ("Midsummer's Eve"). Pioneer probably decided that the translated title sounds too much like William Shakespear's A Midsummer Night's Dream, and thus changed the title. Probably a good call on their part...

Manatsu No Eve is one of those movies that tells you that the material is starting to get worn a little thin -- while the action is quite intense, the plot line is fairly predictable, and I found that the characterisations were getting a little wearysome. (Perhaps that's the reason for the marked change in storyline in the newer TV series.) Those of you who like the perpetually cute depiction of Sasami by Yokoyama Chisa will be doubly thrilled by the equally saccharine depiction of Mayuka by none other than Iwao Junko. Iwao's acting ability isn't quite in Yokoyama's league, however. Yuzuha, the mysterious denizen of Darkness (played by Inoue Yo) sounds a little too much like Washu for my tastes. A little more variety (and perhaps originality) would have been nice. And while some backgrounds were very nicely rendered, the animation for the most part was very ordinary, with the exception of two scenes: the first time we see Yuzuha re-materialize in front of the Jurai guards, and the wonderful forced perspective shot of the 'Christmas ribbon' being spewed by the Tree of Darkness -- I wonder if these were computer-generated?

Putting the weaknesses of the storyline and casting aside, there's one area where this show does shine: the direction. The movie is surprising engrossing, and at times I found the intensity of the show a little uncomfortable to watch. The final battle scene between the forces of Light and Darkness may have been somewhat predictable, but that didn't seem to make any difference to me; I was still intent on watching the show. I was most impressed with how the edits were done; the revelation of what really transpired during Ryoko and Mayuka's confrontation above the lake is no real surprise, but was very skillfully implemented. The movie was entertaining, and I'm sure that those of you who like 'happily ever after' storys will find the scenes during the final credits right up your alley.
- AN, 98.04.24