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[ café reviews ]

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Episode 6: Eiyu Senso
(The War of Heroes)



Copyright: © 1990 Kadokawa Video (Japan), 1995 US Manga Corp / Software Sculptors (North America)
Length: 40 minutes
Rating: NR, parental guidance suggested
Format: Subtitled (VHS/Hybrid Quicktime CD-ROM)

Based on the novels by: Yasuda Hitoshi and Mizuno Ryo Executive Producer: Kadokawa Tsuguhiko Producers: Tamiya Takeshi, Ikeda Kensho, Maruyama Masao Screenplay: Watanabe Mami Director: Ryu Taiji Character design: Izubuchi Yutaka Music: Hagita Mitsuo English version producer: John O'Donnell Translator: Neil Nadelman


[ plot summary ]

volume 3

The advance forces lead by King Kashue are heavily outnumbered, as the advance Marmo forces have enlisted a large contingent of non-humans to aid their cause. The main armies, lead by King Fahn march towards the battlegrounds, with Deedlit, Woodchuck and recently knighted Parn at the head of the lines. At last, we find out the extent of Karla's meddling in the destiny of Lodoss -- and perhaps, where Parn's destiny might lie. The main forces of Beld and Fahn finally clash, and once again, Parn faces the deadly cold sword of Ashram. Their meeting is cut short, when King Fahn challenges King Beld to single combat. The two former friends and allies clash for the first and last time, in what would become known as the "War of Heroes."


[ capsule review ]

This episode has a decidedly different feel to it -- it may be because no fewer than eight directors worked on this series! I thought that several scenes were hastilly plopped into the script, giving the episode a markedly "forced" feeling. This is unfortunate, since we get a lot of important information in this particular installment, especially in regards to the nature of Karla, and her one potential weak point. A favourite topic of Japanese filmmakers deals with the evils of war; the team working on Lodoss is no exception. Again, the message, though poignant, are too forced and too contrived. We still have the same battle scenes being re-used over and over again, and lots of panned stills. This time, many of the pans have dusty overlays interspersed with bright red streaks, in an attempt to convey the gritty, dusty feel of the battleground. Interesting approach, but I think I'll pass on this one. Still, the script continues to set up a future battle between Parn and Ashram, and Ghim's upcoming struggle to release Leylia from Karla's grasp. The music at the very end of this episode is grand. - AN


Valis' forces clash with those of Marmo. Things don't look good for the forces of Valis who are surrounded by Marmo troops however, Fahn challenges Beld to a duel. The story continues to be very gripping and you're kept on the edge of your seat wondering how things will turn out. Parn crosses swords briefly with Ashram and we get a sense of Ashram's character and conceit when he first knocks Parn off his feet. There is further plot development dealing with Karla and who she is but this episode is dedicated primarily to the duel between the two leaders. There is also a nice twist to the plot once the duel is over which promises to continue the story. The music continues to be very good and adds to the overall feel of the story. While Parn's character has some moments of annoying overacting it is generally suitably in character. The re-use of battle scenes at the beginning of this episode does detract somewhat from the overall enjoyment of the episode but is quickly forgotten once the duel begins. - JYN



[ café rating ]

Original: Subbed: Dubbed:
Story: N/R 4 stars N/A
Direction: N/R 2 stars N/A
Acting: N/R 3 stars N/A
Animation: N/R 3 stars N/A
Music: N/R 3 stars N/A
Translation: N/R 4 stars N/A
Overall Rating: N/R 3 stars N/A



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