Genma Saotome and Soun Tendou are two friends who agreed to marry off each other's children. On the appointed date of meeting to set the engagement, who should come barging into their house but a little girl and a panda! Soon enough, the Tendou family learns that these characters are no other than Genma, and his son, Ranma, who met this fate during a dangerous training exercise in China. Despite this fact, the two friends decide to engage Ranma and Akane, Soun's youngest daughter. As to be expected, both children were indignant about the engagement.
However, various challenges and trials between Akane and Ranma somehow drew them closer together, and before they knew it, they were in love.
English dubbed and Japanese subtitled. Numerous episodes and OAV's. Rumiko Takahashi.
Characters
Ranma Sotome
Genma Saotome
Akane Tendou
Soun Tendou
Nabiki Tendou
Kasumi Tendou
Dr. Tofu
Tatewaki Kuno
Kodachi Kuno
Ryoga Hibiki
Azusa Shiratori
Mikado Sanzenin
Shampoo
Cologne
Mousse
Happosai
Ukyou
Ms. Hinata
Review
Fun and playful. Not only in the plot and story line but also in the underlying issues that this anime addresses. It's fun and dynamic approach to sex and gender is manifested in Ranma and the ease with which he can move from being a guy to being a girl. It is also shown in the various relationships he has with guys and girls, and the conflict that these brings upon him as he insists on his manliness. However, there are some episodes wherein he seems to accept and even be happy that he can be a girl, though these are only expressed when he is alone and only in his subconscious. Ranma's assertion of his manliness is shown all throughout especially when he's a she, as she kicks out her suitor's faces, and makes passes at Akane and other girls like Shampoo.
However, his being a boy-girl is complimented by Akane's tomboyish behavior. Like Ranma, Akane also asserts her femininity, like by growing her hair long and trying to act more feminine. However, like Ranma, sometimes she just can't help but act crude and violent.
A truly entertaining anime, with a lot of sexual undertones not only with Ranma and Akane but with the other characters as well, one of Rumiko Takahashi's best works. Highly recommended for those who'd appreciate a good laugh, minor jokes, gags and details [the anime is full of these], and open minded individuals. Also one of the best English dubbed Japanese anime.
The soundtrack is also worth listening too, featuring happy and lively tunes that'll sure perk up your mood.