| Fushigi Yuugi ("Mysterious Play" in English) is the story of two inseperable friends, Miaka and Yui. One day when the two girl are at the library, they see a mysterious red bird and chase it into a secret room. There, they find an ancient tome called "The Universe of the Four Gods." Opening it transports them to a miraculous world like ancient China torn with warring factions. In the medieval world there exist four beast gods aligned to each direction. Each beast god has a priestess and seven celestial warriors who must awaken the god to receive three heavenly wishes. Miaka learns that she is Suzaku no Miko, the priestess of the southern pheonix god Suzaku, and Yui becomes Seiryuu no Miko, the priestess of the eastern serpent god Seiryuu. The two soon learn their gods and nations are sworn enemies, but try to hold their friendship together. But when Miaka finds her sworn protector Tamahome and both she and Yui fall in love, loyalties become complicated and relationships twist. And then there's the question of how to get home... |
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| Fushigi Yuugi is an intense, intense anime. The entire series spans over 16 tapes of four episodes each, none of which is boring. Every plot twist that could happen does happen. Action is all over the place. At times, it can become a bit stressful, but ample comic relief is dispersed throughout the series. The artwork is exceptional for an anime, and the manga, as one can see, is quite exquisite. The soundtrack is also very effective with interesting, powerful, and poetic lyrics that were obviously selected with care. Episodes of Fushigi Yuugi are all linked to one another and are not independent plots, but there are plenty of little subplots that go on in various tapes. The series requires a great deal of attention and can be a rather emotional anime -- I reccomend vieiwing this in groups. The romance level is off the charts, but repeated tragedies tend to become tiring in the relationship. The lovers are adorable. Fushigi Yuugi is an excellent, well-balanced anime. Romance and comic relief are balanced with tragedy and fighting, and the series is laced with suspense. The plot is original, the characters real, the voice actors great, the art-style unique. No character can escape some sort of emotional reaction from the viewer. Even the credits and the opening themes of Fushigi Yuugi are superb. |
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| Characters from the main 16 tapes (OAV's excluded): Miaka: Miaka is a friendly and somewhat naive high school girl. She is very emotional and highly attatched to her beloved Tamahome, but has indominable spirit and courage as well as a cute attitude. She is Suzaku no Miko, Suzaku's priestess. Yui: Yui is the cold-hearted, envious bitch who is Miaka's best friend in the beginning of the series. She is fickle and prone to crying and easily manipulated, yet she is not evil within. Tamahome: Tamahome is fiercely protective of Miaka and unfalteringly loyal. He is the strong, charismatic male of the group with powerful fighting skills and a money obssession. Tasuki: Tasuki is the short-tempered, noisome ex-bandit of the group who fights with a fan that shoots fire. Of Suzaku. Chichiri: Chichiri is the monk with the large hat and the staff. He uses magic and ends all words with "No da?" Of Suzaku. Chiriko: Chiriko is the genius child of the group. Of Suzaku. Nuriko: Nuriko is the friendly crossdresser who always stays loyal to Miaka. He has immense physical strength. Of Suzaku. Mitzukake: Mitzukake is the stoic healer who lost his love a long time ago to a demon. He has a kitten, Tama. Of Suzaku. Hotohori: Hotohori is the vain yet lovable emperor of Konan. He cares deeply for Miaka and uses a holy sword. Of Suzaku. Yui: Yui is the envious friend of Miaka who is also transported into the book. She is easily manipulated and fickle, but also sad and afraid. Yui is Seiryuu no Miko, Priestess of Seiryuu. |
| Nakago: Nakago is the cunning, cold-hearted warlord of Kutou. He possesses an incredible aura of power and wields various poisons and powers. He uses his own dastardly inventions to manipulate everyone. Of Seiryuu. Amiboshi: Amiboshi is Suboshi's peaceful, rational twin. He is gentle and plays an enchanted flute. Of Seiryuu. Suboshi: Amiboshi's violent twin. He is deeply in love with lady Yui and wields ball-like weapons. Of Seiryuu. Tomo: Tomo is Nakago's strangely-painted illusionist. He has a strange voice and a magical clam. Of Seiryuu. Miboshen: He is the cruel childish magician. Of Seiryuu. Ashtare: Ashtare is the bestial, wolflike creature that Nakago tortures and uses to stalk Nuriko. Of Seiryuu. Soy: Soy is the female warrioress who controls storms and lightning. She performs rituals with Nakago to lift his life energy and is somewhat promiscuous. Of Seiryuu. |
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| Characters Pictured above: Top left: Soy. Top right: Ashtare. Middle center: Amiboshi. Bottom Center: Suboshi. Center left: Miboshen. Characters pictured right: Center: Miaka. Bottom left: Nuriko. Left: Chiriko. Top left: Mitzukake. Top right: Chichiri. Center right: Hotohori. Bottom right: Tasuki. |
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| (secret haii to those who follow the path!) |