areaseven Posted August 25, 2003 Posted August 25, 2003 (edited) Saishuu Heiki Kanojo ( 最終兵器彼女 ) "The Last Love Song on This Little Planet" GONZO Digimation/Family Gekijou/Toshiba EMI, 2002 Viz Video, 2004 Directed by Atsuko Kase (Mobile Suit Gundam 08th MS Team: Miller's Report). Rated T+ for graphic violence, slight nudity, sexual situations and strong language. Based on the manga by Shin Takahashi (published in the U.S. by Viz Comics). Shuji and Chise are two Hokkaido high school students barely starting a relationship with each other. Then, with no warning, an squadron of bombers from an unknown country destroy the city of Sapporo. All hope is lost when suddenly, the bombers are destroyed by a small red light floating across the sky. At this point, Shuji finds out that the one responsible for eliminating the enemy forces is Chise, who reveals herself as a cyborg engineered for mass-destruction. "Gomen nasai, Shuu-chan." - Chise Story: A When I viewed the first three episodes, I didn't know what to expect. By looking at the cover art, you'd first assume that SaiKano is an action title. Actually, it isn't. The plot of SaiKano primarily revolves on Shuji's relationship with Chise and how this love affair endures in times of war, especially with Chise being Japan's last line of defense. The anime is also very faithful to the manga, except that one minor character named Akemi is given a more prominent role. From beginning to end, you'll be attached to SaiKano's down-to-earth storytelling and remarkable character flow. Animation: A+ When you give an anime project to GONZO Digimation (Full Metal Panic!, Vandread), expect a lot of digital 2D and 3D special effects and breathtaking artwork. And for SaiKano, GONZO delivers big-time. The character designs are dead-on with the manga art and the overall animation quality is excellent, especially for a title that doesn't have much action. Soundtrack: A Aside from the excellent musical score, I really like the opening theme "Koisuru Kimochi" and the ending theme "Sayonara", both composed and performed by Yuria Yato. Cast SaiKano features Shiro Ishimoda in his debut role as Shuuji, Fumiko Orikasa (Pacifica in Scrapped Princess, Seras in Hellsing) as Chise, Yuu Sugimoto (Elvy in RahXephon) as Akemi, Miki Ito (Project A-Ko, Gally in Battle Angel) as Fuyumi, Shinichiro Miki (Takumi in Initial D, Allen in Escaflowne) as Tetsu, and Tetsu Shiratori (Yuu in Brain Powered) as Atsushi. The Bottom Line Despite being only 13 episodes long, Saishuu Heiki Kanojo is, undoubtedly, one of GONZO's best animated works ever made. Links Official Saishuu Heiki Kanojo Homepage (Japanese) SAIKANO-USA.com Reference Anime News Network Edited July 6, 2004 by areaseven Quote
Commander McBride Posted August 25, 2003 Posted August 25, 2003 This sounds pretty cool, where can I get a copy? Is it licensed yet? Quote
areaseven Posted August 25, 2003 Author Posted August 25, 2003 (edited) This sounds pretty cool, where can I get a copy? Is it licensed yet? Surprisingly enough, neither the anime nor the manga have been licensed yet. I can imagine either ADV or FUNimation picking up SaiKano for domestic release. The manga was originally published by Shogakukan, so it's pretty much given that Viz will release it in the near future. As a matter of fact, at AX2003, I asked Viz exec Toshifumi Yoshida if there are chances of bringing SaiKano into the U.S. He wasn't too familiar with the title. As for fansubs, you can download all 13 episodes from AnimeSuki. Take note that the Region 2 DVD also has English subtitles. Edited August 25, 2003 by areaseven Quote
Sebastian Posted September 4, 2003 Posted September 4, 2003 I bought a copy here in China, guess is the same you can get in Hong Kong. The Subs are pretty decent and the quality is very good. It may be a bootleg, but a damn nice one. I totally LOVED the animation. The name of the DVD set Is not "The Last Love Song in This Planet" But "She the Ultimate Weapon". If you guys can get this animation... GET IT. Sad indeed, but a must. Quote
Tekkaman Blade Posted September 4, 2003 Posted September 4, 2003 The story was okay, but the whole "ultimate weapon" made no sense how it worked. I mean, you compare it to the military in the show, that's just insanely ahead of them. Doesn't make any sense. As much as it was good quality and story, it was DEPRESSING Quote
Panon Posted September 4, 2003 Posted September 4, 2003 Surprisingly enough, neither the anime nor the manga have been licensed yet. Actually, the anime has been licensed. It's just not known exactly who by. Quote
bob joe mac Posted September 4, 2003 Posted September 4, 2003 Wow! how did I miss this? anyways this show is truly great especially the ending but it left me with some questions like *Spoilers involved* 1) What happened to Shuu's friend who joined the military I assume he died but you never know you just saw him and some other dudes run away. 2) Who where the people attacking them? I know it wasn't really important but i was just wondering. MASS SPOILERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 3) Was Shuu the only surviver in the world? Quote
Commander McBride Posted September 4, 2003 Posted September 4, 2003 (edited) Dang, AnimeSuki diesn't list it. Must already be licensed. I guess i'll have to find other routes of aqquisition..... Edited September 4, 2003 by Commander McBride Quote
areaseven Posted September 4, 2003 Author Posted September 4, 2003 (edited) Dang, AnimeSuki diesn't list it. Must already be licensed. I guess i'll have to find other routes of aqquisition..... (Link deleted, as the series has been licensed.) Edited October 12, 2004 by areaseven Quote
Nightbat Posted September 4, 2003 Posted September 4, 2003 [me] adds SaiKano to his "Things to do or see" just below "Dominate the world", "Win the lottery", "Go to the toilet" and "Watch girls in short skirts"[/me] Damn you and your reviews A7 Quote
Sebastian Posted September 5, 2003 Posted September 5, 2003 Wow! how did I miss this? anyways this show is truly great especially the ending but it left me with some questions like*Spoilers involved* 1) What happened to Shuu's friend who joined the military I assume he died but you never know you just saw him and some other dudes run away. 2) Who where the people attacking them? I know it wasn't really important but i was just wondering. MASS SPOILERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 3) Was Shuu the only surviver in the world? MASS SPOILERS!!!!!!! Shu´s friend died whe Chise destroyed the enemy, the city, their own forces and everything arroung the area. When chise get activated she wasnt able to select the target, she just hit everything. The enemy was US! the WESTERN BOYS!!! Dont you remember the enemy pilot hidding in the hills (the one who kills ANOTHER of Shu´s friends)? He was speacking in English... sorry he was speaking Americano. And the uniform... Yup. Shu is the ONLY surviver in the world. Chise went to live inside him since she used all her energi in the last combat... and I guess he later died of thirth and hunger... there was nothing left of the world but dust. For more explanation you can see the special features in the end of the DVD. The interview with the director and other guys explains a lot. Quote
Mislovrit Posted September 5, 2003 Posted September 5, 2003 Was there any explanation for the US to attack Japan and why it was neccessary for pretty much destroy the world because of it? Frankly SaiKano is going to spark more online U.S. bashing which is something I rather do without. Quote
Tekkaman Blade Posted September 5, 2003 Posted September 5, 2003 SPOILER Yup, just like ther Americans to be the bad guys I was actually thinking about making a comic in which the humans are the mysterious alien invaders of a solar system inhabitted by alien animal humanoids. IT would be really morallistic Quote
Commander McBride Posted September 5, 2003 Posted September 5, 2003 I see. I was looking for SaiKano, not Saishuuheiki Kanojo. Quote
Mislovrit Posted September 5, 2003 Posted September 5, 2003 SPOILERI was actually thinking about making a comic in which the humans are the mysterious alien invaders of a solar system inhabitted by alien animal humanoids. IT would be really morallistic KO Beast Century already done that story. Quote
bob joe mac Posted September 6, 2003 Posted September 6, 2003 Shu´s friend died whe Chise destroyed the enemy, the city, their own forces and everything arroung the area. When chise get activated she wasnt able to select the target, she just hit everything.The enemy was US! the WESTERN BOYS!!! Dont you remember the enemy pilot hidding in the hills (the one who kills ANOTHER of Shu´s friends)? He was speacking in English... sorry he was speaking Americano. And the uniform... Yup. Shu is the ONLY surviver in the world. Chise went to live inside him since she used all her energi in the last combat... and I guess he later died of thirth and hunger... there was nothing left of the world but dust. For more explanation you can see the special features in the end of the DVD. The interview with the director and other guys explains a lot. Ohhh how could I forget that part with the soldier I mean he even spoke in english (something like Please dont) Thanks for clearly this up. Quote
imode Posted September 6, 2003 Posted September 6, 2003 Hehe, clearly one of the more depressing series... Quote
Backstabber Posted September 6, 2003 Posted September 6, 2003 Currently watching this series so I skipped the spolier alerts! Thanks for the warnings! I'm up to ep 4 and so far kinda of bored with it. I will watch it all the way through if I was able to make it through KOKORO LIBRARY! One thing that annoys me though is why all the red slashes on the cheeks..... I thought it was just because it was cold but even in their homes they have those red slashes. Took me a while to stop staring at their cheeks so much. Quote
Nightbat Posted September 6, 2003 Posted September 6, 2003 Heheheh, yeah, thanks for the spoilers warning I remember a certain Ignacio Ocama (or something) ruining Mahoromatic for me (well,...not quite ruined, I still want to get that series) Quote
Backstabber Posted September 7, 2003 Posted September 7, 2003 (edited) Well I just finished it. God what a heart wrenching story. You know I watched Grave of the Fireflies and my heart barely skipped a beat but this story just rips it out! Yup, just like ther Americans to be the bad guys Well it may have been english speakers on the other side but that doesn't mean they started it. Remember Pearl Harbor. We have to remember this anime was made for the Japanese audience so naturally they won't fight themselves and since english is japans second language it easier to use english than say spanish to show they're foriegners. What I did like about the story is that it didn't cast balme who started it but showed how once it started no one could stop it. Spoiler Getting back to Take's girlfriend and the downed pilot.... he didn't draw first. He had his hands up but her pain said kill and in the end it killed them both. I believe this is the cycle that the anime was trying to bring attention to. Edited September 7, 2003 by Backstabber Quote
areaseven Posted September 27, 2003 Author Posted September 27, 2003 Well, SaiKano still has yet to be released here in the U.S., but according to AnimeSuki, Madman Entertainment has picked it up for distribution in Australia. Quote
areaseven Posted October 30, 2003 Author Posted October 30, 2003 This just in from the Anime News Network: Viz announces SaiKano anime, manga (2003-10-30 11:47:42)Viz announced it has acquired the anime and manga rights for Saishuu Heiki Kanojo (SaiKano). The first DVD of the thirteen-episode series has been scheduled for an April 2004 release, and the first manga volume is set for June 2004. Quote
MrDisco Posted October 30, 2003 Posted October 30, 2003 i'm probably going to be the lone dissenter but i thought it was ok..above average even but certaintly not as mindblowing as i was led to believe. Even the end wasn't that depressing..it just didn't give me that emotional knockout. I found a scene midway through the show that gave me more of an emotional hit then the end. As cool as some of the promo shots look this is not a mecha show, or about cool fight scenes. As such there are a lot of events that you simply have to accept at face value. Don't look for explanations about why or how come this happens because there are no answers. Speaking about the end if you're not a fan of Giant Rei Heads then be warned that this show is just as weird. Here's my take on the plot and dialog (Chise being the girl - the ulimate weapon, and Shuiji is her b/f). Chise: I'm sorry Shuiji Shuiji: Idiot Chise: Shuiji: I'm sorry Chise Chise: ...insert scenes of devestation... Chise: I'm sorry Shuiji Shuiji: Idiot Chise: (repeat) Having said that I'll still be suckered into buying this series as there were some scenes that were quite well done. Quote
Father Jack Posted November 1, 2003 Posted November 1, 2003 I saw this show awhile back and I just want to clarify something. It's not Japan Vs. America as far as I know. The guy speaking english was just to point out that he was forign but not concretely american. As far as I have heard it is Everyone Vs. Everyone. This is why the world was ending Everybody was fighting eachother. However it never is really presented who is involved, I don't think we ever see any flags. However from what others have told me and based on the amount of destruction, it is everyone fighting everyone. Quote
Sebastian Posted November 1, 2003 Posted November 1, 2003 In fact it is a simple love story. It is not a story about two countries in war. So It does not really matter who is good, who is the bad, Flags or Whatever. Quote
NERV Posted November 14, 2003 Posted November 14, 2003 just finished watching it, wow, definitely one of the best series i have ever seen Quote
NERV Posted November 14, 2003 Posted November 14, 2003 oh yea, what episode had the pilot that spoke english? i just watched the whole series and i dont rmeber that, unless i skipped an episode by accident Quote
NERV Posted November 14, 2003 Posted November 14, 2003 ah i missed episode 8, that answered a few things i was wondering Quote
areaseven Posted March 10, 2004 Author Posted March 10, 2004 Viz Video has just opened the official US SaiKano homepage. Too bad it's not as good as the Japanese site. http://www.saikano-usa.com/ Quote
Eternal_D Posted March 10, 2004 Posted March 10, 2004 I bought a copy here in China, guess is the same you can get in Hong Kong.The Subs are pretty decent and the quality is very good. It may be a bootleg, but a damn nice one. I totally LOVED the animation. The name of the DVD set Is not "The Last Love Song in This Planet" But "She the Ultimate Weapon". If you guys can get this animation... GET IT. Sad indeed, but a must. haha sebas, my sister saw it and said it sucked! but then again, she doesn't like a lot of things. but I know she likes CB!! sorta. haven't seen it myself yet. working on Last Exile right now. Quote
Sebastian Posted March 11, 2004 Posted March 11, 2004 Well... comming from YOUR sister... no surprise at all. What is CB??? Quote
areaseven Posted March 11, 2004 Author Posted March 11, 2004 (edited) Well... comming from YOUR sister... no surprise at all. What is CB??? Cowboy Bebop Edited March 11, 2004 by areaseven Quote
mpchi Posted March 12, 2004 Posted March 12, 2004 I really like this series, one of my favorites. Its story may not have a whole lot of plot twists and surprises, but it really depicts the characters' emotions in minute details, especially when facing tragic events one after another. It also portrays the imperfections in pretty much all characters. Showing them making wrong choices, doing wrong things for the wrong reasons, or just chickened out when they were supposed to be brave. Makes them very believable. And yes, the ending wasn't as depressing. Rather, all the events in between. Unlike some of you that find the earlier episodes boring, I think the storytelling is genius. Just the very first episode has tell us A LOT about both Chise & Shuji. And none of the following events later on were unnecessary. They only deepens our knowledge on the main characters, and the people around them. Even though some of their friends & classmates plays a smaller role with very few dialogues, you can totally feel what they were going through. Down to the very character that you barely know his/her name. If this is not great storytelling, I don't know what else. The pacing is slow, but very appropriate. Definitely not boring for me. Heck, I was so glued to the series that I have to finish the whole thing in one seating until 3 or 4am in the morning. Quote
Angel's Fury Posted March 13, 2004 Posted March 13, 2004 oh yea, what episode had the pilot that spoke english? i just watched the whole series and i dont rmeber that, unless i skipped an episode by accident How was the dubbing and it's story plot? Quote
areaseven Posted October 11, 2004 Author Posted October 11, 2004 You're not gonna believe this: New Saikano Projects in Japan (2004-10-10 13:53:12)According to Shin Takahashi's website, a new live-action production of Saishuu Heiki Kanojo (She, the Ultimate Weapon) is in the works. Tentatively scheduled for 2005, Aki Maeda is cast as the protagonist. In other news, Shin Takahashi also announced that two volumes of a new Saikano OVA are scheduled for a Spring 2005 release. Source: Anime on DVD Quote
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