* ~ Later Impressions ~ *

Before seeing the movie straight through for a second time, I rewatched several parts which I really liked. Every time I see the scene where Utena gets her own Rose Signet, when Anthy and Utena dance, and the last car-chase scene, I find myself falling more in love with the story. Each time I see little subtle clues I missed in previous viewings. But the big second impression came at Anime Expo 2000!

They showed the Utena movie (subtitled by the company) several times during the 4-day long anime convention, and my friends and I lined up early on Saturday. We were inside at least, and were waiting against the wall, chatting, playing with Gundam models (my friends), sketching (me), eating (all of us), and staring at my Utena Movie soundtrack (which I had bought Friday.) We waited for more than three hours, and then the line started moving and we were in!

We got pretty good seats considering it was a full house. Thankfully, after a few moments the projectionist moved the movie up to the top of the screen so everyone could read the subtitles. It was a relief not to have to stare over people's heads (like I had to do during the Escaflowne Movie.) Chiho Saitou and Kunihiko Ikuhara (the mangaka and the director) showed up and introduced themselves and said they hoped everyone would enjoy the movie, etc etc, and then the lights went down and the movie began!

I knew what to expect from the movie. I'd seen it once straight through and viewed certain parts several times, and had gone to a few sites to learn more (and try and figure out what the characters were saying.) Let me say this did not take away from the experience at ALL. The second the bells starting ringing on top of Ohtori Academy, I was so excited! This was the true movie experience!

Well, things started off and the movie was running and I noticed a LOT more details on the big screen than staring at my computer, let me tell you. When they showed the last picture in the introduction with the sinking boat, my jaw DROPPED. I hadn't noticed it at all before, but I was thinking, 'Omigod, it's THE boat!'

Well, the movie kept going and introduced most of the main characters, and most of the crowd clapped as everyone showed up - Utena, the Shadow Girls, Juri and Miki, etc. It was pretty cool, actually. It was annoying when some fanboys cheered when Anthy kissed Utena, but it was okay. It was the Utena Movie! ^_^

Boy, those subtitles really helped a LOT. I never knew how much I missed until they showed me. Too bad they were white without a black outline, making it sort of hard to read against some of the lighter backgrounds, but I didn't mind. I understood the dialogue! That was a great feeling - to finally know what was being said instead of guessing and making up stuff that sort of made sense. It really helped in understanding character motives, how the story progresses, the ending... I know I'll never become fluent in Japanese, and for me, subtitles are a lifesaver!

The movie was just plain awesome. The visuals were more stunning - brighter, more colorful, more detailed, the music was more thrilling and beautiful to listen to, the sound effects were crisp and wonderful - I almost died during the Toki ni Ai wa scene as I sang along (quietly)...

It was great. The second impression made me even more of an Utena Movie fan. It made me even more resolved to make this page and finish it. One of best parts was being to explain everything to my friends, who had giant question marks over their heads. I was so thrilled at the information that Utena and Anthy came from the outside world, and I finally understood the whole deal with the straw Shadow Girl dolls at the very end...! I don't think this movie will ever cease to amaze me.

Just wait until my third impression... three times is a charm, as they say! ^_~

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