The Fushigi Yuugi OVA series is divided into two arcs:
Fushigi Yuugi (OVA) - Part 1 (3 episodes):
Miaka and Tamahome have gone against all odds and successfully crossed the
border that divides two worlds. Now living happily in modern day Japan, it seems that their wish of being
together forever has finally been granted. But a visit to the Byakko and Genbu priestesses' grave sites somehow triggers
a reaction in the other world, causing Tamahome to disappear without a trace!
Miaka goes back to the "Universe of the Four Gods", but Taiitsukun tells her
that it is impossible for her and Tamahome to live in one world...
Fushigi Yuugi (OVA) - Part 2 (6 episodes):
Tamahome is reborn in modern day Japan as Taka Sukunami, and once again he
finds his way to Miaka. Taka doesn't have any recollection of Konan and his life as a celestial
warrior, but he does have a lot of strange dreams that seem to point to his
sealed past.
Taka's memories as Tamahome have been dispersed into several "jewels of
memory". The problem is, if Taka doesn't recover the jewels of memory, he'll disappear
for good. Taka and Miaka must once again go back into the book and face their
greatest trial yet.
Review: Fushigi Yuugi (OVA)
If you haven't seen the Fushigi Yuugi TV series, do not pick this title up. Fushigi Yuugi OVA series does not work as an independent piece because it is a
continuation of Fushigi Yuugi TV, and it resumes exactly where the other
leaves off.
I had been hearing a lot of negative feedback with regards to the Fushigi
Yuugi OVA episodes even before I watched it. Many say it's a far cry from the original and that it's not as good as it
should be. I beg to differ.
True, it's not quite as impactful as the TV series, but it still had enough
power to keep me glued to the screen.
Although the OVA's are divided into two parts, the plots are more or less along
the same lines: Tamahome / Taka can't seem to fully incorporate himself into
Miaka's world and the lovers face the possibility of separation.
Part 1 whizzes by fast, and just when you think that everything's fine and
dandy, Part 2 proves otherwise.
Part 2 spans several episodes because each jewel of memory that Taka must
recover is in the possession of a fellow Suzaku seishi.
He can get the jewels from the live seishi easily enough, but it's the dead
ones that pose a bit of a challenge.
Taka ends up helping his live and dead comrades’ tie up some loose ends,
giving more character background to the Suzaku seishi.
We meet people like Hotohori's wife and child, Nuriko's older brother, and
Chichiri's best friend.
Fushigi Yuugi fans are in for a real treat because even the dead Suzaku seishi
pitch in to help Taka and Miaka overcome various obstacles.
The main flaw I find in this series is the excessive use of the "Taka and
Miaka are going to be separated" storyline.
The novelty wears off quickly, and the two parts share similar gists -- which
makes me wonder why they even bothered to split them up.
While the overall tone is somber, humor is amply provided in the form of brief
comedy segments after each episode.
In the first half, you'll see the whole Fushigi Yuugi gang headed for a hot
springs resort on two buses - one for the Suzaku team and one for the Seiryu
team.
The producers are supposedly happy with their performances and are rewarding
them with a vacation. It's totally hilarious, and I found myself looking
forward to these short skits after every ep.
After the Fushigi Yuugi vacation mini-series, the comedy segment features
equally funny outtakes.
The art and animation are superb, as is the case with the TV series. Miaka and Yui look markedly more mature this time -- conveying the passage of
time nicely.
I should also mention that this series features a whole new batch of wonderful
songs for your listening pleasure.
To sum it up, what the Fushigi Yuugi OVA series does is assure you of the
happy ending that the TV series promised. It's unnecessary, but it's quite an experience nonetheless.
Miscellanies: Fushigi Yuugi (OVA)
The Fushigi Yuugi OVA DVD set comes sparsely loaded with extras. You get a full-color booklet with various Fushigi Yuugi images, episode
descriptions, and credits.
Related Articles: Fushigi Yuugi: Eikoden Anime Review
The in-disc extras include only an image gallery with anime as well as
original Yuu Watase artwork, and DVD credits.
Fushigi Yuugi OVA (Mysterious Play OVA) | |
| Genre | Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 3 |
| Status | Finished Airing |
| Aired | Oct 25, 1996 to Feb 25, 1997 |
| Producers | Bandai Visual, Movic |
| Studio | Pierrot |
| Rating | PG-13 - Teens 13 or older |
| Themes | Historical, Isekai |
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