Who’s Ranma?
Why do I love Ranma? Is it because when the 16-yr-old martial artist is splashed with cold water, Ranma turns from a blue-eyed, dark haired boy into a short, cute red-headed girl? Is it because of all the problems he gets into with his three (that’s right, three!) fiancees? Or is it his rival, Ryouga, who always gets lost on his way to fight Ranma? Or Kuno, who lusts after Ranma’s girl-side but hates his boy-side and doesn’t know they are the same person? Oh, the craziness goes on and on!
Ranma 1/2:Big Trouble in Nekonron, China (1991)
Running Time: 74 min
Genre: Comedy, Animation
Ranma’s first movie simply continues the crazy happenings in Ranma’s world. There’s a misunderstanding and Ranma’s fiancee Akane (A-kaa-nay) gets kidnapped by a prince who mistakes her for his intended bride because she happens to be holding at the exact wrong moment a scroll that belongs to the Seven Lucky Gods Martial Artists. Kirin is their leader and he wields a pair of fancy chopsticks he uses as weapons. He steals Akane in his air balloon away to his palace in Nekonron, China.
Of course, Ranma and gang give chase across the sea to China to rescue Akane, and there lots of fun and wacky happenings on the way.
One of the really funny scenes is when Ranma catches up to Kirin and Akane...in his girl form.
Ranma: Bride? Hey, pal...what exactly do you mean by bride, huh?
Kirin: The word bride is a destination giving to a newly wed woman, also known as a wife.
Ranma: That’s not what I meant! There’s no way you’re gonna make Akane a bride! You got that?
Kirin: And why do we need your permission, pray tell?
Ranma: Because! She’s my fiancee!
Kirin and Akane stare at girl-Ranma.
Akane: Ranma! blushing
Kirin, frowning: Fiancee?...you liar...
Ranma: I’m not gonna lie about a thing like that!
Kirin: But...you’re a woman...
Ranma: Urk! I...I forgot...
Akane: You dolt.
Some of the things that happen might be a bit confusing if you haven’t seen at least a few of the TV episodes of Ranma. For example, Ranma’s dad turns into a panda and one of his fiancees turns into a cat (all when splashed with cold water).
Ranma and Akane were engaged at the beginning of the series and most of the cast is in love with either Akane or with Ranma or even with Ranma’s female side. Almost everyone is a martial artist with cool abilities like jumping from rooftops, extreme speed, chi punches etc.
The animation of the movie is really excellent. Originally made in Japanese, the movie was dubbed into English by Viz. They did a really good job of it. The action scenes are well executed, and the characters are well drawn. The movie is fast-paced, funny with plenty of slapstick comedy. If you’ve seen Dragonball Z, you’ll have an idea of what I mean. It is available on DVD.
Here’s a link to help you get to know Ranma a bit better. https://geocities.com/wthrwyz/noframe/story.html
Rois.
P.S- Since this is my first review, hope you guys go easy on me! ^_^ wondering who’s gonna read it