Tokyo Revelations 3
Like, we knew the Kurogane/Lava Lamp fight wasn't going to happen but it's always hilarious to me that this is the moment that Yuuko decides to just directly jump in and interfere with what's happening. She's just like, no don't do that and IT WORKS INSTANTLY. I imagine it must be very nice for her to finally have a window where she CAN jump in and stop something horrible from happening for once.
I've said it before but gosh the Japanese VAs do such an incredible job. Mokona's little wail to Yuuko over Fai dying is just heartbreaking
And the Kurogane wall punch!! OH AND THE SOFT MUSIC AS FAI GENTLY SAYS SORRY AND PASSES OUT. THE EMOTION IN KUROGANE'S BARELY AUDIBLE SOUNDS.
Honestly just the beauty of what they do with Kurogane throughout this scene, the way he shake, the close ups, his rough "Shut up" when Fai tries to stop him from saving his life.
Oh man they did a really good job with the moment where Kurogane says that he only trusts Yuuko because he trusts Mokona implicitly, and Mokona's tearful response. Just, OH, me too Mokona, me too. They sold that.
... why do I find Fuuma so interesting this time around? What is happening? WHO AM I?
OH.
Oh! Of course! They cut his second fight scene with Kamui as well! That's both of them gone. Interesting! I can see how if you were going to cut something for time it WOULD be the drama between the side characters who are ultimately tertiary to the overall story, especially when you have FAI and KUROGANE and SAKURA all to get through, and those are the storylines that actually continue. The drama between Fuuma and Kamui doesn't even get resolved by the end of the series so I can see why they skipped it
UNFORTUNATELY this has left Fuuma entirely likable? I actually like this version of Fuuma?!?! THIS IS A CRIME. (But honestly I'll take it)
SAKURA'S REGAL MOMENT OH. YES her VA really captured the difference in her voice now that she's become this new version of herself, it's a joy to hear
And Sakura action star time!
I think they do a pretty good job with the worms, but I think overall the scenes with Sakura's struggles in the desert actually come off better in the manga. This isn't a slight against the OVA, the manga just REALLY knocked these scenes out of the park in a way I don't think you can replicate as easily in motion. But! The MUSIC hits, especially since it also plays over-
- THE DIVORCE.
AND KUROGANE JUST DROPS THE CLOAK AND LEAVES. OH THAT'S SO EFFECTIVE! What a gut punch that is.
I REALLY like the scene between Fai and Yuuko - once again Fai's VA really sells the different levels of Fai so WELL and they all come across really clearly. The persona Fai has with Yuuko is distinct from his persona with the kids, and his persona with Kurogane, and his divorce persona, etc. And that little bit at the end when he finds out Sakura's in the desert, such a good effect!
Oh. HELLO?
... HELLO?????
When did this come out, hang on. Did they know where things were going or - wait, ok, so this came out DURING the original release of Tsubasa? During Seresu? Wow what a time to be alive! OH BUT OHKAWA WROTE IT? OHKAWA DID THIS?
OHKAWA WHAT WAS YOUR VISION I NEED TO KNOW. WHAT WERE YOU DOING WITH THIS?
Oh but once Sakura is back with Fai and her little "I'm so glad you're alive" AND HE CRIES? OH MY HEART.
The shots of the reservoir are gorgeous, and I love the little mention of "when you next come back here". Like, they didn't know what that meant yet, BUT OHKAWA SURE DID.
And then we end of Sakura wondering about what Cardcaptor Sakura even was in the end? What a thought to end it on.
...and what WAS that actually? I want to say it was just the feather itself guiding Sakura back. Oh, or maybe the reservoir? It DOES love her across time and space, maybe it's the one leading her back. This Sakura doesn't even (spoilers for the end of the manga) meet Cardcaptor sakura until her reincarnated life, but if that counts...? It might as well! Wild choice either way.
GOSH ok I survived it! TOKYO REVELATIONS COMPLETE
What do you think of the OVA?
I love the little changes they make as they adapt to a new medium, when it's done well I think it can be a great way to refocus a moment in a way you can make unique to each version, though there are always limits when it comes to time and budget that come into play as well. I'm going to be thinking about this for a while.
