BiBizancio
February 13, 2021
Mixed Feelings
Excuse me, I'm Spanish and I don't usually write in English. If you want you can read my review in Spanish. Although there are three Ranma 1/2 movies (1989-1992), the only one I really liked is Ranma 1/2: The Kidnapping of the Brides (1992). Like the previous ones, the animation was done by Studio Deen and the resulting work was sensational. As would be expected from such a popular franchise, let's go. Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996) and Yu Yu Hakusho (1992-1995) have similar examples among their films. Among the changes is its new director: Iku Suzuki. A man of great experience in the industry, although usuallyhe has never been associated with very salient titles. Still, the film was crowned the best of the trio, albeit not with high honors.
In the same way as Ranma 1/2: Big Trouble in Nekonron (1991), the main plot consists of the rescue of Akane. Actually, I'm telling a half truth because this time the kidnapper sequester all the women in the group. A modification that, however, does not constitute a great change because most of the girls don't participate actively in the events with the exception of Nabiki and Akane herself, who in the end becomes the true object of the antagonist's desire. The fact of repeating the same type of plot also adds the circumstance that they do not offer the viewer anything new, such as, for example, solving some of the subplots that concern the characters. But perhaps the worst thing is to promise a solution to the problem of Ranma's curse and finally discard it contradicting the previous intentions of the protagonist.
From a positive perspective, this second film constitutes a pleasant experience. In fact, he shows it from the beginning when he makes, in just five minutes, a good presentation of the dynamics and relationship that the members of the cast maintain. However, the best part comes at the moment when the contest to select the most suitable wife takes place since the competitive and proud Ranma takes very seriously to show him who is the woman with the best qualities among those gathered. Here are a few absurd proofs like the carnivorous plant flower arrangement. Similarly, the battles against Toma's minions are another source of laughter, especially for Nabiki who manages to defeat the dog without using force. It is a pity that they did not end up better exploiting the tests of the contest or the combats because of the short duration of the film, although some situations also demanded more ingenuity. For example, could it not occur to you that Mousse fought in his duck form against the bird-man? A bird fight would be more unique.
Another feature of the film that is worth commenting on, due to its relevance, is the fanservice. Let's say it maximizes female sexualization and brings the eroticism of the series. The partial nudes of the female version of Ranma are very occasional, but their scarcity is offset by the bouncing technology that female breasts feature. Even more important are his outfits. We start with the swimsuits they wear on the beach, with numerous bikinis and some aprons for Ukyou and Shampoo. But the biggest surprise is in the palace, since the ruler wants to see them in their maximum splendor. In general, they are dressed in daring dresses because of how open and low-cut they are. Ranma is the best looking of all, although Nabiki stands out from the crowd because of her level of ostentation. Their sex appeal is so great that they seem like the most attractive women in anime, without this constituting a way of distorting their characters. What we should question, however, is the fact that, with the exception of Nabiki and Ranma, the others are inoperative. Fighters like them don't need a man to protect them.
You can also find my review here: https://elarmarioanimados.blogspot.com/2020/11/resena-ranma-12-el-rapto-de-las-novias.html
