Stream Reign The Conqueror, Vol. 1: Ascension Online
Jeudi, septembre 2nd, 2010 |
Stream Reign The Conqueror, Vol. 1: Ascension Online.
Movie Title: Reign The Conqueror, Vol. 1: Ascension Reign The Conqueror, Vol. 1: Ascension is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Reign The Conqueror, Vol. 1: Ascension |
I don’t have the DVD yet, and like the last reviewer I am basing my review on the episodes which have aired on Cartoon Network (unusually for anime, the show has had its US premiere on television, rather than video).
This is not stereotypical anime. It’s closely based on the story of Alexander the Great, who was tutored by Aristotle, and deals with a prophecy that he will “destroy the world.” The usual big-eye style is not in evidence, because characters and general designs have been done by Peter Chung, who did the gorgeous and strange AEON FLUX in the 1990s. His art resembles that of the great fantasy illustrators of the early 20th century, such as Kay Nielsen, as well as more recent illustrators like Michael William Kaluta who were influenced by the earlier greats. Figures tend to have a lush facial beauty and an elongated form. Costumes in REIGN will be familiar to AF devotees, as they are a slightly ancient Grecian take on the cyber-fetishistic-armor clothes worn by characters in the earlier series.
But all the visual awe in the world can’t save a series with a weak plot or a lack of dramatic tension, and fortunately, REIGN doesn’t suffer from those problems. The story involves the attempts of the Pythagorean Cult, supreme mathematicians, to assassinate Alexander before he can “destroy the world,” the reasons for this prophecy (which have to do with a secret ritual attended by Alexander’s parents on the island of Samotrace), a lost jewel of unimaginable power called the Platohedron, the evil plans of Alexander’s witchy mother Olympias, plotting among courtiers, and Alexander’s rivalry with Persia’s great king Darius. There is excellent tension and drama, and some fantastic combat scenes. My only real complaint here is that the character of Roxanne, Alexander’s love interest, is weak and underdeveloped. One more episode in the series could have done more with her. The real Roxanne was supposed to have been very intelligent and learned, but REIGN’s Roxanne mostly just sits around looking demure and/or perturbed.
So, if you love animation, or are interested in history but won’t mind the great liberties taken with Alexander the Great’s life story, this is a must-see…
As other reviewers have said, if you didn’t like Aeon Flux then you may not like the artwork of Reign. My wife couldn’t get beyond the character styling until I forced her to sit through an entire episode. Now she’s hooked! Although different, the styling has its moments where the quality shines through. The English voice track is excellent, and fits both the characters and adult mood.
Yes, this is very much an adult-oriented anime; for reasons other than the nudity, etc. Although obviously based on several factual/historical elements of Alexander’s life, it deviates in many ways that I’ll leave for the viewer to discover. This imaginative reworking and time-forwarding of Alexander’s life is still completely captivating. It manages to place all of the elements that made Alexander the larger-than-life historical figure into a completely different context, yet still preserves the essence of his life that has drawn readers to the story of “Alexander the Great” for centuries.
Reign is another beautiful facet in the growing collection of world-class anime on DVD that should rank favorably among the other greats like Cowboy Bebop, Outlaw Star, Hellsing, Vampire Hunter D. It’s a highly imaginative and inspiring anime!!!
mafia wars hack | mafia wars strategy guide | mafia wars cheats
Watch NFL Football Games Online | Watch NFL Playoffs Online Live
Watch NFL Football Games Online | Watch NFL Playoffs Online Live
mafia wars hack | mafia wars strategy guide | mafia wars cheats
Watch Online TV Shows | Watch Sports Online | watch online movies