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Streaming X – One Online.
Movie Title: X – One X – One is available for streaming or downloading. |
Though the first disc worth of episodes moves rather slowly, this is shaping up to be an extremely entertaining series. Epsiodes 1 & 2 are mostly an introduction to our main characters, and we learn very little about the plot itself. However, episode 3 really packs it all in, giving the viewer a good overview of the two sides and plenty of hints as to what’s to come.
Though many shows in anime deal with the end of the world, the stylistic approach in “X” helps to grab your attention. Kamui, the lead character, is your typical unwilling hero who wants nothing to do with his destiny. More to the point, he begins this series as quite the anti-hero, and there’s little to redeem him. Luckily, the creators don’t weigh down the character with melodramatic angst. He is, quite unashamedly, selfish. So, it’s up to the supporting cast to show us just why the world deserves to be saved, along with Kamui himself.
One word of warning: if you don’t want to have certain plot points spoiled for you, do NOT watch the Extras part of the disc, or the Episode 0 included. Skip straight to Episode 1, and don’t look back. I wasn’t warned in time, so certain major plot elements have been ruined for me. However, getting to those points looks to be the fun part!
The Clamp Cooperative’s original manga series for ‘X’ was a complex, doom-filled apocalyptic vision. Two groups, the Dragons of Heaven and the Dragons of Earth are enmeshed in a struggle for ascendancy over Tokyo that would ultimately decide the fate of the world. Those of earth seek to destroy in order to recreate the world anew, and those of Heaven seek to preserve and revitalize the existing sources of power. Into this struggle steps Kamui, a young man who has returned to Tokyo to reclaim the Shinken or divine sword. In doing so, he will make a series of decisions that bring about the final resolution of the struggle.
When a feature length film was made from the manga, it became painfully obvious that this is too much story to be communicated in 90 minutes. Almost twenty major characters are involved and the needs of the limited format ensured that only a few received enough attention to gain definition. The plot itself is complex, and depends on the characters to progress. The best the film could do was to be a beautifully crafted and acted but infinitely fragile production. The result left everyone a bit dissatisfied. Unwilling to write off Rintaro’s efforts completely, director Yoshiaki Kawajiri undertook to remake the story as a full-length television series. Insisting on a high level of production values, especially for the graphics and musical work, he has managed not only to surpass the film, but also to improve upon the story telling of the manga.
This first DVD sets the gothic, art nouveau styling of the story, sketches out the bones of the plot, and begins to bring the characters on stage. This is no small task, and the viewer is warned to read the accompanying character guide and be willing to tolerate a bit of confusion before everything is sorted out and the characters have developed sufficient personalities so that the plot and the cast begin to mesh.
The key characters to come on board in the beginning are the trio of Kamui Shirou, Fuma Monou and his sister Kotori Monou. Kamui, who knew the Monou’s as children, has returned to Tokyo. Despite his every effort to keep his old friends at a distance, fate takes charge. Because Kamui’s own decision about his role in the coming cataclysm will force a parallel decision from Fuma, and brings Kotori into a tragic conflict between duty and desire. Two other characters of early interest (both Dragons of Heaven) are Sorata Arisugawa, an unlikely priest from Mt. Kouya, and Hinoto, a dreamseer who keeps the Dragons organized until Kamui can make his decision.
At this early stage, this series shows every sign of being a landmark effort. Whether it will finally succeed will depend on Kawajiri’s ability to tame the complex story and large cast. So far the director has proven up to the challenge. This series is well worth continued attention.
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