Cast
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Crew
Director
- Yuji Mitsuya
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Musical Comedy represents a fascinating example of Music/Fantasy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Yuji Mitsuya brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1997, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Musical Comedy took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 60 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 106 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1170 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Musical Comedy shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Bugsy Malone, which focuses more on action than character development, Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Musical Comedy subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Three for the Show and Heute hau'n wir auf die Pauke explore similar territory, Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Musical Comedy stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 1, 1997
- Runtime: 1h
