Dragons and Destiny
I finally had the time to watch the movie of Escaflowne, and as a big fan of the TV series, I can only say that I am very disappointed with Escaflowne: A Girl in Gaia.
The movie isn’t a prequel or a sequel, in fact, the two doesn’t have any connection at all. A Girl in Gaia is more like an independent work, branching off to the original plot of Escaflowne, and was turned darker and gore. The characters in the movie appears with the same name and face as the series, but they are all different in terms of characterization. Notable mention: Hitomi Kanzaki. Plot-wise, the movie revolved in the sibling rivalry between Van and Folken, and the two vie for Hitomi’s will (Tsubasa no Kami) which isn’t really a contest since Hitomi is attracted to Van. The rivalry ended quite anti-climatic, it was like a “WTF!” for me. And also the ending.
Um, let’s start comparing, shall we? I just can’t help but do this to give justice to the series.
CASE #1 - Hitomi Kanzaki
While the series Hitomi is bubbly and shiny, the movie Hitomi shows nothing but apathy towards her life, which nearly lead her to commit suicide. The movie Hitomi wasn’t given any special talent either, only a title but the series Hitomi has the gift to see visions and give them with frightening accuracy. She’s even more active. The movie Hitomi was like “What Wing Goddess are you talking about? Oh, no. I’ll protect Van! I’ll stay with him forever! Don’t die! Somebody save him!” ;A;
CASE #2 - Van Fanel
Same. Both are driven with revenge and searches the Escaflowne. However, I would like to commend the movie Van for being hotter than his series counterpart. The movie Van had more muscles, unlike the series Van who looks like a skinny beggar. Oh, if you’ve played Chrono Cross, Van has a striking resemblance to Serge, the main protagonist.
CASE #3 - Allen Schezzar
*One Winged Angel theme plays in the background* Main dude turned supporting dude. That’s all. He doesn’t pilot an Armor too.
FINAL CASE #4 - Folken Fanel
LOOK AT THE FRIGGIN MAKE OVER!!! D:< I CAN’T STOP MY TEARS! Huhuhuhuhuhuhu….
Oh, another notable mention: Black Escaflowne! It was the hottest eyecandy in the movie, aside from Sora and her lullaby. 8D
The Vision of Escaflowne is a masterpiece, but if you really want to have a different feel of Gaea, then, you should check this out. I still can’t get over to what they did to my Folken.
I like your comparison a lot. I found the movie animation and soundtrack beautiful, but the plot just doesn’t hold up to the series. The movie ending was just kind of stupid, but the series ending has me crying every time. It’s just so much more amazing.
I think the series Van is hot though XD
