Windaria (1986) User Reviews

So Close To A Classic

[DonaldDooD · 6/10 · 17 August 2014]

As a fan of animation and fantasy, Japan is a bottomless pit of potential. There are hundreds of works spanning the decades, every genre represented, every show appealing to someone out there. Where does one even start? Which are the classics, which are lowest common denominator? Which are bad, which are so-bad-its-good? Which are forgotten treasures, which deserve their obscurity? My first world problem is answering these questions.

I just came across Windaria. Never heard anyone talk of it. It apparently did have an English dub, disastrously executed. I did find some small discussion, most notably a 2/5 star review from a trusted source. I didn't think it was that bad...but I see where that comes from.

Windaria is almost a Studio Ghibli quality film. I'm not joking when I compare their similarities. It develops an interesting fantasy world, has solid animation and a nice orchestral score, has similar technology, and even shares the anti-war, pro-environmental themes of Miyazaki. However, Windaria is not a family-friendly adventure. It delves into ambition, how it can take over one's mind, ruining their relationships and selling their soul for fame, power, and fortune.

Too bad we can't believe these changes of heart.

The main characters start out as likable, then suddenly 180. You are left wondering why they're acting so cruel, or with blind stupidity. Halfway through, all the problems of the film could have been solved, yet they keep fighting. This is probably due to their ambition...but it feels like we're missing 10 minutes of dialog. Its a shame that an otherwise great film screws itself over with such a simple mistake.

But I still got goosebumps at the ending. I still felt the devastation.

There's writing issues, yes. But if you fill in the gaps yourself, I think Windaria is pretty good, especially for its obscurity. Its beautiful, yet somber. Just make sure you watch it subbed!

Tragic Anime from the 1980's available only edited--what a bummer!

[JTurner82 · 6/10 · 1 September 2005]

This little-known feature from 1986 didn't receive much attention when it was brought in America, but I have a strange attraction to it. WINDARIA was probably my absolute FIRST experience with mature-themed Japanese anime. I purchased this title blindly without knowing the meaning of the catch phrase "animation for adult audiences", but viewing WINDARIA left me with surprise.

No, it's not graphically violent or sexually explicit like some other "adult" Anime available, but WINDARIA is very much an animated fairy tale aimed at grown-ups rather than children. Set in a lavish countryside where a giant tree looms over everything (shades of Miyazaki's CASTLE IN THE SKY here), WINDARIA's plot involves two kingdoms at war with each other. The prince and princess from each empire are deeply in love with each other, but their romance is both forbidden and doomed by the unyielding conflict between their parents. This ROMEO AND JULIET style set-up is merely a back-story to the tale.

The real main character is a young farmer who dreams of a chance to be a hero and famous. When a mysterious stranger arrives with an offer to act as a spy for the warring kingdoms in return for wealth and fame, the young farmer jumps at the chance. He ends up paying a terrible price, however, for in carrying out his mission, the farmer betrays both his devoted wife and homeland--and even destroys an entire kingdom.

If the above sounds downbeat and depressing, it is. Indeed, I was totally unprepared for such a complicated, dark story involving deceit, greed, and infidelity. What made WINDARIA appealing, however, were the artwork and the lovely soundtrack. The frame rate is a bit on the stiff side, but the character designs and backgrounds are gorgeous and imaginative. Satoshi Kudakura's score is beautiful and tearjerking, and can easily hold its own against Joe Hisaishi's works for Hayao Miyazaki's films.

The U.S. release, however, is another story. At the time I purchased the video, I did not realize that I was watching a heavily edited, outrageously rewritten version of what was once a more complicated story. From what I have learned across the net, U.S. distributor Harmony Gold and its script writer, Carl Macek, saw fit to market this adult story toward children, hence why some of the more intense scenes were omitted and, probably all the characters were renamed from Izu, Marlin, and Jihl to the likes of Alan, Marie, and Roland, respectably. In addition to which, they even added a narrator (the protagonist at an older age who recalls his vile deeds from long ago) which was NOT in the original version. This is why many Anime purists have held this edited dub (in addition to many others produced by Mecak and his equally controversial company, Streamline Pictures) in extremely low regards. (In all fairness, the production company behind WINDARIA, Tatsunoko Productions, is to blame, too; apparently they didn't provide Macek with any materials to the story or the characters, hence the rewritten script.)

I can't tell you how dismayed I was to find out about this, because I was emotionally impacted by what was left of WINDARIA, even before learning about what was done to it. It's unfortunate that this movie was cut down from its 101 minute running time. Even more so because there is indeed a lot more subtlety and complexity in the Japanese version that you don't get from this edited version; for instance, the ending is arguably even MORE depressing than the watered down rewrite.

Equally dismaying is that this is the only version of WINDARIA that is available on our shores to this day. Indeed, the DVD from ADV Films, a company who has the resources to redub older titles (they did a stellar job redubbing an earlier title from Mecak's, Gainax's NADIA: THE SECRET OF BLUE WATER), is basically just the Carl Mecak dub (with its new title, ONCE UPON A TIME) with NO Japanese LANGUAGE TRACK. I can imagine Anime fans skipping over this, especially since it has become common nowadays to release Anime with its initial language track as well as an optional dub.

Yet as I write this, I credit WINDARIA for being the title that introduced me to Japanese Anime; without it, I probably would never have discovered the countless amounts of titles that exist from this multi-faceted genre (Miyazaki's works, LODOSS, NADIA, SLAYERS, HIS AND HER CIRCUMSTANCES, THE VISION OF ESCAFLOWNE OUTLAW STAR... the list goes on and on). It's a shame, though, that this title fell into obscurity; for in spite of its grievous edits, WINDARIA remains a powerful, compelling drama with meaningful messages to take away from. Here is hoping that this underrated title will receive a better treatment with an all new, uncut, faithful dub and its original Japanese language track. It would certainly be best for both the original creators and devoted fans of animation.

Not an upbeat film, but good

[JeffG. · 8/10 · 5 July 1999]

While it might not be the right film to cheer you up when you're feeling blue, I found Windaria to be a good movie. The dubbing left something to be desired (this is Streamline, after all) and I suspect it may have been edited somewhat for the US release. Still a film worth checking out. I hope an unedited version will be released someday.

Make fun of me if you want... but I cried.

[darkman-27 · 10/10 · 24 December 2000]

Windaria is one of the most depressing films I have just about ever seen, but I was moved by it as well.

I really, really like this film despite its small plot holes. The Art and Character designs are just wonderful. If you think that Characters Eyes are too big, then I guess you just don't get it. The soundtrack is outstanding as well.

Some things about Windaria still haunt me today... you'll find yourself doing a lot of thinking after you watch this film. I first saw it back in like 1991, I paid $30 for a copy of it because I thought the box art was good, and the story sounded interesting. I scored big; I must have watched this movie about 10+ times. Fairly recently I was able to get a hold of the original Japanese version Subtitled in English. I was very interesting to finally see the movie as it originally intended. I thought it would answer all my questions. It did answer some, but also created some new ones. The difference between versions is quite interesting. For example, I can remember at least one occasion that dialogue existed in the US version, where the Japanese version was silent. Then of course there is some dialogue in the Japanese version that was changed into something completely different in the US version. I must admit, after watching both versions I think I still like the US version best, probably just because it is what I am used to, and is what I saw first.

This film is a unique Romeo and Juliet style story, but it goes much deeper than that. It is also not just about one couple, but two. Who struggle because of foolish war, seduction, temptation, and decite.

I personally loved this film and give it a 10, as long as you're not anti anime and have an open mind you'll enjoy it as well.

Watch the Japanese Original If You Can

[TireDamage-1 · 14 February 2007]

Echoing the comments made by others here, I would agree that the original Japanese version (rather than Harmony Gold's English dub) is by far the superior movie. The original is a tragedy in the classic sense of the word, while the English rewrite significantly softens the impact by grafting on a different ending, an ending that undoes the gravity and impact that the story had worked so hard and so skillfully to build.

The original version of "Windaria" is a genuinely moving and beautiful film, and deserves a new dub that is true to its dramatic spirit and content. Even if this never happens, however, the film is worth viewing in the original Japanese; such is the skill of the animators and writers that the story doesn't really require spoken dialog. Even if you don't understand a word of Japanese, you'll still be moved.

New DVD Release (2003)

[Jesi782 · 6/10 · 1 August 2004]

This move was recently released on DVD in 2003 under a different name: "Once Upon a Time". Personally, I thought it was kind of cheesy and the style of anime is very similar to a 1970's-80's look (which it was first released in 1986). As for the DVD, the features are minimal. There are some anime advertisements and you can change the languages from English to Spanish (fully dubbed and no Japanese options are available for sub or dub for the English version anyway) but that is about it. Overall, the movie was pretty straight-forward with some interesting/mystical themes and is similar to a dual Romeo and Juliet tale. Not bad for a night when you are bored and in the mood for some anime. :)

Quite the little anti-fairy tale

[ufster-2 · 9/10 · 30 July 2017]

What's not to find here that you would expect in an elaborate tragedy: War, corruption, greed, betrayal... At its core Windaria is about the journey of a boy, ambitious yet unaware of at what cost his ambitions will come to fruition. Buyer beware, true love doesn't conquer all in this, mostly unknown in the west, gem. Quite the contrary, blinded by greed, lust and the desire for self-worth through the admiration of others, love takes a distant fourth place right up until the end when our protagonist repents for his sins and decides that love was all he needed after all. As it stands, it works more of as a cautionary tale.

Full disclosure: I watched it first as a young boy at the age of 8 or 9 and it had quite an impact on me so that years later when I managed to drag it from the collective knowledge of the interwebs, I had no idea whether the actual experience of it would match the memory. In all fairness, it came as close as possible.

An anime classic; be sure to avoid the U.S. version

[zenamako · 10/10 · 26 November 1999]

Windaria: Legend of Fabulous Battle is a classic anime movie from the mid-80s--a deeply moving tragedy with gorgeous character designs by Inomata Mutsumi (Leda: Fantastic Adventure of Yohko) and one of the most effective musical scores of any anime film. Note, however, that the U.S. "adaptation" bears no resemblance to the original Japanese movie apart from the visuals; the script was completely rewritten from scratch by Carl Macek back when he worked for Harmony Gold. Even the soundtrack was altered, and yes, scenes were cut (ironically, the movie's closing ballad appears on the American "Best of Anime" CD, but not in the U.S. release of the movie). I would definitely recommend this film to anyone who enjoys epic dramas or animated films, but make sure you get the original Japanese version.

An anime that tries to be much more than what it is, and ultimately lands flat on it's face

[vigorousjammer · 4/10 · 19 February 2014]

So, I just finished watching Windaria. To be specific, it was the original Japanese version, subtitled by the "Live-eviL" fan-sub group.

Well, let's start with the art. For a film from 1986, it looks VERY nice. The animation is smooth, varied, and has a lot of nice, subtle touches. It still looks dated by today's standards, but is still pretty easy to appreciate. The world is also pretty beautifully realized, with some gorgeous looking background art. The character art is all pretty standard for the era, but the quality of the animation makes them stand out more than they otherwise would.

As for the story, this is where it really falls apart for me. The movie starts off fine, and the characters start to develop. You start to get a feel for the world, and the story arc, and despite it being paced somewhat slowly, it still seemed pretty well put together. However, about halfway through the story, things change. Characters that were developed early-on start arbitrarily changing their motivations left and right, seemingly for no reason. Yet, other characters feel lifeless, like an empty shell, with no real depth to them whatsoever. This makes it difficult to like any of the characters, and as such, the story ends up falling flat.

The pacing also seemed to get slower and slower as the film went on. There's a lot of filler shots, and it made me feel like I was just waiting for the next thing to happen. However, even when that next thing happened, I wasn't satisfied with it, because it usually involved one of the characters, who are all so completely unlikeable that anything that happened involving them didn't matter to me. The film entirely failed to be captivating, and by the last 30 minutes, I was kind of just waiting for it to be over. Then it ended, and I still didn't feel satisfied. I felt like the ending was supposed to make me cry, but it didn't, because I wasn't emotionally invested in any of the characters. After all was said and done, I kind of just felt like I wasted my time.

Yet, despite all that, I still find the movie oddly charming. I don't think it's good by any stretch, but it has a few decent moments in the beginning and middle of it. Also, the animation probably would have really wowed me 10 or 15 years ago, and it's still good today, but it's not good enough to push everything else to the side and focus solely on that. However, that seems like exactly what this movie tries to do. It substitutes well-formed characters and a well-paced story arc for some visual flair. It ultimately ends up being far less than what it could have otherwise been, if a little extra care went into the story and the characters.

I give Windaria 2 out of 5 stars.

Winds of Tragidy

[hellraiser7 · 10/10 · 30 November 2011]

The beauty of Shakespere's stories are they are timeless, there is just more than one way to tell them and their content is as significant now as it was then. Based on a Manga mini series, this film is an underrated and forgotten anime gem that is one of my favorite anime movies. But it's also one of the saddest anime movies because it is a tragedy of manners.

The animation for it's time was great, I really like how the world of Windaria is developed, it's almost a bit similar to the world in a bit of the book Keith Roberts "Pavine"where it's a mix of eras. Some things in the world seem a step into the past from the medieval period but also from some of the technology like their weaponry or vehicles making the play a step into the future. The music score is great it has an almost dream like quality which fits both the world and the emotions from the characters.

The best of all is in the characters themselves and their stories. In a way we have two stories in one which were inspired by both "Romeo and Juliet" and "Macbeth". This is a double focused format which is something I really don't see much, but it makes sense because it shows there is a parallel between two couples. We really love both these couples and it's heartbreaking when they meet their inevitable doom and it was all because of stupidity of two different forms.

The first couple is the obvious Romeo and Juliet. Ahna is a princess of one side and Jier is a prince of another. You really like both the characters, Ahna is a proactive person that is sweet but has sort of a feistyness and adventurous quality to her. Jier is sort of like myself the passive aggressive type he is a bit shy but not short of courage or confidence. We really like the time they spend together because it feels right which makes it all the more heartbreaking when things get worse and both families try to impose their will I'll admit moments like this made me mad at those families, both Ahna and Jier have done no wrong except love each other. Just like in Romeo and Juliet both die because of both their families stupid prejudicial attitudes killed them. Both Ahna and Jier had aspirations in life and it wasn't fair they never had the chance to have them realized, if both families just swallowed their pride and prejudice and listened to the two then their could of been a chance for peace and they would have still been alive but they didn't and in they end both families got nothing but more death, desolation and destruction which is exactly the path of stupidity.

And of course we see the other story of Izu and Marlin a bit on the "Macbeth" story. Both are a married couple, I really like the chemistry it really feels like both do have history together. Marlin is sweet likes beautiful things, Izu is fun, funny, proactive, ambitious, kinda egotistical and obnotious (like Ben Tenison in the "Ben 10" franchise) but in a harmless sense at first. This guy most of the time talks about what he desires which is mainly to be a hero of some sort as well as a bit more in his everyday existence he rants about. We do see his life and what he has and does, and we can clearly see all of those things he desires he already has from stopping a dam from flooding his town to his beautiful wife; there are those people out there who feel what they have isn't enough when in reality their lives really are great, I always think "What the hell more do you really want?" It also reminds me of what Yoda on "The Empire Strikes Back" once said on the fundamental problem of dreaming, "All his life looked away to the future, to the horizon, instead of where he was, what he was doing?" At the point he sells out and sins that when I really hate the guy and that's the point, just like Macbeth he has sold out his soul, Izu's ambition becomes his own stupidity as he lets it override his conscious, by selling out to his rivals and killing innocent people all for an ambition worth nothing once Izu is betrayed by the people he helped, and Izu in the end realizes his sins but it was too late.

As an old saying goes, "You don't realize what you have until it's gone." Rating: 4 stars

A Classic Film

[coolagnt · 26 September 2002]

When American critics and anime fans begin to start searching for other (older) anime to put on a list of classic and important anime films to watch, sooner or later they will find and add "Windaria" on that list.

"Windaria" and Miyazaki's "Nausicaa of the Valley wind" are two of the most beautifully crafted and carefully plotted animated ecological/anti-war movies created in the mid 80's. These two films are both timeless, with beautiful artwork and very memorable characters.

Because the romance between the characters in "Windaria" are so strong, well thought-out, and believable, the characters and their story help draw the viewer completely into the film's beautiful yet tragic tale--it is a finely crafted story about the loss of romance, loss of humanity, and the tragedies of war. It is truly a classic film. (One hopes for a complete, uncut, subtitled version of "Windaria" to be available very soon along with a new, complete, and uncut dubbed version.)

As many people here have commented already, "Windaria" is a gem that may bring tears to your eyes. I highly recommend this film. It is a classic film and is certainly worth viewing.

BAD DUB!! SIT!! HEEL!!

[Jeremy Bristol · 8/10 · 24 October 2002]

Like a lot of Eighties anime released in the US (Warriors of the Wind, Robotech, Space Warriors, Journey through Fairyland), this one was dubbed "down" to a child's level, with pandering voice acting and low intelligence expectations, in spite of the original's maturity. This isn't to say that Windaria is a particularly extraordinary feature even in the original version--it has pretty good animation, but it seems a little too derivative of Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind (and yet I can imagine Miyazaki laughing at the mystical parts of this movie). That said, the story in the English version, though missing sections important to the plot and character development, isn't so awful as to make it unwatchable. Hell, compared to Lin Minmei's voice on Robotech, this movie is rather pleasant!

Not a typical "happily ever after" love story

[Angel_Meiru · 10/10 · 29 April 2004]

Normally, I cannot stand stuff that gets too romantic. Most of the time, it just gets too mushy and sappy. However, "Windaria: Once upon a Time" is not one of those movies.

*SPOILERS*

This movie is a beautiful Fantasy/Parable that warns of the ultimate futility of violence and war. It is told from the point of views of a poor farming couple, Isse and Marline, a royal couple, Jier and Ahnas and a lone woman named Druidess, the bride of the God of the Afterlife. The two couples in the film get torn in war, bloodshed and corruption. Isse gets brainwashed by the ruler of Palo, while both Jier and Ahnas are forced to fight each other, after Jier killed his dad and Ahnas' mother dies of an illness.

*END OF SPOILERS*

But just to let you all know, "Windaria" is a tragedy. It is not sugar-coated and no one turns into cutesy little SD figures. Out of the total of 6 times I watched it, I never left with a dry eye! I cried! It is that powerful.

Watch "Windaria: Once Upon a Time" with an open mind.

beautiful tragedy

[KarmaGoddess · 14 June 2001]

although i have only seen the american version, this movie can be described as nothing but beautiful. the animation (particularly for something released in the mid 80s) is lovely, the plot is unique, and the characters are memorable. the tragic endings to two seperate but intertwined love stories bring tears, but overall this movie is wonderful