Sea Prince and the Fire Child (1981) User Reviews

A Buried Treasure Beneath The Sea

[DonaldDooD · 7/10 · 1 August 2014]

Some say Sea Prince and the Fire Child (AKA Legend of Sirius) is like a Disney movie. While I can't say that for certain, its certainly is as imaginative. I've rarely seen animated films with this much scope and artistry go unnoticed. Just google the film - its not some cheap cash-in. Its colorful, cute, with attention in building its fantasy world.

Its also ambitious in the story it wants to tell. Most characters are cartoonish, but the plot is serious, and pretty well-done. So much so, I'm not sure I'd recommend it for children. You'll have to make that decision.

The biggest problem with the movie is its English translation. The acting of the leads is pretty bad, and a lot of dialog is too focused on exposition. I heard the original with subs is better, but I cannot confirm that. I still enjoyed the movie, though. The awkward, forced laughter of our star-crossed lovers kinda grew on me...

Fans of animation, especially the scenes of Fantasia and The Little Mermaid, should definitely give it a shot. Its a bit dated, but still beautiful. And few movies offer us such an original fairy tale.

Tender, romantic, mythical

[MissSimonetta · 8/10 · 22 March 2016]

The Sea Prince and the Fire Child (1981) is a fine variation of the Romeo and Juliet story. Its young lovers Sirius and Malta are warm and engaging. Their love coincides with their entry into young adulthood and a whole new world of responsibility: Malta must become the new guardian of the eternal flame while Sirius must soon take responsibility as a member of the royal family of the ocean. Their peoples, separated by land and sea, are sworn enemies, but the two love each other innocently. But their union can only end in tragedy.

The animation style looks more Disney than traditional anime, but it is unique and well rendered, with a rich color scheme. Though everyone knows how the story will end, TSPATFC possesses an excellent sense of mythology and romantic drama, elevating what could have been cloying and childish to fable like status. The music helps with this; the score is wistful and soaring, with all the range of emotions one would associate with youthful passion and everlasting love.

Beautiful and ambient, but dull.

[cb_whitewood · 6/10 · 4 January 2022]

Typically, when I watch a movie like this, I go in with no background knowledge or expectations. Just by glancing at the IMDB page, however, you can see this is a fantasy retelling of Romeo and Juliet.

I think this is a kids movie like Watership Down is a kids movie-- the premise is kid-friendly, but the execution is a bit off the mark. TSPATFC is beautiful, and has silly, charming depictions of sea creatures and land animals alike. It's light on dialogue in many parts, and the color palette is really enjoyable. The story itself isn't anything special, but the fantasy aspect made things more interesting to me. The pacing is slow, but this wasn't a painstaking film to get through. Overall, I enjoyed this film but struggled with the pacing-- definitely worth a watch if you have the time.

A Masterful Piece of Child's Fantasy and Passion

[slayer_of_the_jugga_phuk · 10/10 · 1 February 2007]

It is a rare event when I rate a movie on the level of a 10, but if I could, I would go even higher for this film. I grew up with many films like this. Cartoon fantasies including "BFG", "The Brave Frog", "The Hobbit", and even "Wizards"... but none quite effected me on the level of this brilliant movie. While, when I was young, I did not capture the fantastic beauty of such a sweet story, I did feel something that nothing else gave me. Something... perfect. I only wish I could find it, and sadly I cannot.

The story is, as many say, somewhat themed after Shakespeare's classic "Romeo & Juliet", however, the mixture of vibrant Fantasy and animation makes this far more memorable (And I am a lover of R&J). This is, in my truest of hearts, THE movie to me. There is no better movie, and there is no film that means more.

I would recommend this to anyone with a child in their heart, and passion in their soul. It is a wonderful piece of cinematic genius, and I know that if I could only find it... I could reclaim a piece of my wondrous childhood.

If you ever find this, obtain it and hold onto it. You do not know what a beautiful Gem you possess.

An aesthetically beautiful film from Sanrio

[ja_kitty_71 · 10/10 · 5 October 2008]

Here is another rarely-seen anime film I watched online, and after I did, I loved it. It's a beautifully animated fantasy about two star-crossed lovers from opposite sides: Fire and Water. You know, I didn't know Sanrio, creator of Hello Kitty and all the other cuddly characters we love, made this film, but now I do.

The feud between Fire and Water started a long time ago, when the two siblings, Oceanus, God of Water (Sirius' father), and Hyperia, Goddess of Fire (Malta's mother), lived in peace and dearly loved each other. However, the God of Wind, Algaroc, becomes jealous of the pair's happiness and spreads lies and deceit between them until their hatred for each other brings about war. Finally, Algaroc was imprisoned by the King of Gods himself, but after that time, the brother and sister still despised each other. And so the children of fire and water remained apart. Years later, Prince Sirius of the Water and Princess Malta of the Fire meet and fall in love, and they meet in secret.

So that was all I could tell you. And I don't have a favorite scene because I love this film from beginning to end.

Absolutely romantic masterpiece about breaking rules to be together

[Catherine_Grace_Zeh · 9/10 · 9 August 2006]

In my opinion, this is an absolutely romantic masterpiece about breaking rules to be together. If you ask me, the law about children of fire and children of water was absolutely pointless. You'll have to see the movie if you want to know why. On the other hand, Malta (voice of Mami Koyama) was a very beautiful young woman. I believe that she and Sirius (voice of Tôru Furuya) were truly meant for each other. To me, the setting was beautiful, the cast was well chosen, and the writing was strong. Before I wrap this up, I'd like to say that everyone involved in this film did very well. Now, in conclusion, I highly recommend this absolutely romantic masterpiece about breaking rules to be together to all of you who haven't seen it. You're in for a good time, so go to the video store, rent it or buy it, kick back with a friend, and watch it.

Wonderful, but weird!

[vanoldee · 30 September 2001]

This film is pretty hard to find, but I was lucky enough to have my parents tape it for me when I was pretty young. The animation is beautiful and the story a familiar one, much like Romeo and Juliet (but with some major differences). The underwater world portrayed in the movie is a bit strange. It's the only ocean I've seen that has bats, clouds, and waterfalls!

A Bland Version of Romeo and Juliet

[Angels_Review · 4/10 · 18 May 2014]

The story is pretty much a Romeo and Juliet style with elemental gods instead of humans. This makes me have mixed feelings. While the story is so old and pretty much exactly what you would expect of the tale, I do like the gods a bit. Sadly, it was not enough to save the story as it felt bland in both voice acting and artwork. It just doesn't pop at all and I felt myself becoming bored while watching it as there was no surprise, no special meaning behind any of it.

The artwork is pretty beautiful but it is far from perfect. While the watercolors and special backgrounds pop, the characters seem to feel a little lack luster. The design of the characters feel like they are bland. Malta has only a small hint of wearing something although she is pretty much nude to a point and her limbs are just think sticks compared to her body with rather strange eyes that seem to be overly slanted. On the other hand, Sirius has thin limbs too but with rather clumpy looking 'feet' and hands. It makes me wish they were beautiful images like in the credits but sadly, they don't fit the background at all.

The voices… oh boy the voices… They have no feeling what so ever in their words and Malta's voice is just overly high pitched. It's a sad dub that makes me wish that I watched the Japanese version but the show was so bland to me that I don't want to watch it again.

A vague recollection . . .

[latourj · 9/10 · 21 November 2006]

The last time I saw this film must have been nearly fifteen years ago. During that time, although I had forgotten the title entirely, there were aspects of this film that stuck in my brain and likely contributed to a few random dreams; I remember not really following the plot as a child, but I recalled finding it A) very beautiful, and B), unbelievably dark. Certain scenes and characters have stayed with me with dogged persistence---a swarm of jellyfish that seem to electrocute or burn their victims to death rather than poisoning them; the deaths of two juvenile characters that hammer home the realization that, like in the film *Cube*, every last character is expendable; and the image that probably haunted me most of all, the scene towards the end involving a forced cocooning that speaks volumes about parental coercion and a pigheaded refusal to see reason. Many reviewers have compared the story to Romeo & Juliet, and although I wouldn't have understood the analogy as a child, I'm sure I recall the realization that, however majestic and omnipotent the combatants (Sea and Fire, in this case), the conflict presented is nothing more than a childish feud, a pointless and senseless sparring match that will probably never see a true victory. Pretty disturbing themes for a film allegedly for children! Now that I have recently rediscovered the title(s), I would greatly enjoy finding this film again, if only for old time's sake. It's rare that a film leaves such a long impression on me, and for all those out there who also were touched by this film, I'd recommend it in a double billing with Martin Rosen's *Watership Down*, a similarly lovely and chilling animation.

What kind of film is this?

[Irishchatter · 1/10 · 19 March 2016]

Who would frigging see this? IF they consider this as a kids movie, i think it's very much far from it. Why? It's two hours long, very bad quality and poor storyline.

Kids wouldn't enjoy that and saying this as an adult, I did not enjoy it myself.

If they minimize the length of the film, made a DVD version and had a better storyline. Then I would have given this movie, but instead it gave me disappointment and regret of looking at it in the first place.

I cant comment anymore, it was just plain awful regardless if it was in the 1980's or not........

Love It!!!

[artemishart3129 · 21 July 2004]

I've adored this movie since before I can remember, it was the first anime I ever saw. It will always hold a special place in my heart. Anime fans must all watch it, at least watch it. It has some humor but towards the end it becomes more of a story of two star-crossed lovers in a hopeless situation. It reminds me a little of Romeo and Juliet. Even if you are not a fan of anime, watch it still. It is still a good story and should be acknowledged by all. Don't miss out on this movie, it's hard to find, but great nonetheless. So to all of you who are just sitting on your but in front the computer, reading other people's comments, and having no opinion of your own: go get one!

Childhood classic!

[chunmin-shen · 10/10 · 14 February 2007]

I loved this film when I was a kid and I know a lot of you have been having difficulty finding a copy. I found this guy online that makes DVD transfers of the film on English dub with menus and everything:

http://8store.8thman.com/ta3.htm

I ordered the import from Japan as well but that doesn't have English subs or dubs. I think these transfers will be true to the childhood experience we remember.

I remember watching this film over and over on a VHS tape when I was little but that tape has long gone and I am aching for a DVD version. Hopefully Sanrio reproduces this classic on DVD because there is definitely a cult following. I've been seeing bootlegs of this going for as much as $70 on eBay!

I have loved this film all my life.

[BermyBlueEyes · 9/10 · 11 November 2001]

As far back as I can remember, my sisters and I have been fascinated with this film. I guess that would be my whole life since I was born in 81! We had a tape of Sea Prince and the Fire Child and it was watched so often that it started to deteriorate. My father would get mad because we didnt care if we ruined the vrc as long as we could watch our movie. I wish I could find another copy of it as ours went 'mysteriously missing'! My favourite character would have to be Bibble. If i remember correctly thats his name. But the summary says the fire child's name is Marta! I guess the way Sirius always said it made us confused because we called her Malta. But really, this is one of the best memories of my childhood. If anyone knows where I can get a tape, let me know!

about Malta

[marleylove23 · 9/10 · 25 June 2006]

I have always loved this movie. I don't know how my dad bought it but it must have been popular in the states when I was young. It is my favorite animated movie because of how beautiful it is. I used to pretend I was Princess Malta every night before I went to bed. Please try to find and see it if you are a lover of pretty things. My favorite thing about this movie is how sacrifice is romanticized. The only downside is the overused Romeo and Juliet theme, albeit, the story deviates from the older story enough to fool younger viewers. Malta is drawn very beautifully and so is Oceanus, the sea god. It is very dreamy and beautiful to journey into the world of "The Sea Prince and the Fire Child."

Waste of time

[sdiaz-48477 · 2/10 · 10 September 2020]

I saw some really good reviews for this movie. I was looking for a movie similar to Hans Andersen Little Mermaid 1975 but this definitely wasn't it. I think the good reviews are from people who are sentimental of this movie because it probably reminds them of being a little kid but it has too many dumb goofy, weird characters. Not even kids these days would give it the time of day. Waste of time watching it. I was waiting and waiting until the good part but sadly it never came. Goofy Romeo and Juliet type of ending with unrelatable creatures for the main characters. The Little Mermaid 1975 is waaaaaayyy better, still had me thinking about it the next day

Childhood memories

[definatelydiffer · 10/10 · 30 June 2005]

I have been in search of childhood anime for awhile now. This movie was at the top of my list. I haven't watched it since I was very young. I remember renting it over and over. The story line is very interesting and playful. I loved every character in the movie. The pictures and the way the animation was drawn was one of my favorite things. The score for the film gave me goosebumps even as a small child. Definitely a must for any anime fan. I was overwhelmed with excitement when Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind came back into print on DVD this year. Maybe this movie will come back into print, but I doubt it due to the risqué nature of the film and modern definition of G rated movies. Absolutely Great movie. Hope I get to see it again soon.

Sea prince and fire child review

[maddiebuggie · 5/10 · 27 April 2020]

The animation was great. They did a good job for animating the movie for it being made in the 80's or earlier. I loved the colors they used. The romance was good and they had great chemistry together for sure. The romance for sure was the best part of this movie. The plot and overall story line was average. Maybe if I had grown up in the 80's or seen this as one of the first movies I ever saw then the plot might have been better. But I feel like I have seen the things that were in the plot in other shows and anime. The character development was average. I highly recommend this movie for kids. It a good movie for kids to watch. They should get bored becuse as a full grown adult I wasn't bored watching this movie.

Beautifully animated fairytale masterpiece

[StlBlade · 8 September 2000]

I saw this on either HBO or Showtime in the early 80's (As the legend of Sirius) and was entranced by it. The story is a retelling of Romeo and Juliette, though with a happier ending (Not a difficult feat). It also reminds me greatly (especially Ursula) of Disney's 'The Little Mermaid', though that came much later (And wasn't as good). The final battle between Posideon and 'Ursula' (A very different beast that I can't remember the actual name of) is better than Disney's offering, including the animation.

Our hero Sirius, a water child, falls in love with Marta, a fire child. In the english translation, they were Prince and Princess, respectively though that doesn't affect the storyline much. Friends are lost, and other sacrifices are made in the name of true love, then....well, can't give away the ending.

One of many great fantacy films from then.

[Pro_D77 · 7 June 2003]

It seems that the 80s had many great fantasy films all in a bunch (neverending story, last unicorn, etc...) I grew up with these films. Sadly this one is on a tape so faded that it cannot be watched. This is unfortunate since if it was decent I would try to preserve it on dvd... This is definetly a film worth preserving or maybe a re-release on dvd which many companies are doing of late.

Wonderful, impossible to find

[vanoldee · 27 March 2003]

I have a copy of this movie taped from TV in the 1980's, otherwise it would be a fuzzy memory to me by now. The Sea Prince and the Fire Child ranks right up there with The Last Unicorn for great animation and powerful story. It begins with the tale of fire and water, and their love for each other. But the wind grew jealous of their love and planted lies to each about the other. A terrible battle was fought and now the forces of water and fire have separated and their kind are forbidden to see each other. This is where the story is brought up to the present time and focuses on a Sea Prince, Sirius, and a fire child, Malta. Much in the fashion of Montegues & Capulets the Lord of Water and the Queen of Fire, Oceanus and Hyperia (respectively) try all they can to keep their children apart. Filled with beautiful (if surreal) underwater scenery and definitely a must watch...if you can ever find it.

This is a beautiful children's movie

[twilight86 · 26 June 2001]

What I remember of the Sea Prince and the Firechild are the images. The story is simple enough, two star-crossed lovers who can't be together, we've seen that before. What is unique in this film are the visuals. I recall Marta's Queen mother being ten times the size of her daughter. Or the little fairy Pialay, who constantly declares,"Pialay loves Marta!" Another striking image is the flowers that only bloom at a special time of the year. Their blooms reach for the sky and burst open then die. The dancing fairies are a very strange but whimsical detail that makes this cartoon stand out among all the shows from my childhood. I would love to see pictures from this film again.