Kurau Phantom Memory
Between Two Worlds
by Pedro Rodriguez
On Kurau Amani's 12th Birthday, her father takes her to work while he does research on an energy source called Rynax. During the routine experiment, Kurau is struck by a streak of energy and almost immediately vaporizes. She rematerializes just as quickly and is bathed in the same glowing light. It turns out that the Rynax is actually a fully conscious being and has now assimilated with the young girl. Dr. Amani begs for Rynax to leave her body, but it lacks the knowledge to do so. Furthermore, Rynax has a partner (they exist in pairs) that is too weak to survive and Kurau must act as a vessel until it is stronger. Seeing that Rynax poses no threat, Dr. Amani decides to help it in anyway he can. Fast forward ten years, Kurau's assimilation with Rynax has progressed much further than before. She is currently an "agent", or a gun for hire, and has earned the reputation for being quite daring and skillful among her craftsmen. Unfortunately, because of her powers, she has been forced to live separately from her father; Kurau is always on the run, and has to move from town to town in order to avoid getting caught from multiple factions. Then one night, her life takes another unexpected turn when her partner finally appears
While the show is driven by both drama and action, it's not as extravagant as other titles. The show does go into what what motivates the characters in the story, but there isn't any deep dialog over the matter, and the conflict and resolution are a kept light. While it's not as flamboyant as say animating the statue of a Sun God, it is impressive to see how well Kurau is able to use her Rynax powers, be it shooting herself across the night sky, or manipulating the things around her at an atomic level, she really knows how to do it all. The show also takes time to humanize some of the other characters in the story. For example, an unknown agency has hired a another agent to follow Kurau. As you might expect, he has an apartment located across from her balcony, and listens in on her conversations. At one point in the story he takes time out of his job to meet up with his son for some pancakes. In the end is the ability to see the other characters in different perspectives that keeps the show going at full strength.
The setting isn't as overwhelming as other Sci-fi anime. Taking place about 100 years into the future, the setting is filled with tall skyscrapers, flying cars, and one mecha that holds a strange resemblance to a Fuchikoma. Some of the gadgets used in the show resemble things we see in present day. Have a blue tooth headset to go with your moble phone? Kurau has one with a camera installed into it, and no phone. The Segway has also managed to make a cameo in this show as one gentleman appears riding one out of the blue.
The character designs are another important aspect in the show. Anime is notoriously known for exaggerating physically appealing aspects of the human body (especially young females). Like some dramas though ("Ghost in the Shell" circa 1995, "Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal"), the body structure is a little more realistic than your average anime, showing us those physical aspects about our body, which are usually modified for the sake of eye candy - hey, no complaints here. Kurau for example has a slender figure, and her muscles have been slightly toned, possibly as a result of moderate workout. She also sports a short haircut and a modest wardrobe that doesn't seem to include short skirts and crop tops. If there is one thing this reviewer has an issue, it's the lack of outfits for Kurau's partner Christmas, (yes that is her name... Christmas). It seems for all the shopping done in the second episode, and for all outfits Kurau wears throughout the first DVD, her other half is seen in only one; well two if you count the pajamas.
ADV did a pretty good job in importing the series. The voice actors did a good job in portraying their characters, and the script flowed very natural for the most part. There isn't really anything that feels out of place in the dialog, also giving the nanny that accent at the beginning was a nice touch (we can't expect everyone to speak like a southerner now can we?). The DVD also has an abundance of extras, which includes clean opening and closing credits, original artwork, and a booklet featuring commentary from the staff members.
While it doesn't seem to pull as other titles out there, it does manage to pack a nice punch. It doesn't dive into social matters very deeply, but rather than watching the cast members sit around and talk philosophy, you see the actors more in motion. The action sequences also lack the same pizazz, but it can be rather entertaining to see Kurau use her powers to get the upper hand. It also shows the potential of some very talented staff members that given their big break because of this series.
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